Does anyone use a bent shaft for CII whitewater? If so, what angle and blade shape works for you?
I use a bent shaft carbon for whitewater (I, II & III). It's a Zav Z Medium, 12 degree bend. There are some strokes for which a longer straight shaft would be better, but in general I find that the power and quickness of a light bent matter more. YMMV.
I do not own this, but have demoed it. state of the art
https://www.zre.com/whitewater-canoe-paddles/
My new ZRE WW rrived a while back. It is light, but seems fragile. Anyone ever dip the end of the blade in resin to make it more rock friendly?
Yeah, I won't be leaving my straight shaft Woody at home, but I'm not a thrill addict either. I walk around big stuff. Still, a frayed edge can't be good for the "balance" either.
But if you fear that try finding a Norse paddle The one I have is indeed eternal but so heavy a swing weight I have missed must makes
Ita tip is metal reinforced
Yeah, I won't be leaving my straight shaft Woody at home, but I'm not a thrill addict either. I walk around big stuff. Still, a frayed edge can't be good for the "balance" either.