Paddeling efficiency and speed

All,
New to the game and trying to learn to be a efficient paddler. Im in a atak120 fairly loaded and weigh in around 225. Seems like a average clip for me is around 3.5 to 4 mph. How does this compare to what would be a "average" in a non windy situation?

That's pretty good. You should be using your core muscles more than your arm muscles.

The Atak 120 has a good reputation related to paddling speed. I saw one of the early videos of it where a guy checked his top-end speed and he hit high 4s as I recall. Interestingly, he was showing the dial so one could see the speeds being made and you could count his strokes. I think he had it a 3 mph within 5 strokes, maybe faster.

"Efficiency" is a bit different than speed, at least there are more ways to consider it. In terms of efficient use of energy (yours), you are better off with a bigger paddle blade moving more water with less paddle speed, this over a smaller paddle blade moving less water but more strokes to achieve your desired speed.

So, if you want to use up less of your breakfast burrito as a source of energy while you are out on the water, get a really great paddle with a large blade. The lighter the better, of course!

Brad

Your "average clip" is awesome.

3.5-4 is pretty dang fast for an average cruising speed. Most are around the 2.5-3.

Here is a proper paddling technique https://www.kayakpaddling.net/2-2

As a kayak fisherman vs a touring kayaker, you very well might enjoy this YT video on paddling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k000hSl8fSI

Ha! Clay34, I doubt Chad or Gene, either one, has ever achieved a top speed of over, what, 2 mph? Not with those ovate body symmetries.

No, kidding around . . . both are experienced kayakers with Flukemaster getting into it more heavily the last few years.

And, I just love paddling, the simplicity of it. If some company would manufacture a small GPS location locking device --- not intended for propulsion --- but just to hold position on the water, it'd popularize paddle kayak fishing. A unit like that, for all but extreme wind and currents, likely would be hand-sized and operate off a small battery.

It'd let a paddler lock down in position, well, pedalers, too, much better.

The State would likely want to tax/register it, of course.

Brad

Brad, I think your invention is called a micro power pole. I'm sure that they tax those things and they have revolutionized kayaking if your pockets are deep enough for one. I don't own one. An anchor pin for me is as close as I get.

After a long day fishing in Lighthouse Lakes, I was flailing my way back to the launch. Fil Spencer, Kayak Fishing Guide, paddled by me and said, "Make longer paddle strokes. All you're doing is splashing water and wasting energy." I did what he recommended, and in a few minutes, I caught back up to him. He was right, and I wasn't as tired, while going faster. Long paddle strokes, and twist your torso and use less arm motion, and you'll be a much more "efficient" paddler. He sure helped me. Thanks, Fil! IslandJim

Clay34, those work, too! I prefer a stake-out pole as it works about the same.

No, what I am "thinking" of, or imagining, would be about the size of a small egg beater. If one can use a small trolling motor with a relatively tiny propeller and a 12V battery and push around a 300+ pounds loaded kayak at up to 4 mph, it'd seem that it'd only take a tiny device about the size of a flashlight to hold it in place. It'd have inertia in its favor, too.

I'm old enough to remember Jack Lalanne doing his annual birthday strength feat celebration where he pulled a commercial tug carrying a full load, like 30 tons . . . and pulled it with a rope by swimming in front of it.

Anyway, it'd have to have electronics and a GPS position lock of some sort.

Hot seller at around $100 I'd imagine.

Brad

IslandJim, good advice and also not to slap your paddle down on the water but to slide or stab it in, then start to paddle motion.

Glad you made it back!

Brad