I'm thinking of buying a new paddle and would like some opinions out there.
Bent or straight?
The bent paddles work good in the front, but I've yet to try them in the back and doing a j-stroke. Also, is it harder to strap the bent paddle in the canoe when portaging?
Wood or composite?
The compsite ones are nice and light, but are they are durable as the wood?
I've used a bent paddle in
Sunday June 3rd 2007I've used a bent paddle in the front, but not in the back for steering. In the front it's nice as you get more grip in the water, but it does take a little getting used to.
Just get a paddle that comes to your nose (or chin?). Having the right length I think is a little more important that bent or not.
Then when you figure that out the rest is just preference.
REI has a nice write up on chosing a paddle.
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Paddling&url=...
The bent paddle will give
Monday June 11th 2007The bent paddle will give you more of a power stroke for normal paddling and gives you an edge on the open lake.
The drawbacks include not being able to do some paddling maneuvers that take more finesse (e.g. Indian Stroke) and they are harder to store / attach to the canoe.
I've used both and prefer a straight beaver tail paddle. Also, wood just feels right.
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