Paddles with a curved blade

[Hillbilly]

Anyone ever used one and anyone want to weigh in on pros and cons of one?

[kyle]

i do not own one, have thought about buying one, then tried one. a lot of serious whitewater paddlers like them better but for me i tend to use a lot of underwater recovery strokes instead of pulling the paddle out all the time and find the curved blade tends to flutter or pull away or into the boat when doing this.
but if you spend most of your time in a short playboat then you may appreciate the extra grab and acceleration.

[Hillbilly]

Thaks prob not for me than i'm pushin a disco 169 might get one for trial ordering my wind paddle(cruiser) so figured i might as well get some manpower backup.
Thanks

[Hillbilly]

Any one know of any measuring standard or guidline for paddles?

[robertjohnneish]

Hold the paddle over your head in both hands (grip hand holding paddle as you would when paddling). Your elbows should form a right angle. Observe the length of the shaft and determine if the paddle length is appropriate. Given that blades vary in length, remember that this method measure shaft length not paddle length.

Paddle length is often more of a personal choice than it is a rule and may vary depending on whether you are paddling classic solo or tandem.

[esspeegee]

I've used a "bent shaft" paddle ... it's pretty good for straight powerful strokes. The curve / bend in the shaft lets you strike the water at a more efficient angle and maintain get more out of each stroke.

Great for racing across flat water in the right boat. Not so great for J-Strokes, pry, draw, or anything you see Becky Mason doing. :-)

[kyle]

i've got a bent shaft, use it lots in my solo boats. can do j stroke, c stroke, canadian stroke, prys and draws, just not as well.
i do prefer a straight shaft, but if youre puttin the miles on you cant beat a bent shaft especially a zaveral. with its lightweight and smaller blade size you can paddle with a much faster cadence