A kayak paddle in use. A kayak is a small human-powered Boat. It typically has a covered deck and a cockpit covered by a Spraydeck.

A paddle is a tool used for pushing against liquids, either as a form of propulsion in a boat or as an implement for mixing. Liquid is one of the principal States of matter. A liquid is a Fluid that has the particles loose and can freely form a distinct surface at the boundaries of Marine propulsion is the act of moving a floating object over or through water A boat is a Watercraft of modest size designed to float or plane on water and provide transport over it

Canoe/Kayak Paddles

Materials and designs

Paddles commonly used in canoes consist of a wooden, fibreglass carbon fiber or metal rod (the shaft) with a handle on one end and a rigid sheet (the blade) on the other end. A canoe is a small narrow Boat, typically human-powered though it may also be powered by sails or small electric or gas motors A kayak is a small human-powered Boat. It typically has a covered deck and a cockpit covered by a Spraydeck. A canoe is a small narrow Boat, typically human-powered though it may also be powered by sails or small electric or gas motors Wood is hard fibrous lignified structural tissue produced as secondary Xylem in the stems of Woody plants notably trees but also shrubs Fiberglass (also called fibreglass and glass fibre see Spelling differences) is material made from extremely fine Fibers of Glass. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic ( CFRP or CRP) is a very strong light and expensive Composite material or fiber reinforced plastic. The M acro E xpansion T emplate A ttribute L anguage complements TAL, providing macros which allow the reuse of code across Paddles for use in kayaks are longer, with a blade on each end; they are handled from the middle of the shaft. A kayak is a small human-powered Boat. It typically has a covered deck and a cockpit covered by a Spraydeck.

A kayak paddle. The colors are used for signal purposes by guides. (a) top view, (b) axial view

Kayak paddles having blades in the same plane (when viewed down the shaft) are called "un-feathered. " Paddles with blades in different planes (such as in the image) are called "feathered". Feathered paddles are measured by the degree of feather, such as 30, 45, or even 90 degrees. The paddle in the image to the right is feathered around 15 degrees. Many modern paddles can be adjusted by the user for feathered or unfeathered settings. The shaft is normally straight but in some cases a 'crank' is added with the aim of making the paddle more comfortable and reduce the strain on the wrist. Because the kayak paddle is not supported by the boat, paddles made of lighter materials are desired, it is not uncommon for a kayak paddle to be two pounds (32 ounces) or less in weight.

Use

A Rapa Nui rapa, a ceremonial dance paddle.

The paddle is held with two hands, some distance apart from each other. For normal use, it is drawn through the water from front (bow) to back (stern) to drive the boat forwards. The bow (pronounced &mdashrhymes with how) is a nautical term that refers to the forward part of the hull of a Ship or Boat, The stern is the rear or aft part of a Ship or Boat, technically defined as the area built up over the Sternpost, extending upwards from the Counter The two blades of a kayak paddle are dipped alternately on either side of the kayak. A paddle is distinguished from an oar in that the paddle is held in the user's hands and completely supported by the paddler, whereas an oar is primarily supported by the boat. An oar is an implement used for water-borne propulsion. Oars have a flat blade at one end

Other types

On mechanical paddle steamers, the motorized paddling is not done with a mass of paddles or oars but by rotating one or a few paddle wheels (rather the inverse of a water mill)

Racing paddles also have special designs. A paddle steamer is a ship or boat driven by a Steam engine that uses one or more Paddle wheels to develop thrust for propulsion. This article is about a type of structure For other locational uses see Milldam. They are generally less flat and are curved to catch more water which will enable racing paddlers to maximize the efficiency of their stroke.

Paddle shifters are special kinds of paddles since it is used in cars equipped with a semi-automatic transmission. A semi-automatic transmission (also known as clutchless manual transmission, automated manual transmission, e-gear, shift-tronic, flappy They are operated back and forth.

External links

• Accent Paddles
• Cannon Paddles

See also

Canoe#Paddle_strokes