[Paddlewise] Paddle Types

I am asking this sincerely - not just because there have been no serious
controversies on Paddlewise lately.

What do you folks feel are the advantages of crank shaft kayak paddles?

I'm old and not interested in learning too many new tricks, so I have
never used one.

The reasons I have been given for them include:

     Better angle of attack for the blade entering the water

     Longer reach

     Less strain on the wrists or elbows or both

I have watched elite paddlers in slalom and sprint racing for many
years.  There was a time when most slalom paddlers used crooked paddles.
 But now it's not as many.  Never have I seen a sprint racer use one.

My thought is that the Olympic caliber paddlers will do whatever it
takes to gain an advantage and/or to avoid injury.  If they don't all
use crankshaft paddles, why should anyone?

I can imagine an argument that says the advantage must be in whitewater
where all kinds of things need to be done with the blades as opposed to
sprint where it only a perfect forward stroke and nothing else.  But
then that would take away the three reasons I listed above because
sprint racers want a better angle, longer reach and less strain.

I ask not for myself, but because my students (sea kayak) see good
paddlers using croooked paddles and think they should do the same if
only to follow the fashion.  No one follows my example, maybe because
old guys aren't impressive paddlers.  Or maybe it's just me.

Thanks in advance.


Jim Tibensky
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