22-05-09, 06:52 PM
(22-05-09 10:23 AM)LAS247 Wrote: [ -> ](22-05-09 06:10 AM)saarlak Wrote: [ -> ]Personally I can't stand bent shafts,
I take it you won't be adding any to your range of bespoke paddle options then?
LOL, I didn't say I wouldn't ever make one, just that I wouldn't use one. I don't like portaging, but I've made a few deep dish yokes! (I'd have to do some serious experimenting with laminating paddles first, I've laminated a few things but never paddles).
Those double bent Whiskey Jacks look like a real challenge to make, I love the organic bend to them, just a nice ornament to me though!
My real problem with a bent shaft is that I rarely travel in a straight line, I'm always wandering around nosing at this little bay or searching out otter sign on that rock, and with a straight blade I just look where I want to go and I'm there. The few times I've used a bent shaft I just found myself cursing whenever I wanted to pry, steer a tight corner or go where I wanted to, they just aren't what my subconscious is expecting.
If I paddled tandem more or could be bothered to regrain things I'd probably use one all the time, but I'm too antisocial to share my boat! I do have a niece arriving soon, maybe I can start training her early with a bent shaft, I'll need an engine for my old age!
