Always before I have used a straight paddle in the stern, for steering and such. The guy in the bow has used a bent shaft for more power and ease of paddling. I am now comptemplating purchasing a bent shaft to use in the stern. How many of you use a bent shaft in the stern, and do you have any problems with steering? Also, I would appreciate any recomendations for which paddle to get. I have looked at some entry level paddles from Bending Branches, in particular the BB Special, and the BB Cruiser, both are 14 degree bends. I have also looked at a Sawyer Cruiser which is a 15 degree bend. I know that Bending Branches also has 7 degree paddles. Which would be best for the guy paddling in the stern? Thanks in advance...

Bruce
Good Paddling, Great Fishing and God Bless All...

I personally do not like bent shaft in the stern.
I tried a 14 degree in the stern a couple of years ago and now only use it when paddling bow. This fall I did try a 10 degree paddle while doing a solo trip and I liked that and it J-stroked nice in a solo, but have not tried it in a stern of a tandem. I am staying straight in the stern for now. That is just my opinion.
I have seen others who seem to do OK with a bent shaft in the stern-just does not work or feel right to me.

I use a bent shaft while in the stern and have no problem with it. Since I've converted to a bent shaft I haven't looked back. It's a matter of getting used to it is all... and 4 hours on a lake or river will take care of that. I paddle solo 80% of the time and use one then also.

You can spend a lot of money on a new paddle... I'd vote on keeping your first one on the cheaper (Affordable) side of things.

Wenonah (Grey Owl) makes a very affordable and light 14or15? degree paddle. (I've got two a 52" and 54")

I also have a Bending Branch Cruiser but it's a 50" and that's too short for my liking.

I have another Bending Branch that's a 54" that's a little more pricey but I can't remember which one it is... that's replacing the Wenonah 54"... which has seen better times.

Hex

I too use a bent shaft for virtualy all my tripping. My current paddle of favor is a 10 degree Carolina Carver I special ordered at 56" (I've got gorilla arms my friends tell me). It works equally well in my wenonah solo or my grumman tandem from the stern. The wide blade makes correction stroking a breeze plus great power for those head winds. My previous paddle and current back-up is a bending branchs bent shaft, although the model escapes me now. Again I found it to work well, just a little short at 54". I too think it is a matter of getting used to whatever paddle you choose. Anyone know of a paddle with power assist? I see alot of those headwinds.