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JIMISTYX


The Cruising Blade Shape

Photo: Rob Hall


The Cruising Blade design is a short tear drop shape.  It is 16" long and  7 5/16" wide and is used for cruising, creeking, and ducking (inflatable kayaks- in a 220 cm length).  It was developed for situations  where quick strokes are in order. This is a bland shape with no "flavor " like the SO Terrik provides.  It is for getting business done quick and easy.

The widest part of the blade is towards the rounded  tips, so the blade feels bigger than it looks but is still small enough  to be light, easily releasable , and strong.  The blade is trimmed narrow near the throat to keep it from banging the boat and to help minimize  weight.  These paddles are Trik Style and have dynel edgings and tips surrounding  the blade.

This blade shape is always ready for the next stroke or brace -- it has no backwards or upside down.  It's especially good for creeks where you have to dip into tiny deep spots  for strokes sometimes.  But it isn't as good as the Flo shape for getting  extra grip on shallow slides or maximum resistance on braces and rolls.  The diminished blades work to facilitate a dynamic brace which -- instead of  stalling on the surface -- turns into a stroke and allows you to bring the support of the brace to a lower point where it is better able to lift you up.  This is also a good shape for larger boats in cruising situations in lengths around 203 cm. It's designed for a smooth, fast feel in "get  and go" situations.

Surface area ~86 square inches

Flo vs. Crusing Blade


Copyright 2001 Preferred Modes.  Site maintained by Mary Kay Heffernan