This smoothly inverts the blade to load the powerface on reverse sweeps and prys. Acquiring this simple skill transforms the bent paddle into a magical stick for solo and tandem paddlers. This is a recent discovery because early bent paddles were racing blades. They veered when sliced, and they didn't have enough blade surface for secure and effective high brace turns. The emergence of larger, double cambered, freestyle blades in bent configuration represents a change in thinking.
Bent paddles enhance the low brace christie by presenting a flatter powerface to the water.
The brace becomes firmer and the bite of the paddle can be increased, transferring power into the reverse sweep component of the stroke and improving rotation. The better bracing angle allows greater extension across the rail in tandem moves. Bent paddles facilitate inverted jams because the leading edge more completely intersects the hull for increased deflection. Jamming a bent paddle with the backface loaded means less blade contact or extreme paddler extension. Bent paddles also alter turning draws.