[Paddlewise] Benefits of using an Aleut paddle for touring

Reading through the new paddle choices discussion I became curious as  
to what people thought of a ridged Aleut paddle for touring rather  
than a GP.

http://www.arctickayaks.com/Paddles/Aleut1-Hole/FNM228/ 
AleutPaddleViewDownBladeLewPlummerCaption.jpg

I went native because of extreme joint pain in my elbows. I prefer it  
to a GP for touring because the ridge keep the blade self centered as  
you draw it through the water. This is assuming that you agree that  
the ridge is on the power face. A friendly discussion with someone  
more knowledgeable enlightened me to the gently simmering  
controversy. Not nearly as bad as rudder vs skeg but its there.

I would very much agree with Jim Tibensky that a loose grip can be a  
friendly grip while touring and the self centering ability of an  
Aleut paddle seems to allow this than does a GP. Additionally this  
self centering ability seems to require less attention to technique  
as you put the miles under your kayak than a GP. Perception? Perhaps.  
I am not going to say with certainty that an Aleut is better for  
touring than a GP but I might suggest it under cover of night with no  
witnesses.

I toured the Okeefenokee with an Aleut for a week and it allowed me  
to really move effortlessly and with the least amount of noise of any  
paddle I have ever tried. It really approached silent as you made  
your way through the twisty waters bordered by hummocks. That made  
for some great bird sneaking and watching.

Rolling is peachy with an Aleut but sculling is not quite as good as  
with a GP. The difference might be like a really smooth custom gear  
shifter vs a stock shifter. Bracing, both high and low, is easier for  
me with an Aleut than a GP but easiest with a Euro. That big fat  
blade really helps you stay upright nicely but it tears up my joints  
horribly.

Thoughts?

Jim et al
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