Jeff,

I built myself a GP because I kept reading such great things about them. I tried it a few times, didn't like it, and went back to my Euro paddle.

It really depends on what kind of feel you like while paddling. A GP will give you less grip on the water and a higher cadence for a given speed. It's like riding a bike on low gear. Euro paddles get a better bite on the water and therefore, allow a slower cadence. They might feel a bit harder to pull when you start from a dead stop, but after two or three strokes, it's pretty easy to keep a good pace with fewer strokes because of the slower cadence.

I like the feeling of a more powerful stroke with a slower cadence; therefore, the Euro paddle is better for me. I also found that I could go faster with my Euro paddle. If you like the feel of a slipping grip on the water and a faster cadence, then go for the GP.

I was reading "How a paddle works" on Nick's website last night. He states that "As a general principle it is more efficient to generate a propulsive force by pushing a large mass slowly than it is to push a small mass quickly." This is exactly what I feel when I paddle with a large Euro blade as opposed to a GP.

Joy mentioned that she had trouble rolling with a Euro paddle because of the feather angle. Keep in mind that if you like Euro paddles, rolling is just as easy if you keep it unfeathered. In fact, I always suggest an unfeathered paddle. I'm a Physical Therapist (not practicing anymore, I'm a Fireman now) and the idea of a feathered paddle just screams OVERUSE INJURIES to me. This past weekend, I observed another paddler who just had shoulder surgery because of an overuse injury, and sure enough, his stroke is not the same on both sides. I firmly believe that an unfeathered paddle is the best way to go.

Good luck choosing the right paddle for you,

Pedro Almeida