What is Feather Angle? Should I use a feathered paddle?

Feather angle refers to the blade plane configuration of a kayak paddle (you canoeists can skip this). When the two blades are in the same plane as indicated by being able to lay it with both blades flat on the floor at the same time, it is unfeathered, (also called no-feather or zero feather). A feathered paddle is indicated when the blades are at any angle away from the same plane, and only one blade will lay flat on the floor at a time.

Unfeathered Paddle	Feathered Paddle

It can be right or left feather (see next topic), and at any angle up to 90°. The typical range of feather angles found is from a low of about 45° to 90° as the highest. I've heard of angles below 45°, but not seen any.

If you do go feathered, for starters, choose a paddle in the 60° feather range for best body dynamics efficiency. You can always change the angle when purchasing a future paddle, if necessary. Some authorities think using a feathered paddle might increase a paddler's chances of developing tendinitis. My informal research, as well as that of others, indicates that improper paddling technique is probably the biggest cause of wrist problems. I recommend trying feathered at first, and switch later if you have to. You will probably never have to.