That whole reach thing to determine length is a nice starting point. You would be amazed at how much difference 2" of length makes. Going to 88" will make a huge difference in feel. I can't imagine going to 96". I've made a few 90" paddles and they are way too much for me. I usuallly use an 88" paddle.

: Good afternoon gents,

: I hope all is well ,

: After my paddle technique woes now its time for a different /better
: paddle.

: My first two GP paddles were ok , My cross sections ended up
: rounded vs diamond shape and a bit too thin/ flexible for me.

: my 3rd paddle is a storm that I carved and has very nice diamond
: cross sections and a small flattish section on the tips this
: paddle works better than the other two full length ones.

: I found some beautiful ceadar 2x4 at a pretty good price . my boat
: is 23" wide and Im a bigger paddler (long torso) would it
: hurt any to use the whole 8' (96") or make it my reach of
: 84" which my last two paddle are.

: many thanks

: "John"