: stretches. I do have one question though: is there an advantage to having
: one of those bent handle shafts?

Some people claim many advantages, especially at Lendal and others who make and sell them. It probably depends on what you are comparing them with.

Since you asked me, I'll just give my own view on the bent shafts. I think they may be nice especially when they give an offset to the blades, thus making flutter less of a problem. But unfortunately you pay for this on the reverse strokes and braces. This I personally am unwilling to do.

Another thing is that they mean the shaft will be long, and I like short paddles because then I can pull the blade along the side of the kayak, in a straight (almost) line, and not make that curve out to the side. This is very economical since the boat is not being turned left-right-left-right-etc. on every stroke.

So, with my euros I like straight short shafts, and I have learned to extend them when needed. BUT my euros are not wing paddles; if you go for a wing, then you need advice from people who really know their wing techniques. In that case, please forget all that I have just said .