benefit?
A lower angle stroke may be no more difficult with a wing, but does it remain more efficient than a euro paddle with the same drag coefficient? If the lower angle causes the wing to be used as a pure drag device, i.e., without taking advantage of the lift generated by the proper direction its the leading edge, then it may be even less efficient.
It seems to me that what makes the wing efficient is that it enables the wing stroke. It is the stroke that is efficient since it naturally takes advantage of more body rotation by using the lift generated.
No more difficult than which euro?
Euro paddles vary GREATLY in how much effort they require to use.
Pretty much nonsense
Wings brace great unless you try to make them do things that wings don’t do, which isn’t hard to avoid with a little practice.
You can vary angle…
… and still do “wing” stroke. Some difference in absolute efficiency, but we paddle in relative conditions. Compare Barton’s stroke to Chalupski’s (they talk about this in their stroke video).
greenland paddle
Still easier on you to use a greenland paddle, much easier on the bod.
Bill H.
I agree
In terms of energy spent I imagine that 2% would compound itself over time and I also find the wing very comfortable to use. However, with that being said, many times I like to go out in my plastic CD Sirocco with the largest and heaviest paddle I own and go as fast as I can for several hours…but thats just me.
Paddling preferences
All of us have different preferences while paddling. As an example, I typically paddle alone and I tend to paddle at a good clip and long distances with occasional rest periods. A Wing paddle forces you into torso rotation, if your technique is correct. Sure, you can arm paddle, but I’ll do that only during a slow or cool down period. And a wing does that as well as a euro paddle.
I see no reason, in my case, not to use a wing. Speed, technique, and the lightweight enhance my paddling experience and that’s my preference. And when it all comes together, it sure does feel good. And when I paddle my surf ski, a wing is a no brainer.
Andy
Worked at 23" for me
I paddled a Tsunami X-15 Scram jet with my Epic Wing for a copule of years, and logged hundreds of miles. It worked for me, even though the boat is 23" wide.
(It is my rough water goto kayak to this day, even though I spend most of my seat time in a ski.)
Much EASIER on the bod
to sit in a Barco-Lounger and watch TV.
If you can’t run with the big dogs, just stay on the porch.
;o)
in my expereince
In answer to some of the above questions:
Is it still more beneficial to use a wing in a low angle than a euro similarly used?- doesn’t feel like a big difference to me. I only notice the wing advantages when using high stroke angle and exagerated of rotation.
What kind of euro? - just use your head. A euro with similar blade surface area and not too much dihedral.
Also try the ‘wing’ stroke with your
regular paddle and your speed will come up as well.
Take a look @ my Small Endurance Race Wing … This paddle is only 18" x 6" but has the same ‘power’ as my Full tour @ 19" X 7" + a potentially higher top end and it feels like nothing in and out of the water as you move along.
A big guy will not have the off the line / 0-60 speed with it but for sure you can increase your endurance / touring speed while efficiently reducing the output as compared to a regular “Mid” Wing.
Also swedeform, no? NM
I love a small wing
I gave it away 5 years ago and went biiger to be macho. DUMB The only problem with big wing is it grabs water so well it does stress the joints. Small wings rule. They work so well it is hard to go back to something less than a wing