Stress Relieving Paddle Design

Is the lower hand on the same side as your shoulder issues?

recped said:

When dealing with long blade paddles such as Ottertail or Beavertail I find the measurement of the full paddle length to be next to useless (maybe applies to all paddles?). The important measurement is the shaft only.

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My first beavertail was as tall as I was, that's a mistake you only make once!

Another vote for yoga: makes you feel great, both immediately afterwards and over time. Depending on the practice, it’s harder work than you might think and yields a very functional strength in analogous ways to paddling. Yes, it certainly helps stretch you out, but you’re working hard to maintain those positions, so you get stronger, especially in your core. But also shoulders, legs, hip flexors, etc. You know who had a strong and lithe core? Bill Mason

Just like anything else, there’s a huge range in the styles and quality of classes/programs. So it’s worth trying a few different ones and not assuming that your first example is emblematic of all. You need to search around for the right fit.

Pseudonym said:

You need to search around for the right fit.

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Just like picking a paddle.

Yeah, my nominal shaft length is 30.5”. With a river paddle, I like a couple extra inches. Don’t know if that will hold true with a longer blade length. My guess is maybe.

FYI, the blade length on Badger otter tails is 27 inches.

Whether in loonshite shallows or rock garden boulderdashes I'd go easy on any treasured piece of timber. You needn't expose your best in the worst conditions, or to look at it differently, you could simply have 2 "lifestyle options" to choose from.
Over the many years of working in peoples homes I've encountered many babas and nonnas who kept a spartan second kitchen, often in the basement where summers were cooler and made snug in cold winters, where wine would be savoured and meals lovingly made. The "best" kitchen upstairs was always shiny and new, sometimes nearing opulent in decor, and reserved for only special occasions. At first this seemed bizzare until I compared it to owning a Sunday best pr of slacks (weddings and funerals) as well as my everyday worklife pr of jeans. Okay, now I get it. That sounds less presumptuous and more practical. Go figure.
Seems likewise an option for tripping, having a spare beater paddle for those casual occasions in loonshite shallows and rock garden boulderdashes. The economy Carlisle (https://www.nrs.com/carlisle-economy-paddle/pm9d) won't hurt the wallet, comes in different sizes and I'm sure the plastic blade can be DIY modified to suit. I know, I used to own one as a backup. Not very pretty to look at but entirely practical. I trimmed my blade width a tad with a jigsaw and sander. And like so many lunches spent sipping homemade wine and sampling the simple fare on offer in those basement kitchens that beater paddle ushered me thru some fine memories of those days gone by.

My wife the yoga instructor would caution that you should talk to your teacher prior to class about your shoulder. A good yoga teacher will then give you ways to modify each pose so as to limit damage and maximize theraputics. But it takes a good, experienced yoga teacher to do that. Preferably one with a yoga therapy background.

I recommend this paddle because it has a small, short blade so you can get a short paddle that's easy on you and works everywhere.


As everyone says you want low blade area. Longer paddles have more leverage on the water and the paddler so your shoulder wants the shortest paddle possible. Shaft length probably more important than the paddle you choose given that paddles that are too long cause shoulder injuries.

Black_Fly said:

Lots of paddlers seem to experience shoulder issues. I had issues before my accident. I’m betting there’s a correlation. Spoke with a guy at Rutabaga Paddlesports who had surgery and paddled Wabakimi last year with an Ottertail. Nice discussion. He recommended I check out the Badger Sliver at Canoecopia. Great staff at Rutabaga. Experienced and empathetic.

Badger Sliver

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I like the looks of that one.

gumpus said:

I recommend this paddle because it has a small, short blade so you can get a short paddle that's easy on you and works everywhere.

Sunburst ST

Combining years of wood-crafting artistry with state-of-the-art composite technology, the Sunburst is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and durable. 2 oz. fiberglass-reinforced, Rockgard®-tipped blade Ovalized, tapered 100% carbon shaft, favored by aeronautics engineers for its strength and...

bendingbranches.com

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I have a Sunburst paddle and enjoy it for it's light weight and relaxing demeanor.

I didn't mention the Sunburst because he indicated he preferred a wood paddle. I cut the shaft down about 4" from it's original 54" length because the blade is shorter than most and the shaft length was too long. Now it's a nice length for relaxing paddling. My only criticisms are that the carbon shaft has a slightly rough surface and the T-grip isn't ideal for palm rolls. Otherwise it's often my "spare" paddle for a leisurely paddle back to the take-out.