WHY TRADITIONAL PADDLES ARE BETTER THAN PADDLES WITH
STRAIGHT BLADES?
Why the modern sea kayaker today should use a traditional paddle instead of new equipment
made with new technology and new materials?
First of all, the first Inuit Eskimo have develop both the kayak and the paddle using the
same logics and the same technic. This means they both have been built to guarantee safe
and long trips.
Second, years and years of testing by different and experienced Italian Kayakers lead to
the same conclusion found by the old Inuits on shape, materials an techniques to be used.
Last but not the least, when paddling with a traditional paddle the effort is reduced of
up to 70% if compared with paddling with a paddle with short/large blade built for fluvial
competitions where a powerful thrust in a short period is needed.
The traditional wood sea-paddles with straight blade are today the best for functionality,
wind resistance, adaptability and the most reliable and fastest for the eskimo
technique, recover and rescue.
In addition they are soft during the thrust and easy yo use in the camp assembling or for
building a stretcher.
The SOTTOCOSTA Sea Kayakers Italian association, official organization in Italy for
professional sea kayaking, in its technical numbers strongly encourages the use of
traditional wood paddles. It also requires that the applicant instructors should use only
this type of paddles.
A traditional paddle is a real navigation instrument and the safety of the modern sea
kayaker who is able to appreciate the technology of the new materials together with the
semplicity of design and the reilability of the traditional wood paddle.
There are different kind of traditional paddles in the market: poor, reasonable, good and
very good.
It's up to the kayaker to choose the one that fits his needs, keeping always in mind that
to the kayak, but also to the paddle is entrusted his life.
"...when skills are at the same level, succeed who's got the best equipment!..."
so...
