The kayak paddle is a little shorter, and the blade angles are a bit shallower (straighter) than the canoe paddles, because a kayaker typically sits lower to the water than a canoist. Hand grips are angled to provide a comfortable "neutral" hand position with less stress on the wrists. The downward angle of the blades means elbows stay below the shoulders, reducing stress on the shoulders, and allowing very little water to get into the kayak. Turn heads with this radical new design!