Hi, guys.
I've paddled with a staright-shaft paddle since I learned 2 1/2 years ago - just bought a cheap used one and haven't had any complaints with it.
But I recently started developing pain/discomfort in my right wrist after a lot of paddling. Then, yesterday, my paddle broke.
Do I want to replace it with a bent-shaft? Are folks pretty confident the bent-shafts alleviate wrist troubles?
I only used a bent-shaft once - guy let me take it out on a surf wave we were at. Went out once, hit the wave, flipped, rolled, back into the eddy -- Did NOT like the way the bent-shaft felt. Felt weird, my roll felt funny, everything felt funny. Handed it back to him and said Gimme my straight-shaft back. (But this was before the wrist trouble started)
SO, is the "weird" feeling at first normal? Do I still want a bent-shaft? CKS says they only have two paddles for demo - an AT and a Werner (I don't even know what size/model etc.
I could spend about $200 on a paddle, and I need to make it happen within the next 8-10 days (before the water's gone!!) Where could/should I rent/demo? What models? How much do I need to spend for a solid paddle that will last a few years?
Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.
-Mike G.
I've paddled with a staright-shaft paddle since I learned 2 1/2 years ago - just bought a cheap used one and haven't had any complaints with it.
But I recently started developing pain/discomfort in my right wrist after a lot of paddling. Then, yesterday, my paddle broke.
Do I want to replace it with a bent-shaft? Are folks pretty confident the bent-shafts alleviate wrist troubles?
I only used a bent-shaft once - guy let me take it out on a surf wave we were at. Went out once, hit the wave, flipped, rolled, back into the eddy -- Did NOT like the way the bent-shaft felt. Felt weird, my roll felt funny, everything felt funny. Handed it back to him and said Gimme my straight-shaft back. (But this was before the wrist trouble started)
SO, is the "weird" feeling at first normal? Do I still want a bent-shaft? CKS says they only have two paddles for demo - an AT and a Werner (I don't even know what size/model etc.
I could spend about $200 on a paddle, and I need to make it happen within the next 8-10 days (before the water's gone!!) Where could/should I rent/demo? What models? How much do I need to spend for a solid paddle that will last a few years?
Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.
-Mike G.