Thanks for all your informative videos! So a bent shaft is more for sit n switch type paddling while a straight shaft is more for correction stroke paddling?
Not at all! You can do J strokes and all of the other strokes w it except some of the inwater return strokes where the power face changes w each stroke. A bent shaft only has 1 power face. A straight has two bc of symmetry.
Thanks, makes more sense now. As a beginner in canoe I will choose traditional, straight. The question is what paddle type should I get- ottertail, beaver tail? or something like bending branches xpedition plus. I don’t have whitewater around, with kayak most have been slow moving rivers. Maybe Egalis Yampa.
I’d go with a Bending Branches Explorer, Java or Sunburst. The beaver tail/otter tail has a big following but the shade is more beneficial in deep water and wouldn’t be the first paddle I would own. I have them and use them when I want that “feel” but they are not as versatile or durable as the above for your first paddle. I also would not use them for my extended touring. For me, they are fun for casual artsy paddling. Get something that can knock around in rivers and be your primary do-all. Eventually you’ll have a quiver. I carry 2-3 paddles most timesI go out. Thanks for watching.
you know i'm surprised there aren't more paddling video's out there. this is the best i have seen so far on paddle length, but i still have questions. probably the only way to resolve the issue is to paddle different lengths, but it is kind of hard to borrow paddles for this when you mostly paddle by yourself. and i also wonder about paddling mechanics. if anybody has a link for a really good video on paddling mechanics, i would really appreciate a link.
Yes, in the end, paddle length is a personal journey. Tell me your boat, height, sitting/kneeling position and size and I can make suggestions to start! :) 😃🛶
thanks for the offer for guidance on paddle size. solo boat, northstar phoenix, 29" wide, equipped with seat raised to just below gunwhales, 9 5/8" from bottom of boat. height from seat to bridge of nose 33 5/8. height from seat to hairline 36 (kind of subjective?), my height 5, 8. in moving water with obstacles i paddle a 56 inch straight blade. in flat water i paddle with a double blade 220 cm (too short!) planning to transition to light weight bent shaft. planning to replace the 220 double blade with a lightweight 260. i paddle class 1 plus in Missouri / Arkansas Ozarks. have paddled whitewater after beginner and intermediate training. planning to paddle in the BWCA this fall. i am newly subscribed to your channel and will be watching your video's. would appreciate any insights / guidance / recommendations you would be kind enough to offer. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
@delkelso perfect information to give me a picture of what you are up to and your background. I mostly use a 58 inch straight for the same type of scenarios but I am about 6 feet tall . 56 inch sounds about right especially with your higher seat position and moving water. for a bench shaft, I think a 52 inch would be my recommendation. It would still give you the reach but still give the benefits of that tighter in stroke without as much strain on your upper hand’s shoulder. I rarely use a 54 inch bench shaft and also rarely use a 50 inch bench shaft. I’ll use a 50 if I’m low in a magic but that’s about it .I’ll use a 54 inch if I want to kneel in a higher position, and still use a bent shaft but that is rare. Typing this with voice to text, so if you’re confused, you can just give me a call. My number is on my website.
Great overview.
Super simple; super helpful. Great job!
‘Nuff said.
Perfect! Exactly the info I needed for my Magic. Thanks again!
The single blade blade world is foreign to me, so I really enjoy this.
I kick around the idea of giving it a shot...
Likewise. It just seems "wrong" to me for some reason. But unlike you, I have never entertained the idea of trying one.
So the paddle should reach back to 1978?
Thanks for all your informative videos! So a bent shaft is more for sit n switch type paddling while a straight shaft is more for correction stroke paddling?
Not at all! You can do J strokes and all of the other strokes w it except some of the inwater return strokes where the power face changes w each stroke. A bent shaft only has 1 power face. A straight has two bc of symmetry.
Thanks, makes more sense now. As a beginner in canoe I will choose traditional, straight. The question is what paddle type should I get- ottertail, beaver tail? or something like bending branches xpedition plus. I don’t have whitewater around, with kayak most have been slow moving rivers. Maybe Egalis Yampa.
I’d go with a Bending Branches Explorer, Java or Sunburst. The beaver tail/otter tail has a big following but the shade is more beneficial in deep water and wouldn’t be the first paddle I would own. I have them and use them when I want that “feel” but they are not as versatile or durable as the above for your first paddle. I also would not use them for my extended touring. For me, they are fun for casual artsy paddling. Get something that can knock around in rivers and be your primary do-all. Eventually you’ll have a quiver. I carry 2-3 paddles most timesI go out. Thanks for watching.
you know i'm surprised there aren't more paddling video's out there. this is the best i have seen so far on paddle length, but i still have questions. probably the only way to resolve the issue is to paddle different lengths, but it is kind of hard to borrow paddles for this when you mostly paddle by yourself.
and i also wonder about paddling mechanics. if anybody has a link for a really good video on paddling mechanics, i would really appreciate a link.
ruclips.net/video/pytEXNtV-QI/видео.htmlsi=v5u2_At3caaPGYQs
Mechanics by the master:
ruclips.net/video/OX57A0WCUcQ/видео.htmlsi=BM07TZnglbAtZqV6
Yes, in the end, paddle length is a personal journey. Tell me your boat, height, sitting/kneeling position and size and I can make suggestions to start! :) 😃🛶
thanks for the offer for guidance on paddle size. solo boat, northstar phoenix, 29" wide, equipped with seat raised to just below gunwhales, 9 5/8" from bottom of boat. height from seat to bridge of nose 33 5/8. height from seat to hairline 36 (kind of subjective?), my height 5, 8. in moving water with obstacles i paddle a 56 inch straight blade. in flat water i paddle with a double blade 220 cm (too short!) planning to transition to light weight bent shaft. planning to replace the 220 double blade with a lightweight 260. i paddle class 1 plus in Missouri / Arkansas Ozarks. have paddled whitewater after beginner and intermediate training. planning to paddle in the BWCA this fall.
i am newly subscribed to your channel and will be watching your video's. would appreciate any insights / guidance / recommendations you would be kind enough to offer. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
@delkelso perfect information to give me a picture of what you are up to and your background. I mostly use a 58 inch straight for the same type of scenarios but I am about 6 feet tall . 56 inch sounds about right especially with your higher seat position and moving water. for a bench shaft, I think a 52 inch would be my recommendation. It would still give you the reach but still give the benefits of that tighter in stroke without as much strain on your upper hand’s shoulder. I rarely use a 54 inch bench shaft and also rarely use a 50 inch bench shaft. I’ll use a 50 if I’m low in a magic but that’s about it .I’ll use a 54 inch if I want to kneel in a higher position, and still use a bent shaft but that is rare.
Typing this with voice to text, so if you’re confused, you can just give me a call. My number is on my website.