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Choosing a paddle No need to break the bank for a double-blader

By Ken Whiting Photos by Paul Villecourt

IN WHITEWATERKAYAKING, the paddle is an extension of your upper body, so it’s important that you find one that feels good to you.

You’ll be happy to hear that you needn’t buy the most expensive paddle on the market. Although you can spend up to $500, there are good paddles available for as little as $200.

Paddle designs do vary, but their general anatomy is the same. The two blades are attached to a shaft that can be straight or bent in various ways, and each blade has a concave power (front) face and a non-power (back) face that may or may not be symmetrical in shape. Asymmetrical blades are designed to ensure equal resistance on both halves of the blade in water, which makes for a smoother stroke by avoiding flutter.

The most influential factor in choosing a paddle is your size. You need to consider the length of the paddle, the width of the shaft, and the size of the blades. Smaller paddlers should look for a paddle with slightly smaller blades and with a narrower shaft for easier grip. The stronger you are, the larger the paddle blades you will be able to control. Using a paddle that is too long or too large will cost you some control and could place too much stress on your body.

Paddles are conventionally measured in centimetres. In general, a paddle 196–200 cm in length is good for paddlers between 5’8” and 6’1” in height. Paddlers between 5’3” and 5’8” will find that a 192–196 cm paddle works well.

Next, you need to consider the offset of your blades. The offset, or “twist,” refers to the difference in angles between the two blades. Traditional kayak paddles have blades that are offset at 90 degrees so one blade pulls through the water as the other slices efficiently through the air. For whitewater kayaking, a 30- to 45-degree twist is most popular. Many of us are even using paddles with no offset at all. A lower offset means less repetitive twisting of the wrist, which can help prevent tendonitis and better facilitate certain manoeuvres.

Paddles come in a variety of materials, ranging from aluminum and plastic to fibreglass and carbon fibre. Finding the right one for you is a personal choice that depends on your budget and weight preference. Durability is also a concern, so we recommend staying away from aluminum for whitewater paddling.

Until you’re immersed in the sport of whitewater kayaking, you’re unlikely to notice much, if any, difference between a $500 paddle and a $200 paddle with the same length, blade size and offset. That’s why I encourage novices to buy a good, but affordable, paddle for the early stages of their development. As you paddle more and more, you’ll learn which features you like and dislike in a paddle, and you’ll have the opportunity to test other styles.

Next time you’re looking for an excuse to get out on the water, try telling the sales staff that you need to test out a $200 paddle that you’re thinking of buying, rather than the $500 that you were going to buy. I guarantee they’ll usher you out the door! —Ken Whiting is a World Champion Kayaker, and the author and producer of an award-winning series of instructional kayaking books and videos, which includes his new book, The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Kayaking. He teaches at the Liquid Skills Kayak School on the Ottawa River and leads kayaking trips to Chile in the winter. For more info, check out www.playboat.com

K-9 Common Scents How well do you know your dog?

By Cathy Brown

THERE ARE MANY popular myths about canine behaviour that only serve to confuse pet owners.

It is important to know as much as we can about our dogs so we can provide them with what they need to get along in the world. How well do you know your dog?

Take our simple quiz to find out:

True or false?

A well-socialized dog is always friendly. Growling indicates an aggressive or vicious dog. Children should never approach a dog that is unattended by an adult. A dog on a leash or tied out may be more of a threat than a dog running free. A wagging tail means a friendly dog. New experiences are fun for dogs. Dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’ mouths. Dogs and cats cannot live together peacefully. Dogs who do live with cats will not chase other cats. Dogs get sunburn. To truly bond with your dog, you must get him as a puppy. If your dog is stuck with porcupine quills, you should clip the quills before you pull them out to release the air for easier removal. A good dog is a good dog is a good dog.

ANSWERS 1. False. A well socialized dog will act appropriately, but not all appropriate responses are friendly. Ex., a senior dog may reprimanding a younger dog’s inapprropirate behaviour. 2. False. A growl is a warning that the dog perceives a threat. It is best to turn sideways in a neutral position and do 3.

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not initiate eye contact, which could be misconstrued as a threat or a challenge. True. Even if the child pets the neighbours’ dog everyday, that same dog may not feel as secure without its owner on hand. The likelihood of the child being perceived as a threat can increase dramatically if dog and child are alone. True. A dog that is restrained has its escape route removed and may feel cornered. This may prompt a defence mechanism, whereas a dog that is loose and feels free knows he can leave if he needs to. False. A friendly tail wag is a quick movement with the tail lower than the dog’s back. A broad, sweeping tail wag is a sign of arousal or agitation, much like a cat’s tail when he is watching prospective prey. False. Dogs enjoy what they are used to. They need experiences with good consequences before they recognize them as fun. Be patient and expose shy dogs to increments of change to avoid overwhelming them. True. Dogs have a mild antibiotic in their saliva and tears called lysosome. But, if you’re the type who likes to kiss your dog, you might want to consider where his nose has just been! False. Dogs and cats often form strong friendships given the opportunity. False. Just because your dog likes your cat does not mean he will accept a strange cat. True. Don’t forget your dog’s sunscreen. Single-coated dogs with minimal protection from the sun are most at risk. False. Just like people, relationships are established and nurtured based on trust at any age. Often a dog that has been rescued makes the most devoted pet. False. There is no air in porcupine quills. The only thing cutting the quill does is give you less to hold while removing them. Or worse, they could travel further into the dog. If a vet is not nearby just grab the quills with a pair of pliers, one at a time, and pull straight out. Run your fingers along the inside and outside of the dog’s lips so smaller quills aren’t overlooked. False. Dogs are more like us than we think — every dog has its breaking point. Our tolerance levels are influenced greatly by factors such as health, environment, hunger and how safe we feel.

—Cathy Brown (and Wanda Purton) are professional dog trainers. They wish to thank internationally renowned dog behaviour specialist Cheryl Smith for her help with the quiz.