narrow versus shorter
Posted by: jsmarch
on Dec-18-12 7:58 PM (EST)
Hey Rex, Afraid I agree with fadered on this one. With some allowance for subtle differences in tip configuration, flutter is almost entirely due to technique, not whether the paddle is long or short or the blade in 3.25 or 3.5 inches.
For the OP, I'd suggest trying a lot of paddles when you head out with friends until you get a sense of what feels right. I like 86" and 3" blade, but also have 84" and 88" paddles, and paddles with up to 3.5 in blades, and vary what I use depending on conditions and how I feel. Mostly I prefer high cadence paddling (like spinning on a bike) so shorter and narrower feels best, but there are many paths to walk and only experience will tell you which one is yours.