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Canoe paddle that collapses to a streamlined 'pole' when in resting position or when being pushed forward into the water. When being pulled back, the water resistance will cause the blade of the paddle to 'catch' and expand into a normal paddle formation.
Perhaps implemented with hinges, or something
more complex like a parachute-like apparatus.
Eliminates the need to lift the paddle from the water at the end of each stroke. Paddle positioning and stroke form would probably have to be more precise therefore requiring more skill to operate than a normal paddle.
Hobie Hydro Sail
http://home-1.world...~hbsmits/miscel.htm
Scroll down 'till you get to the animated gif. I know its not exactly what you have in mind, but you can see how the paddles "flap" in the current on the return stroke. [Wes, Mar 03 2001, last modified Oct 21 2004]
Human Powered Water Vehicle Link List
http://www.handcycl...hpvlinks/water.html
A comprehensive link list of the many available methods of water transportation. I figured I'd add this from the trampofoil response. There are some equally strange concepts here. You can link to the official Hobie site to see how their special foil system works. Quite neat. Also check out Dave Butcher's pedal canoe -- a combination bike & canoe. Amusing. [Wes, Mar 03 2001]
Human Powered Water Vehicle Link List
http://humanpoweredboats.com/
A comprehensive link list of the many available methods of water transportation. I figured I'd add this from the trampofoil response. There are some equally strange concepts here. You can link to the official Hobie site to see how their special foil system works. Quite neat. Also check out Dave Butcher's pedal canoe -- a combination bike & canoe. Amusing. [Wes, Oct 21 2004]
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I'm sure I've seen something like this somewhere...<net.rummage, net.rummage>...can't find anything, though. May have been a one-off, or I'm just not a 10th Dan search engine ninja... |
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Interesting idea. It would need to be well designed to
minimize drag on the return stroke. One big problem
would be that certain strokes for maneuvering (pry
strokes and some sweeps) require
the paddler to do a backwards stroke with the paddle...
this would defeat those strokes. |
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You could flip the paddle to do a
backwards stroke. Or have a
button on the handle that locks it
in the "open" position. |
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Of course, you can always turn a
regular paddle sideways and slice
it through the water. |
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Pulling the paddle out of the water will always involve less effort and isn't really difficult or anything. The main features of this technique are that it would involve more expensive, complex equipment, be more difficult to learn, and be noticeably less efficient. Since something similar is possible with a normal paddle, canoeists would probably be doing it if it were preferable. |
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I like the idea in spite of its complexity because it reminds me of sea creatures - it would be like enlisting two jelly fish to pull your boat!
Paddles haven't really changed all that much since they were made out of wood; surely there must be something interesting that can be done in water with new, more durable, more flexible materials. |
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Great link, Wes! The "Trampofoil" just cracked me up.| — | jutta,
Mar 03 2001, last modified Mar 04 2001 |
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