Spooned can mean either concave along the length of the power face or concave along the width. Dihedral is convex across the width of the power face.

Most paddles are spooned somewhat along their length. Paddles spooned across their width can be very hard to scull and roll with because the paddle wants to follow the curve of the spooning and will tend to dive.

Dihedral paddles put the center of effort slightly behind the central axis of the paddle shaft making them more stable and less likely to dive.

I call the paddle in my paddle plans "spooned" but it is only spooned along its length, it is actually somewhat dihedral across its width.

: I'm looking to buy a good paddle, to replace the $30 one I've been making do
: with. I'd like to buy a wood paddle. I've seen some that say
: "spooned." Others say "dihedral." What do these terms
: mean, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?