Bob.....
At present, our glossary committee of the CBOG is busy coming up with FFF definitions for many things. Stroke length is one of them.
My preferred definition of the casting stroke, is the one authored by Joan Wulff a long time ago: CASTING STROKE = THE PATH TAKEN BY THE HAND DURING THE CAST.
Now, it's only logical to me that if we embrace that definition, then the stroke length should be defined as: STROKE LENGTH = THE DISTANCE TRAVELED BY THE HAND DURING THE CAST. (To distinguish this from the angular change of the butt section of the rod from the start to the finish of the stroke, ie. the CASTING ARC or CASTING ANGLE, some would consider the term, "linear distance" to simply, "distance". (Even that isn't fully descriptive of exactly what happens, because the hand does not really travel in a perfectly straight line during most casts.)
The distance travelled by the rod tip is a VERY important concept, since that is what we are trying to achieve in the end. I join many other instructors in feeling that this should be described seperately. The term, TIP TRAVEL is one which does this. Whether or not this will prevail remains to be seen. In any event, it's what I feel comfortable in teaching, and for my thinking about fly casting.
That distance covered by the rod tip during the cast may be, afterall, a combination of several things:
1.) The linear distance traveled by the hand.
2.) The angular distance or change of the butt section of the rod.
3.) Change in the caster's body motion in the direction of the cast.
4.) Distance travelled by the caster in the event that a step is taken in the direction of the cast, during the stroke.
5.) The caster's height.
6.) Length of the caster's arm.
7.) Effective rod length.
Your last question tells me that you would like some direction as to how to handle questions about these things on a Masters exam.
Here, a CLEAR UNDERSTANDING of the principles is much more important than the memorization of specific definitions. Having said that, I'd suggest that you know at least 2 different ways of explaining them. One of these should be the way you would explain them to a beginner.............brief, crisp and clear using simple language.
You might even be asked to explain this material to your examiner who plays the part of a new student. In that case, you might even use your fly rod to help demonstrate, or pantomime using a finger or a pencil.
The very fact that you just asked these questions tells me that you probably DO have good understanding.
Gordy
From: "Bob Rumpf - The Flye & The Pen" <caddis@xxxxxxx>
To: "Gordon Hill" <hillshead@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Additions to list
Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 09:50:03 -0500
Hi Gordy,I have a question for you: When giving the definition of stroke length, I've seen it described two ways.The total linear distance traveled by the hand, and also the total distance traveled by the rod tip during the cast.Do you think it would be best to give both by stating that some describe it in one way and others use the other description? Or do you prefer one or the other?Bob RumpfSubject: Additions to listGroup:
Re the list of things to bring to the exam, I have 2 additions.
1.) Unless you can tie a good nailess nail knot, it's a good idea to bring a knot tying tool, hollow tube, or nail in case you have to place a whole new leader on the fly line.
2.) Go back to # 8, a. What I meant was that the Sage TCR 7 wt. rod is 10' long, not 9'. The 6 wt. is 9' in length.
Gordy