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more I also like a 30-degree for creeking, but I think it's just a matter of preference. New

Forum: BoaterTalk
Re: question Paddle feather offset opinions specifically for creeking? twabay New
Re: note good question roscoepwavetrain New
Date: May 16 2008, 1:29 GMT
From: Chrisj

Chrisj
I started with a 60, moved to 45, now paddle with a 30, and use the same 191-cm stick for creeking and playboating. My breakdown paddle has an adjustable joint that allows me to pick any offset I want, and 30-ish seems to be my sweet spot right now.   I've used paddles ranging from 200+ cm all the way down to ones in the 180cm range, and I tellya, there's no "best"- there's just what you like more at any given moment. 

Most folks will tell you 'go longer' for your creek-stick, and that gets you longer reach for boofing and bracing and all that whatnot, but I favor the shorter stick for the added dexterity and maneuverability I think I get out of it.  I'm a little bigger than he is, (I'm 6'1", 190lbs) and I don't know that size or even application has much to do with how long your paddle should be, for that matter.  I think it's a question of what works for you.

There's other dimensions worth considering, as well: do you like your shaft to be flexy or stiff? Bent or straight?  Do you like your blades to be stiff or flexible?  Would you rather a long shaft with smaller blades, or a short one with bigger, (or long/big, short/small, etc)?  Smaller blades tend to be forgiving.  Bigger blades grab a lot and may require more power to articulate. Shorter shafts give you better torque, longer shafts give you better reach.  Each can be useful and complementary to different skill sets/paddling styles/preferences.

Stiffer shafts give you less blade flop(better certainty of exactly where your blade will be when it loads up) and better control, but the effect is like having stiffer suspension on your bike: you have to be responsible for the higher peak loads instead of letting your shaft soak them up.  I like a very stiff shaft, coupled with medium-flexible blades that are relatively small; when I need to, I make up for the shorter reach with faster stroke rate.  A little bit of softness in the blades helps keep my fingers from ringing when I hit rocks with them, without sacrificing the all-important feel for the water that a good paddle must provide.  ...and of course, a good creek paddle (in my view) must be something brutally strong, something you can stave off certain death with.

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smile good feedback...what's your stick of choice for creekin? NT <NT> waterlogged New
note H2O Team Chrisj New
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