A Bent shaft allows your hands to take a more natural position and
reduce strain on your wrists. However, a strait shaft allows the
paddler to shift hand positions on the shaft. A bent shaft provides
benefits if hands are placed on a specific place. Therefore, it is more
important when selecting a bent shaft paddle to choose proper length
shaft. During a stroke, your dry blade hand should not rise above the
height of your shoulder. Otherwise, shoulder injury can occur. So one
could cite good reasons to choose either. I paddle more with a bent shaft.

Ryan Morin wrote:
I want to buy some new paddles and was looking around and noticed that
there is a type that hasa bent blade.

Just wondering if it is a better way to go for fla****er lake and
river travel.