..and this was it: a thread on sculling.

http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Technique/index.cgi?read=4880

It could be that the secret is hidden inside the yak, where we don't see it (on photos, or watching someone do the trick on water)?

: That wasnt an option; what was left in my hand was all that was left of one
: blade; the loom and the other blade were several feet away. I think, in a
: combat situation without the mask, it's more of a given to reach for the
: spare.

so it broke at the fulcrum. that's interesting - sort óf eliminates flex from the equation, or does it?