EAR,
Depends on how large you define your area. I'm 30 miles south of Buffalo NY. However, the 1st 2/3's of my life were in WPA (Sharpsville, DuBois & Oil City). My favorite paddling spot is the Allegheny (from the dam to Parker).
I do check the TCT message board weekly (I'm actually registered!) As of 5/1/08 I will cease being a corporate flunkie and hope to do a LOT more trippin'.
BTW, there is a p-net group putting together an overnight on the Tionesta.
Jon
Bent shaft paddles optimize the bio mechanics when the paddler is seated. They allow the paddler to maximize the portion of the stroke where the blade is vertical or nearly vertical in the water as this is the most efficient portion of the stroke. Unfortunately, they don't rudder or J very well so the canoeist has to use the hit and switch method of paddling. Racers have proven that this is the fastest way to get from point A to point B.
This is a great method of propulsion when one needs to travel fast or power into a headwind. It is not a very relaxing way to paddle nor does it allow for all of the nuance strokes that make paddling with a straight stick so enjoyable (at least for me). With a straight shaft I can J, C, and wedge. I can side slip, do cross strokes and all of the fun freestyle stuff that I incorporate into my everyday paddling. (Note: There are a few great tandem freestylers who use bent shafts but you can count them on one hand with fingers left over.)
For long distance tripping, one should probably carry both a bent and a straight. Each has it's place. I paddle almost exclusively with straight sticks. They suit my style best.
Marc Ornstein
Dogpaddle Canoe Works