It's in WB# 132, they probably explain it better than I can. If it's true that you are not supposed to pull until the blade is totally inserted then your point makes sense. Perhaps I have lousy technique, but I am pulling and inserting at the same time. I found this method of design to produce a nice paddle. What I did was to measure the angles at the tip and the inboard blade end per the article, and plot them onto my cadd program. I had already decided on a blade and shaft length. It was the easy to play with the shape until I liked it, and make it symmetrical at the same time.

> Is that the very asymetric paddle designed to pull without torque with the
> paddle partially submerged? I am still puzzled by this; good technique
> calls for inserting the blade in the water and THEN pulling. I really
> don't get the rational behind asymetric paddles and would like to hear it
> explained here.