The height of the pulleys from the ground was twelve yards, and consequently, when the weights had descended through that distance, they had to be wound up again in order to renew the motion of the paddle.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.
With twelve horse power at our command, we considered that we could permit the weight of the machine with operator to rise to 750 or 800 pounds, and still have as much surplus power as we had originally allowed for in the first estimate of 550 pounds.
The course of the flight up and down was exceedingly erratic, partly due to the irregularity of the air, and partly to lack of experience in handling this machine. The control of the front rudder was difficult on account of its being balanced too near the center.
It was as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of the rope.
Be a bobbed cork: When you are pushed down, bob up.
We didn't have the lane ropes, we had to get up higher in the water to avoid the little waves.
We had to adjust and threw a few more rise balls and curves but it worked.
We were then satisfied that, with proper lubrication and better adjustments, a little more power could be expected. The completion of the motor according to drawing was, therefore, proceeded with at once.
You don't paddle against the current, you paddle with it. And if you get good at it, you throw away the oars.
When you're at the end of your rope, all you have to do is make one foot move out in front of the other. Just take the next step. That's all there is to it.