It's a compromise length, more for WW
Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady
on Dec-09-12 7:41 PM (EST)
It is too long for a flatwater cruising straight paddle. I would probably use a 54" ZRE for that. But I only want two paddles for everything when tripping.
The 57" is mainly for WW and any swiftly moving water where I need to make moves. Paddling on the flats, yes, I'm pushing slightly upwards with my top hand, rather than downwards as with my bent. Not optimal, but I get used to it.
The length is actually useful for strong weather-cocking in beam winds, which I experience on windy lakes in my SRT. The only way to correct is with big sweeps on the upwind side or strong stern pries on the downwind side. The extra leverage is very helpful.