MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Coulda made one of these in woodshop class...

> > > ...instead of the picture frames, bookcases and other doodads I wasted time on.
> >
> > I remember crossbows were popular in wood shop... and paddles.
> >
> > You weren't allowed to make paddles, tho, so if the teacher caught you making a
> > paddle, they used it on you. Nothing like a test drive to make sure your design was
> > sleek, aerodynamic, and painful.
>
> Were the holes drilled in those to cut down on wind resistance or to increase pain?
> Or maybe it served a duel (or dual?) purpose.

The disciplinary paddles at my elementary school in the midwest were drilled for two reasons near as I can tell: 1) The holes not only decreased air resistance, but resulted in multiple painful welts after delivery rather than one large one; and 2) Psychological terror. Aside from looking wicked, the holes helped generate a terrific "whoooshing" noise as the paddle was swung, adding to the whole ambience of horror as one was swung down toward your backside.

For added psychological effect, the schools paddles were also painted matte black and stored in fitted covers, allowing the disciplinarian to make a great show of the unholstering and brandishing of said paddle.

Only tasted the sting of the paddle once; once was enough for me. Effective attitude adjustment right there.