Not sure if this question has been posted in the past so apologies if so. I'm looking for commentary on that cool phaser type sound that comes off a carbon fibre paddle at the tail end of the stroke. I had asked my coach if that sound indicated something positive or negative, and was told it was negative because it indicated inefficiency at the tail end of the stoke (i.e. exiting not clean). This seems counter-ituitive to me because I think it indicates significant pressure on the blade until it comes free from the water's resistance, producing the whip-lash.

Any comments?

Neither. Some carbon fibre paddles make that sound when they exit the water. Apex and Simon River paddles do it, Grey Owls don't. It has nothing to do with how you exit, you can make the sound when the boat is not moving at all just by placing the blade in the water and pulling it out in a direction perpendicular to the face of the blade (i.e. sideways).

Previous poster...if it's make specific, why was my paddle making the noise last season, but no longer does this year after altering my stroke. For the record, I use a burn water paddle.

Because you're a dumbass. If you really want your "phaser" sound, make your stupid "pew-pew" sounds with your mouth as you paddle.

I always wondered about that sound too. I notice that when I do a faster stroke it would make that sound. I just assumed that in my faster stroke I am exited faster and that was the cause of the sound.

It's because you are exiting from the side. Not necessarily a bad thing depending on your stroke type. Philly makes this sound when they paddle as does Hanalei (those with the paddles that make it that is). Sprint canoe based teams like Mayfair and G&G don't

Thanks 10:03. Your sage advice and depth of knowledge has truly enlightened us all. This forum would devolve into a primordial pool without your insightful commentary.

...Wanker

Paddled recently behind a PDBC paddler and also heard the Pop, Pop, Pop. Apex paddle. My Grey Owl carbon also makes this noise occasionally. Usually occurs when sweet spot is hit on paddle entry when behind paddler with similar reach distance and totally in sync. We did this for 75 strokes or more at beginning of race.....and won the heat. the Pop sound is sweet and a good sign things are going well.

What the heck are you talking about? Are you sure someone isn't passing gas?

pop doesnt occur on paddle entry....rather it occurs on the exit..

11:23 PM ... I think you are right. I only hear this noise when I do the shorter stroke and when I do the shorter stroke i exit on my side.

i LOVE you internet paddlers. god i need to change my underpants

its like a J stroke at the exit with a flick of the wrist that causes the popping or "whoop" sound

Is a pop or whoose good or bad?

It's called cavitation. It happens when an air bubble collapses on itself due to changing pressures. Your paddle technique determines whether your stroke creates the conditions to support cavitation.

Formal definition: The sudden formation and collapse of low-pressure bubbles in liquids by means of mechanical forces, such as those resulting from rotation of a marine propeller.

Burnwaters will change sound after one season NOT because of any change in your stroke, but because they change shape. The new, flat blade matures with internal air bubbles, rendering it convex and silent.