Several times over the last 2 seasons, I have tried steering my 2015 AI with an ordinary single-bladed paddle and it was not happening to the degree that I wanted: Ok in light air, otherwise problematic.
So I bought one of these bad boyz:
http://www.foxworxpaddle.com/holopuni_classic.htmlThis is the steering paddle I used to use on my outrigger canoe before I lost it.
Technique differs from what is used on a canoe, but yesterday I was in control on all tacks at speeds up to 8 mph with no reef in the sail.
I see no reason to doubt that, with appropriate reefing, it would work in heavy air.
At first I was worrying about shoulder injury from the initial awkward grip I had on the shaft; but by the end of the day, I had it down to where I could steer without even holding the paddle - just pulling on the leash line with the paddle wedged behind the aka against the hull.
I will report back when I get a chance to test it up into the low thirties mph-wise.
NB: This is a
steering paddle, not something anybody would choose for paddling any distance - but for my paddling use on the AI it's pretty good: lots of low-end grunt for quick maneuvers.....and it steers like a champ.
And, final bit of unsolicited advice, for this application, a longer paddle shaft is better.
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2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail:
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