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So, what do I do? Is it easy to adapt, should I tough it out, or go Euro until I know enough to change?]
I've noticed that new paddlers take to the GP quite easily and naturally if they have little or no Euro experience.
I paddled with a Euro for 20 years before learning to us a GP in 1990. I found the transition to be a difficult one and it took me an entire paddling season to get comfortable with the GP. I almost gave up on the GP during that time. I finally mastered the paddle and I haven't used a Euro since that time, and can see no reason for ever using one again. In fact, over the years, I've cut up the fibergalass looms from most of my homebuilt Euro's ( Lendal knock-off's) to use as take-apart ferrules for my GP's.
GP's are efficient for long distance paddling, much easier on the shoulders due to their flex, and the best bet for rolling. I prefer longer than normal GP's and AP's( Aleut Paddles) for a slower turnover and also better stability. ( 92 to 94 inches...I'm 5'9")
One of the side benefits of the GP is the low cost and quick build time of making your own. With some practice, you can make a GP in just a few hours using mostly power tools. In addition, yours will be as good as anything commercially produced due to the simplicity of the design.
A take-apart GP takes only an additional hour or so, and no expensive ferrules are required, just some 8" fiberglass paddle shaft or some aluminum tubing. A cedar 2 X 4 , a band saw, a palm sander , and a small block plane are all the tools required . You can skip the band saw, but it will take longer.
The Euro is less than 150 years old, while the GP or it's older cousin the AP have been around for thousands of years. It stands to reason that the Aleut and Inuit , whose lives depended on their gear, knew what was best !
http://yostwerks.com/APIntro.html - Take-Apart paddles
Regards,
Tom