Loom

The loom is that part of a Greenland paddle between the blades. On a Euro paddle, it would be called a shaft.

It's length is usually measured as follows. Drop your hands to your sides and let them hang loosly. Bending at the elbow, rais your hands and hold them out in front of you, maintaining a relaxed position. With your thumbs pointing up, the loom length should be the distance between your hands. With a storm paddle the loom length is shortened to about two fists or less (around 20cm - 8" - or less).