Double paddle
The double paddle ( paddle ) is used to move a kayak through muscle power.
Different strokes are used for paddling . The double paddle consists of a shaft, at both ends of which there is a paddle blade to transmit the force to the water. Some users benefit from a so-called ergonomic shaft, in which the angle at the grip point has been changed.
The blades of modern paddles are usually rotated 45 to 90 degrees to each other for more ergonomic guidance. Recently, playboating has been reduced to lower inclinations of 0 to 15 degrees. But even when sea kayaking , traditional paddles such as the Greenland paddle, which are generally not rotated, are increasingly used in addition to the European paddle.
A distinction is made between right and left turned double paddles.
The choice of length for the double paddle depends on the width of the boat and whether you paddle more relaxed or sporty. With a sporty paddle stroke, you stick the paddle into the water close to the boat and pull it backwards. Thus the path for the pull through the water becomes longer and the propulsion stronger. But that also requires more strength. In relaxed paddling, the angle of the paddle when piercing the water is flatter and thus further away from the boat. The path when pulling through the water is shorter and you get less propulsion per stroke. The width of the hull also has an impact on the length of the paddle. The wider the boat, the more you are forced to pierce the paddle shallower, and the longer the paddle should be chosen. In the leisure area, people often switch between sporty and relaxed paddling. That is why there are also double paddles with variably adjustable lengths.
A paddle lock can be used when sea kayaking .
Paddles for whitewater use can be reinforced with an aluminum edge to prevent wear.
In canoe racing called Wing paddles are used. Their leaf shape differs significantly from normal paddle blades. They are also known as Rasmussen, Drop or Warp blades, depending on the stage of evolution and manufacturer. Hikers often use the misleading term spoon paddle for these paddles. The leaf of these leaves is designed as a wing (in the physical sense) (curved leaf shape). The basic movement of the paddle is not only to the rear, but especially to the side. As a result, the wing effect of the paddle is effective and reduces the slippage of the paddle while the boat is pulling past the paddle that is approximately in the water. In addition, the blade is twisted more or less helically. This improves the holding position in the water and makes immersion in the water easier. These paddles are made almost exclusively of fiber composite material with different amounts of glass fiber (20–50%), CFRP (50–100%) or Kevlar (10–20%).
