View Full Version : Paddle Polo
Tonight we played a half game with paddles only. It was horrible- and we were sober so there was no excuse for it. Karl thought it would be a good idea because we kept missing traps and balls on the water behind us, but that perhaps was also a reason for it being an exceedingly bad idea.
The restart signal was a problem. Basically, the best way to tell that the ball had travelled at all ( let alone a meter) was to see if the other team had got it. Once they got it, Cameron got to guess at what constituted a paddle foul when you weren't allowed to touch it.
Our team got several excellent shots into the net that protected the rest of the aquatic complex, but none that made it into the net in the goal. My best guess is that the steam from the spa pool a few meters behind the goal was creating a thermal current that diverted the course of the ball. At the other end, there must have been a breeze through the open door. The other team got several goals but that must have been..... ah, s***, we really were crap...
Anyway, it was horrible and I hope all of your coaches and managers and selectors are reading this and decide to inflict it on you all. Oh, one more thing: "Down with Schlegels"....
What is this "Down with Schlegels..." I think that this topic of dicussion needs to be opened again, that metal tipped paddles should be rulled out of the game. Why? Because the damage people and equipment. Why do people buy them cause they are cheap, for not much more you can buy a carbon paddle which is lighter and the shape is more polo specific. Ask yourself why they have metal edges in the first place, because I have never seen a rock in the middle of apolo pitch that you may possibly hit with your paddle.
Unregistered
08-11-2002, 04:36 AM
Why are metal-tipped blades any more dangerous than carbon composite paddles?
If you are one of those people who argue that they are harder and more likely to break the skin, sorry but you are wrong - most carbon composites are tougher than the aluminium in metal-tipped paddles. (so the thinnest one will probably do the most damage, but then there is already a rule for a minimum thickness of 5mm - is that what you need to change that?)
I say Down with Shlegels because it stuffed my wrists and because I'm hopeless at paddling with them. Probably because they are the paddling equivalent of a flagpole. Anyway, when you use a schlaygel it's harder to do all that cool paddle waving like the vikings, because when you do that whippy thing to pull the paddle back you find gravity just... does its job and then you can never be sure if the ghost of schleigel's past wasn't tipping your hand a little bit. (I'm selling mine , if anyone's interested. I'll throw in a free drink bottle with magic water like the All Blacks used for their injuries). I think people can be disadvantaged by playing with them sometimes. For a start, it's a lot harder to spell than "talon".
I too, ask myself questions. I ask myself why people paddle rivers with carbon composite paddles. Then I ask myself why I paddle rivers with my composite paddle. Other people would ask me if I seriously called what I do on rivers "paddling".
Yet, I shall be unselfish and offer to do research on this topic, unregistered. I think it's best if we determine whether there is an argument to pursue. For a small fee I shall attack your arms with both of my paddles, in a controlled logical fashion until one of them is sorest. In the meantime, we shall have a poll. (I'd been wondering what to vote about this month). November 10th is my "sorest paddle showdown". (I shall place a link when it is ready under this thread)..Go forth and comment, for the result is anonymous...
Kajakske
08-11-2002, 08:54 AM
Alu Shlegels on itself are not the problem ...
They, most of the time, have little scratches. Try going along the edge with your bare hand and feel it. Most of them aren't perfectly smotth, which causes injuries.
If we have a player with such a paddle, we tape it to even out all the little scratches :)
Unregistered
10-11-2002, 01:44 AM
Metal tipped paddles need to be looked at seriously.
We have a certain un-named paddler in Auckland who can lay claim to some chips in other peoples paddles and bones, all because he has a metal tipped paddle.
I have never had a problem with carbon vs carbon paddle clashes, but my paddle and body seem to come off second best from metal tipped paddles.
Like what was said before, i believe the problem is with the edges being sharp which causes the damage, so something needs to be done to change this problem :P
Personally, I've been hurt by people with a lack of paddle control but I consider it a lapse of respect and judgement on their part, and a lack of responsible concern from the "whistle". In some cases, I think it's the habit of paddling without vision and awareness, skills that polo is supposed to develop.
What we should be asking ourselves is: "Why are people getting hit?" I notice that nobody really voted on what was considered "at arms length" on my previous ballot, and yet here y'all are arguing about paddles and danger to other paddlers. Seems to me you blame the object when it's the paddlers and the interpretation of the rules that causes people to be hurt.
Not everyone can afford a carbon paddle. The reasons for buying one should be to protect your own wrists thru better performance from the paddle that reduces strain on your muscles and joints. The argument of damaged paddles or equipment is minor- you can kevlar tape the edge of a composite paddle or tape the edge of a Schlegel as already mentioned. It's the potential to improve performance and satisfaction that is paramount.
I've put a light hearted ballot on our Northern site (http://www.geocities.com/northerncp/) - enjoy, but please don't get personal or I'll censor you with my big fat electronic red tape!
Schlegels are the sorest paddle so far, at 63%. Nobody has voted against the Carbon fibre blades yet!
James
11-11-2002, 06:25 PM
The un-named aucklander should be given a new/ used composite paddle for xmas. Perhaps all you "dorklanders " could get together, put a few bob in and buy one? Before national league any-way....please!
Unregistered
12-11-2002, 03:27 AM
I can know exactly why people use metal tips over carbon blades,when was the last time you saw someone break a metal tip paddle!I am sure it all starts at the kayak shops where people ask for the best value for money to play polo,surf and river paddle.Sure the cardon blades are much better but personally in the last year I have broken nearly $700 dollors worth of carbon paddles,thats not a cheap hobbie for one piece of equipment.
On reply to the other topic at the start,playing polo with paddles only on a social training night is a exercise that should happen more.this is the time when you are supposed to try and learn new skills,for anyone who has seen top players from over sea's they train in all aspects of the game not just limiting themselfs to the skills they already have.It is a new concept to a lot of people to try and control a ball with their paddle in a game situation but it can end up winning or losing a game a lot of the time.Maybe people should also remember the fun aspect of this sport we play as well,it dosn't hurt to let yourself go and just play because you enjoy being on the water sometimes.
Just as well unregistered/post-of-mystery explained my original post, I was beginning to think everyone would go out and buy Schlegels instead of practising their paddle skills. Hell, if I wanted to get a psychological advantage I would buy my spare paddle, if I were you guys ;)
James, you wouldn't have something like a second hand paddle to sell would you? Cause I'm starting to think you're angling for a sale.
James
12-11-2002, 06:25 PM
The only paddle I currently have for polo is an old broken one.....not selling that one. I will probably have to look at buying one in the next few months. I may even have an old Schlegel.....mmmm.....nah!
Unregistered
18-11-2002, 04:22 PM
"Those damned Schlegels" are in the lead for the sorest paddle, and a whole bunch of people have only voted so they could see the results! So, next months tip from our guest player is going to be about paddles....
becks.c
19-11-2002, 12:16 AM
I purchased my first (and only) composite paddle way back in 1998.
(diamond shaped?) the blades are carbon (someone told me they have a balsa core, but I am not sure on this) and the shaft is fibreglass. it is 202cm in lenght
My Yoz paddle is probably my most treasured piece of polo equipment.
Since purchasing the paddle in 1998 I have competed in a few University games, regular leagues (up to three grades in one week), mixed training sessions, regional and national level training camps. I also had a few years there were I was overly generous in lending out my gear, so it has survived being lent out as well as the use I personally put it to.
I've also competed in 2 Australian Interstate Champs, yearly NZCPA InterRegionals and one World Champsionship (2000).
The only thing I regret is not getting some kevlar tape for the blade edges.
My Yoz blade was a huge improvement on my Prion. Although it would have been lighter with a carbon shaft, it is still a light paddle.
I have certainly gotten my moneys worth!
It'll be interesting to see how long it lasts me and whether it still wants to speak to me after basically not being used for 2002 while I took sabatical from canoe polo.
Unregistered
19-11-2002, 08:51 AM
Well guys, I have some good news, and some bad news.
The good news is, that I told "unnamed paddler" he was world-infamous in New Zealand. The bad news is, he just laughed.
The next good news is, that I mentioned the desperation with which everyone was begging us to buy "unnamed paddler" a composite paddle.
The bad news is, we all laughed.
But I have a compromise. For 2003, Northern will be offering an insurance scheme to rival National League franchises. For a cool fee (to be negotiated on the day) we will lend "unnamed paddler" somebody elses paddle. (We're not guaranteeing that it won't be yours...) . Collected funds will go towards a paddle for the "unnamed player" in question, or a few beers, whatever we feel is most appropriate.
Now, my question would be, in the thick of this intense debate, while everyone whinges about Schlegels, why isn't anyone keen for him to buy a composite kayak? There he is, speeding round the pool in some heavyweight plastic when he could be kicking A**E in some lightweight speed machine. Hmm......
vish
http://www.geocities.com/northerncp/
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