Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I was enjoying watching the pro paddlers play at the Ledge yesterday so much that I forgot to ask Debbie and Cowper some of these questions.

Is the correct term for the ultra light paddles carbon or graphite or are they used together?

I noticed some of the paddlers wearing very thin gloves. Are these for hand protection against rocks or to help grip the paddles or both? Are the graphite paddles slicker and harder to hold when wet than other types.

I noticed each paddler would move into the wave, stay in about 30 to 45 seconds and move out to allow the next to enter. Debbie called this river etiquette. How is it handled when someone without manners cuts in or hogs the hole?

Last question, why in the world did I put a WW topic in the recreational section? Wait, don't answer that one!!!! Force of habit took me to the area I spend most of my time on. Just wasn't thinking, but I bet some of the pros peek over here once in a while. Thanks for your answers. Mikki

I think that you already answered most of your own questions. If a boater stays too long on the surf wave, he or she is called a "hole hog" and is shamed by fellow paddlers. Most of the rules you learned to play nice in kindergarten apply. People usually follow them if they want to be welcome in a group. Also remember that boats coming downstream have the right of way. If a boater in the hole doesn't move it is permissable to run over him. :twisted: You can also be called an eddy hog if you don't leave room for others coming downstream to catch it. It is also good to not follow the boat in front of you too closely.

Gloves are mainly for protection. It's either carbon fiber or graphite for paddles. I dont think they are any slicker than other paddles.

Oh and I know one particular surf hog that doesn't allow another kayaker to paddle over the ledge that likes to get in the way. Hint hint, above said person in blue kayak in above pic on this page. I almost took said persons head off one time when I came over the ledge with my paddle.


Karla

MikkiW wrote:I noticed each paddler would move into the wave, stay in about 30 to 45 seconds and move out to allow the next to enter. Debbie called this river etiquette. How is it handled when someone without manners cuts in or hogs the hole?

I just smile and let river karma and/or Ryan C. deal with them.

MikkiW wrote:
I noticed some of the paddlers wearing very thin gloves. Are these for hand protection against rocks or to help grip the paddles or both? Are the graphite paddles slicker and harder to hold when wet than other types.

I wrap electrical tape around the shaft of my carbon paddle. It keeps my hands from slipping down the paddle. It also helps me locate the correct hand placement. Oh and since I use bright yellow tape, it makes my black paddle much easier to spot in the water. Although I have no idea how my paddle could ever end up in the water without me.