I'm planning on making myself a paddle over the Winter and I'm interested in an otter tail, but I have noticed that there are two distinct designs, both labeled as "otter tail" online. One is notciably wider near the top, like an actual otter's tail. The other is more elliptical, with the wide point much closer to the center with more gently curved sides and a less pointy end.
My goal is a paddle for relaxed, steady paddling on flat water. I'll add that I occasionally get rotator cuff pain in my right shoulder, so far it's only while bench pressing and I'm seeing a doctor soon but I really would prefer to be easy on my shoulders. Quieter is also preferred. Is either one of these a distinctly better design for my goals?
Here is an example of the more top heavy, real-life otter tail design
Here is the more elliptical shape
My goal is a paddle for relaxed, steady paddling on flat water. I'll add that I occasionally get rotator cuff pain in my right shoulder, so far it's only while bench pressing and I'm seeing a doctor soon but I really would prefer to be easy on my shoulders. Quieter is also preferred. Is either one of these a distinctly better design for my goals?
Here is an example of the more top heavy, real-life otter tail design
Here is the more elliptical shape
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