Lots of paddle strokes

[J.A. Veil]

I no longer use pedal kayaks due to leg issues. Both of my kayaks are 11' paddle kayaks. I have been fishing on the eastern shore of Virginia for the past few days and needed to cover some long distances. On Tues, John Rentch and I paddled nearly 10 miles over 5.5 hours with some of that into stiff winds. Yesterday, I exceeded that distance by covering 13.8 miles in an 8-hour trip. I do admit that yesterday I was fishing in an area that had strong tidal current and was careful enough to plan my trip to gain a boost from the tides in both directions.

Have you ever thought about how many paddle (or pedal) strokes we make in a typical trip? Having a long trip back yesterday, I got a bit bored (and nerdy). I decided to count the number of paddle strokes I took to cover 0.1 mile. At the time I was moving about 3 mph according to the GPS. It took between 80 and 90 strokes to push my Falcon 11 kayak along for 0.1 miles. Extrapolating and assuming that my speed remained constant at 3 mph for a 10-mile trip, that would have required 8,000 to 9,000 paddle strokes.

If I were moving more slowly than 3 mph, it would would have taken even more strokes. A longer or narrower kayak would have required fewer strokes to cover that distance. I don't know how a pedal kayak compares to that. In any case, when we are traveling in our kayaks we do a lot of repetitive motion.

[Mark]

John,

Congratulations.

Those are impressive outings and good cardio workouts.

Your stats also show the importance of using a quality lightweight paddle on longdistance outings.

[dsaavedra]

I don't know how a pedal kayak compares to that. In any case, when we are traveling in our kayaks we do a lot of repetitive motion.

I did the same extrapolation as you after my kayak race last year and I approximated 41,000 pedal strokes in my Outback. I averaged 3.3mph and covered just under 30 miles.

[Slobber Bob]

I have found myself many times guessing paddle strokes like I'm betting sports. I'll set a Line of say X many paddle strokes to get to location X a short distance away. I'll then bet myself if I'll hit the Over or Under and then count the strokes to see where I end up.

[Mark]

I pedal or paddle depending on which kayak I use and where I am fishing. In general, I prefer to paddle than pedal. I find paddling more relaxing than pedaling in calm wind and placid water.

Like Brian, I will try to guess how many paddle strokes it will take me to reach a given spot. But wind and current can wreak havoc with my esitimates. I usually underestimate even in calm water.

Despite my affinity for paddling, there are times when I am grateful for pedals. Stong currents, wind in my face or getting hit with a cross wind are occasions when I most appreciate my pedals.

I recall watching a friend of mine paddle in place under the Kent Narrows Bridge during a tidal change. I pedaled my Revo right past him.