Collection: Bent Shaft Paddles

Once only found in the domain of the marathon racer, these efficient paddles have gained popularity in recent years with recreational paddlers. We didn’t invent this stuff, but our hats are off to the racers who did. Long hours on the water make every technical advantage a windfall, and we know a good idea when we see one. Our goal has always been to put good ideas into production. In addition to all of the features found in our recreational line, the wooden paddles have a continuous, 8-ply bass wood, form-moulded bent shaft.

These are excellent shallow or deep water paddles that offer increased efficiency through paddle design and paddling technique. The blade of the paddle is offset from the shaft to allow the blade to remain vertical to the canoe’s path throughout the stroke. This improves the efficiency of each stroke and allows shorter strokes at an increased stroke rate. These factors coupled with a ‘sit & switch’ technique (i.e. changing sides every twelve strokes or so to reduce fatigue and steering correction) make Grey Owl bent shafts hard to beat for long distance paddling. Bent shaft paddles are not designed to be a cruising type of paddle and the angle does limit the types of stroke one can apply thus making it a tricky paddle to use in wind and moving water.