[Rob Kesselring]

Different advice. I would suggest you go with a quality straight shaft wooden paddle with protected (rockguard) tip. True enough that bent shafts are a little more efficient but unless you are racing their advantage in speed is outweighed by the variety of strokes that you can use with a straight shaft. This is especially true on river trips. A wood straight shaft is also stronger and more durable than a carbon bent shaft- plus this time of year you can find a nice one for under $100 and maybe half that. Oil the grip and strip the varnish from the part of the shaft you hold with your lower hand and oil that. There’s nothing like wood and you will notice a major change in your canoeing experience. Happy Paddling -Rob

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