Paddles: bent shaft or straight shaft?

[rogersmith]

anyone want to explain pros/cons of each?
thanks!

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by rogersmith

anyone want to explain pros/cons of each?
thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ9ax...91FA606B9CFC59

This video will explain it.

Bent shafts will reduce the potential wear on your wrists, tendons, and joints(Ergonomic). If you have had tendonitis in your wrists ever you may want to look into the bent shafts.

[rogersmith]

thanks Jimmy, good video

[Siebler]

In addition to the Ergonomics, ent shafts also increase the reach of your paddle blade by about an inch on average. Just a little extra propulsion out of each stroke. Those inches add up fast...

I have been using AT Bent shafts for about 3 years and absolutely love them, Couldnt go back to a straight shaft even if I had to.

[yaknewb]

So i have a broken wrist that never heald right since i cant get a hobie will a bent shaft help with the shooting pain i get after paddleing?

[Siebler]

The bent shaft will likely help, It may be your paddling form as well. Do you Feather your paddle?

[yaknewb]

no i dont feather it should i?

[Siebler]

Definitely. Feathering your paddle will keep you from twisting your arms and wrists so much. Feather the paddle, grip with dominant hand (you dont need a death grip either) and then let your other hand just kind of slide on the paddle shaft. It will become a very natural motion after you get used to it and I am sure it will improve how you feel after you get off the water.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by yaknewb

no i dont feather it should i?

This video will help you with your paddling. It shoulds as if you may be gripping the paddle too tight. I had this problem and then I watched this video and it helped me a lot. Also research doing a push/pull technique while paddling. That and a looser grip will help you a lot.

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