Canoe paddles come in a variety of shapes and sizes because there's no such thing as “one size fits all.” Choosing the right length is fairly straightforward, since this is determined by a simple measurement, but deciding between a straight shaft canoe paddle and one with a bent shaft, is a different story.
There's no concrete answer to find here, just a list of pros and cons to sort through, while also incorporating your own personal preferences. But with that said, I think by breaking down the main distinctions, and sharing my own opinions, other paddlers can get a head start on the matter.
For this gear comparison, I actually brought both types of paddles with me on a 4-day canoe trip through my favorite region: Killarney Provincial Park. For the first 2 days, I used the Bending Branches Catalyst (straight) and the last 2 days I went with the Java (bent).
Bent Shaft Canoe Paddle
The idea with a bent shaft canoe paddle is that it makes the forward stroke more efficient. If you've never used a paddle like this before, then your first instinct may be to scoop the water, but in actuality, the bend is meant to point away from you.
The reason for this is that the angle of the blade stays more vertical during the back half of the stroke, compared to the same motion with a straight shaft paddle. In the latter case, once the blade passes the knee, it starts to pull up (i.e. no longer just propelling the canoe forward). This, in turn, pulls your boat down; creating drag.
Bent shaft canoe paddles better?
In canoes and kayaks alike, bent shaft paddles lead to more powerful and efficient forward strokes, but this doesn't mean they are better across the board. Straight shaft paddles are an all-purpose tool.
They still effectively propel the boat forward, and for all other strokes, straight shaft paddles are more intuitive to use. Plus, it doesn't matter which side you catch the water with – it's the exact same. Whereas sometimes I'll catch paddlers getting a little twisted up with the orientation of a bent shaft.
Straight shaft paddles are also the way to go in rougher conditions. While pounding through some whitewater, it's helpful to have a paddle that works the same from either side, since you'll be taking a lot of back strokes while also trying to charge ahead (as well as draw strokes, etc.). Conversely, if you expect long days of paddling across calm waters, that's where the argument in favor of a bent shaft really comes into play.
After doing my extended side-by-side comparison, I realized that I prefer the straight shaft paddle (the Catalyst). Aside from it simply being more comfortable (for me anyway), I also appreciate having added dexterity.
Because of my background as a whitewater kayaker, I like to mix things up when I'm out there. I'm not solely concerned with finding the most-efficient path forward. I'm sure that over time I would become more intrigued with a bent shaft (the Java), but as it stands, I like a straight shaft canoe paddle better.
Side note on length of canoe paddles
A straight shaft canoe paddle should be about 4-inches longer than a bent one. For example, I'm 6-foot-2 (and long in the arms), and I used a 58-inch straight paddle, but a 54-inch bent.
Canoe and Canoe Paddle Rentals in Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney Outfitters has an abundance of canoes and canoe paddles on hand to rent (including the Swift Prospector that I used) and provide guided services to make the trip possible for paddlers of any skill level. For more information, contact Killarney Outfitters HERE.
That's my hot take on this canoeist's dilemma. I hope this helps steer you in the right direction. For more content on everything paddling-related, including my Paddle Tales episodes in Killarney (and beyond!), check out PaddleTV and subscribe to the In4Adventure.com newsletter for regular updates.
Canoe: Swift Prospector 17
Canoe paddles: Bending Branches Catalyst (straight) & Bending Branches Java 11
PFD: NRS Zen PFD
Paddling Top: NRS Silkweight shirt
Paddling Shorts: NRS Lolo Pants
