The 7 Degree Bent shaft Paddle
This is the compromise paddle. As I type, I hear the drums beating in the distance by the "experts" on both sides as they eschew the sins of compromise, but to them I say "beat it". Yes, a combination paddle (called a combi paddle) doesn't do it's best in either world. It doesn't give maximum push and it doesn't give maximum steering. But, just like combi skis for cross country skiing which do a pretty good job of skating AND classical skiing, the 7 degree bent shaft offers two great improvements in power and steering over both of it's brethren paddles. If you're not a racer and not a slacker, you'll probably really love this combi paddle!

The 7 degree paddle does a great job because it gives more push from it's total stroke than the straight shaft paddle. Yet, because it's flatter (in the amount of bend) than the 14 degree, you can effectively make a good J Stroke with it. The result is about 1/3 more power per stroke over a straight shaft paddle. This allows the guy in the back to really kick it down if he needs to do so when maneuvering the canoe especially in the wind. And, if he needs to do a draw stroke, there's less accommodation of the larger bend of the 14 deg. paddle.

I feel that this is by far the best combination of paddles for any "not-being-raced" canoe. Put a 14 deg. bent shaft in the bow and a 7 degree bent shaft in the stern. You'll notice that your canoe's speed will increase yet your effort will remain the same. Short of attaching a rocket engine to the stern, there's not much more you can do to kick up your speed for a small investment. It works very well. Note: If you are paddling a heavy, floppy, plastic canoe made by a company that makes camp stoves and coolers, use of this paddle combo will elicit stares. You really need to upgrade your canoe before the paddles.

We have our 7 degree bent shafts custom built for us by Mitchell See them Here

How to size a 7 Degree Bent shaft Paddle: Over 6' Tall = 56" Under 6' tall = 54"