Ryan :

Assuming you are canoeing, I'd say the choice depends a lot on your individual style. When paddling solo I prefer a straight
shaft because I do a lot of in water recovery and palm rolls which often changes the power face from one side to the other. A bent
shaft is a dedicated paddle in the sense that the grip hand must maintain the same position in relation to the shaft full time.
Folks who like an out of water recovery and don't mind the dedicated position, the bent shaft can be a good choice.
For tandem paddling I find the bent shaft more efficient, but it works best for me if a bit shorter than the straight shaft used
for solo.
Help this helps.

John

"Ryan Morin" wrote in message om...
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.