Bending Branches

For years in a straight paddle, I used too long of paddle. Now pretty much use a bending branches curved-bent of 52-54 inches.

Bending Branches info fit what you have or need?

Your favorite brand?

I find Bending Branches chart to be pretty accurate. I have two BB paddles 56" straight and 52" bent. Badger and BB are my go to paddle brands.

It's pretty accurate for the average human dimensions, folks with long gangly arms like me can get away with less paddle. I have a 54 according to their chart, but also a 52 which feels a bit more comfortable.

and SO much of paddle length comes down to personal feel. I know my paddle is shorter than I would have on a chart, but I use a short quick paddle stroke and so it's perfect for me.

According to their chart, I should use a 52" bent shaft paddle but I have been more comfortable with a 54". I usually sit in the front because my canoe partner has more experience on the water, and weight, than I do so I find that the little extra length makes it a little more comfortable in reaching over the gunwales.

If I were sitting in the stern, I imagine that the 52" would work just fine.

I did not find their chart accurate. By their standards a 56" bent is right for me. I ended up wanting a 52". Same was true for my wife who would theoretically be a 52" bent but is using a 50" on the cusp of wanting 48". She probably would have gotten a 48" but loves her new 50" Old Mustache.

This was an expensive problem to address. If anyone wants a lightly used 56" BB Pearl 11 maybe we can do a deal. Could probably do the same with a 50" BB Pearl 11 that has seen one BWCA trip.

Didn't mean to turn this into a sales pitch.