> I just came back from a kayak shop and was sort of convinced by a salesman
> that a Euro Paddle was better for touring, bracing, and sculling. How true
> is this, I am very new at this and want to start out with the best paddle
> possible. BTW I am going to do a lot of touring and open water crossings.
> Thanks.

It is not a simple "this is better than that" situation. For a given blade area the euro-blade will be more efficient as evidenced by a slower paddling cadence. This per-stroke efficiency will provide a more powerful brace and sculling stroke with less motion required.

However, per-stroke efficiency is rarely an issue. People work better when working in a high-cadence/low-force situation. The improved efficiency of the euro-blade often creates a low-cadence/high-force paddling stroke which will be harder on your body. You can create very powerful bracing and sculling strokes with the greenland paddle and it is often easier to control than the euro blade so it is easier for many people to roll and scull with a greenland paddle than a euro paddle.

If you want to get most of the advantages of a greenland paddle with the efficiency of a euro paddle, get a very short one such as used in whitewater.