: Like others. I don't have first hand experience. But I think it
: won't affect his ability at all. I too often take my out of the
: equation, to give it a rest from the vice like grip I tend to
: do. I have calluses at the base of my thumb from my crazy grip.
: Palming the paddle is always a nice change of pace. I would not
: even consider this an issue.

: Can't wait for the weather to get warm again. (I'm in Wisconsin)

: Jerry

As a somewhat elederly paddler and arthritis suffere I have some first-hand (no pun intended) experience of paddling with one thumb or other resting on top of the paddle. Paddle sizes 1 x 1-3/16 and 1-1/8 x 1-3/16 are both OK. No problem at all for regular paddling, but brace and other "off the side" strokes will be more difficult on one side where the thumb is missing on the lower hand in my experience - easy to lose the paddle! If you paddle with feathered blades (I don't often) the "strong" hand will have to be the one with the thumb of course! What I need is help with is my clicking elbow which has severely cut down my paddling time ...