-- Last Updated: Dec-13-12 5:51 PM EST --
Someone suggested - grasping each paddle the normal way
and forcing the tip of the blade against the floor...
Doesn't that only test the "blade" at the tip ?
Wouldn't you want to put the entire "flat" area
of the paddle against a pole, column, wood beam, etc.
and see how the shaft flexes as well ?
I'm thinking - Blade Flex - does not equal - Shaft Flex
in fact they are often made of 2 different materials;
further complicating the touchy feely combo thingy.
Usually we submerge the blade a good ways to get some bite
in the water before the push/pull action takes place