Bob P wrote:Interesting... My lower hand never grips the shaft tightly. Having the shaft "sticky" would drive me crazy.
I don't know that I'm opposed to surf wax or something sticky on my paddle shaft, but In support of Bob P's comment, I think keeping a very slight open-hand grip during your forward stroke is a good thing. When I rowed in a sweep boat (one oar per person), it was definitely important to only feather the blade with your outside hand, and keep the inside hand a little looser, while still cranking on both hands during the power phase.
If you wanna use [road bike] bar tape, DSP Lizardskins would be the one i'd choose, and certainly not cork or synthetic cork...
However, I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment...
Bob P wrote:Interesting... My lower hand never grips the shaft tightly. Having the shaft "sticky" would drive me crazy.
I went paddling with my hand strapped up with zinc oxide tape (aka climbers 'grip tape') after a minor mishap at work and the tacky feeling gripping the paddle drove me absolutely nuts!
Joshua Kelly - "More George Smiley than James Bond"
CBoats Moderator - Not necessarily representing the CBoats staff though...(I'll use words like "moderator", "We" and "CBoats" to make it clear when I am)
Larry Horne wrote:interesting... nobody ever suggested using anything that was sticky or tacky, but it's great to know that it drives you nuts
"Sticky" (in quotes) was my original description. i.e. something that inhibited my hand from sliding on the shaft. I think Sex Wax meets that criterion. Kaz's method is more reasonable, since it give the paddler the choice of grip or no grip.
Instead of gooing up your paddle or sanding off a finish (can't sand carbon anyway) why not just use a thin glove with a gripping palm surface? I like G-Tek Maxiflex 34-874. And they are less than four bucks a pair.
