Thread: RE: Using the Metric System in USA - getting tape measures and others

Originally Posted by coogzilla

Set the blade so the teeth just poke thru the stock and no more.

What's the deal there? Safety or is there a wood related reason?

Richard

Originally Posted by coogzilla

Well here it be. What ya think? Is it good to go?

YouTube - Canoe Paddling - Canadian Style

Heres a vid for fun. Keith

re: the tape measure - I'm still grappling with the idea that there is anything unusual about a tape measure with both systems on it. I see the occasional one with metric only in hardware stores, but not at all common.
Different countries, different 'gotchas' I guess.

Re the canadian paddling video - I am in awe. Never thought to tip my boat like that when I had one. Tried to paddle a slalom C1 a few times years ago & failed dismally - went sideways really well but couldn't persuade it to go forwards or backwards!! That would be the nearest thing to what I see on this video. Quite extraordinary !! When (eventually) I build Eureka, this will be something fun to try. Maybe the Ubeaut SA Boat Squadron could work up a demo squad for Goolwa 2009...

cheers
AJ

Hey Richard. If you set the depth of cut that way, it gives you a really
nice smooth finish. Coogs

I didn't learn to paddle that way from a Canadian, but have done similar since boyhood. It sort of came natural in a solo canoe, at least the box, side and power strokes (non-J). Leaning the canoe I learned from an Indian (native American) who said this was how his grandfather taught him. He was less winded after a good pull to windward against a current, having less difficulty with the current. He happily showed why and how, but the rest (the strokes, just seemed natural to me any way). I in fact can't do a decent J stroke, tending to hold my pause too long or over steer. It possible I could learn, but found it way too much effort from the production gained. Maybe the Canadians learned from the Indians and having a more market oriented infrastructure, laid clam to it.

Nice to see it done on video. Having glass smooth water is helpful too.

And it is truly amazing the speed with which is can be accomplished - like the boat is going faster sideways than I can go forwards!

MIK