"Having spent 30 some years paddling Kayaks, Dragonboats and outrigger canoes from Novice to Elite team USA competitive levels.  Holding a Masters Degree in physiology has also given me a wider perspective of paddle design and biomechanics.  Seeing the evolution of paddle design from straight shafts, bent shafts, straight blades to curved blades and everything in-between has all had an impact on our bodies in one form or another.  

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Being in the paddling sports for such a long time has had an affect on my body.  Dragonboating stressed my rotator cuff on both shoulders and Outrigger canoeing has affected my wrists and elbows.  Technique has had some role in this as this is an ever progressing search of the holy grail of best technique.  Since I now focus on outrigger canoes, I have paddled almost all brands of paddles, my wife asking why I have so many paddles.  OC paddle design has settled into mostly double bends with either tear drop or Tahitian shaped blades.  

 

Nothing new has been modified in design until now.  Come IHE paddles, designed by Steven Blyth, from Hilo Hawaii.  He has developed a radical triple bend ergonomic shaft that address a lot of stress points that the current paddles don’t.  I asked Steven to send me a sample to try and low and behold my wrist and elbow discomforts are no longer.  This was a game changer for me so much to convince me to be a disciple of his design.  After talking to Steven he states that there is more to come and we, at PaddleZoo, are excited to be a part of this revolutionary change."