Nick,

I disagree with many of your points, such as that the shaped shaft of a "Euro" blade providing the same degree orientation as holding the blades of a Greenland blade, and others. We will just have to agree to disagree. It makes a great discussion around the campfire though. ;^)

Regarding your statement that if many Greenland proponents spent more time with a "Euro" paddle that they would find the differences less compelling, it is my experience that most of the current crop of excellent Greenland paddlers (outside of Greenland that is) came from a "Euro" paddle background and are quite familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each design. For what it's worth, I still have a garage-full of different "Euro" paddles and used a carbon Camano for many years. I learned to surf, play in whitewater, roll and paddle a seakayak using "Euro" designs. I enjoyed all of my "favorite" blades, but my current blade of choice is a Greenland paddle. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Of course, you like what you like. Once you reach a certain level of competency, your confidence and belief in a particular piece of gear can be as important or even more important than the physicial properties of the gear itself.

Greg Stamer
Orlando, Florida