Bent Shaft Paddles Rock!
 

I have used a straight paddle for most of m kayaking and after would have slight shoulder pain, or wrist pain, but yesterday for the OEX tourney I used a Bent Shaft paddle. First thing I noticed was more speed on the paddling, second was very little effort. At the end of the day when I was done, after paddling from Quivera Basin to OEX in the wind and against the out going tide I thought for sure I was going to be in pain. WRONG! No pain at all last night or today. My arms feel fresh and ready for more.

If you are paddling with a straight shaft,I know where this thread may end up, you really need to test paddle a bent shaft paddle.

Just thought I would lend my advice to those who may be wondering they should change paddles or not.

I have one of those.....I love it.

arent bent shafts supposed to put more stress on your wrists?

A true bent shaft will put less stress on your body. I could never go back to a straight shaft after using AT Paddles for a few years.

Jimmy, I am guessing that we loaned you my Xception Carbon for the tournament?

If you havnt already got yourself one let me know and we will get you the hookup on a nice AT :cheers1:

Thanks CJ, I happened to hook up with someone selling an AT bent shaft and he allowed me to use it for the tourney and I bought it from him. I couldn't let that go after such a comfortable paddle that day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ9ax...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YeduKtjFxA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecLmy...feature=relmfu


Watch these videos they will explain a lot about paddles, grip, and technique.

Bent shafts take a lot of stress off your body completely.

i just bought an expensive full carbon straight shaft paddle for a steal. Looks like i might have to get a bent shaft now.

I'm glad I watched the videos, looks like I was holding the paddle the wrong way the whole time, I was paddling with the labels down.

Before I watched those videos I realized I was paddling wrong and my wrists would swell up. After watching those nothing wrong anymore.

I've tride a bent shaft paddles and they are very nice, particularly on my wrists. I don't have any joint issues but using one felt very comfortable. They are similar to the bent curling barbells at the gym. Same idea and curling with the bent barbell is MUCH easier on the wrist and elbows than a straight barbell. Mike

The bent barbells also work different parts of the muscles also. The key thing here is when we push our bodies in angles that they don't naturally go, pain will happen. If you care about your long term health I would recommend getting a ergo type paddle.