www.iska.ie

As a new member in this community, apologies in advance if this is not the right place to post this, or is inappropriate. A local paddler suggested that I post this here.

I'm in the process of trying to design and build a kayak paddle for use by paddlers (like myself) who have the use of only one arm. I've been working with a CAD designer and 3-D printer for the past six months, and will soon be ready to test out a prototype on the water (yeah, I know it's winter and my timing is rotten). My problem is that I don't have a paddle to test the parts on.

With that in mind, I'm hoping that somebody might have an unusable (to them) paddle that they would be willing to let me have/borrow for a few months to test out my design. Even a shaft would be helpful, as long as it's a standard size.

As we're hoping to eventually offer this design for free (though a paddling charity) to anyone legitimately disabled, we'd love to have a reasonably "standard" shaft diameter and length to use as our test bench.

That said, we'll be happy with whatever people can spare.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Merry Christmas!!!

-Glenn

Would a greenland paddle work, there should be plenty of these around?

conorsmith wrote:Would a greenland paddle work, there should be plenty of these around?

Hi Conor,

Thanks for responding.

I'm willing to work with anything. I just want to get on the water with this. It would help if it had a standard shaft diameter. But to make the design as user-friendly and adaptable as possible, we are trying to consider all eventualities.

Cheers,
Glenn

I did some work with lessable bodied people and in particular one guy had very limited use in his left arm and no wrist control. As expected he struggled to use a conventional paddle.
I was aware that he rotated his body quite often to compenstae for lack of use of the arm.
I gave him a greenland style paddle that I made myself and it made an enormous difference to his paddling.
This chap is paddling at a low level.
The greenland paddle relies more on trunk rotation and a low paddling position.
I hope this may be of value.

Martin Guilfoyle

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the information.

I, myself have no use of my left hand, and the design that I'm working on basically attaches the paddle to my right forearm, and relies on trunk rotation. So arm strength is basically limited to holding up the paddle, and rotating it as needed to facilitate any feathering in the blades.

Looking at videos of Greenland paddles, I'm concerned that they seem to require the paddler to dig a bit deeper in the water. Is that generally the case?

Also, Are most Greenland shafts oblong, or can is it possible to find a round diameter shaft?

Finally, being wood, are they heavier or lighter than conventional paddles, or does that depend on the make, model, etc.

I'm not looking to be competitive, but love being on the water. So, my goal is to develop something that is easily adaptable, and robust enough for inland canals, lakes, rivers, and some not-to-aggressive coastal paddling.

Thanks again for your help.

The paddle can be made to whatever shaft shape you would find most suitable.
Generally the greenland paddle is used in a lower stroke and does not dig in so deep.
As for weight it depends on many issues. Most greenland blades compare favourably with most of the European style blades.
A few pluses for the greenland blade are
1, they have greater buoyancy and give greater support when performing brace strokes
2, they are warmer where they are in touch with bare skin
they may well be easier {cheaper}to make to a specialised design than the resin and plastic paddles as no different or extra tools or moulds would be required than are normally used for making a standard paddle.

Martin Guilfoyle

Martin,

Thanks for that. That's great information to have.

Also, jut curious...is there a "standard shaft diameter I know there may be quite a bit of variation, but for attachment mechanism design we're trying to design to fit the widest possible range. I think we've been working with 30mm +/-

Does that sound about right?

Thanks again for all of your help.

-Glenn

I work at Gartan Outdoor Education Centre and we should be able to get you a paddle. The centre will be interested in how your prototype goes.
Where are you based so I can see how to get it to you?

Mary

Hi Mary,

Thanks for that.

And, I would be delighted to keep you and the centre staff up to date on the progress of the adaptation. I'd could evenput on a demonstration, etc. at some point if you think that might be useful.

Unfortunately, I'm in Dublin, just south of town (Churchtown). I fear that may make the logistics a bit tricky, I'm also without a car, but am willing to pay shipping.

I'll send you a private message with my contact details.

Cheers,
Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I have a couple of old paddle that might be of use to you. Both very cheap and cheerful, with an aluminium shaft, plastic blades. Take your pick. I live in Greystones but I am sure I will be in Dundrum this side of Christmas. Send me a PM if interested.

John