I'm going to…. say that I am NOT in the zero feather camp. Having worked with paddlers who have attempted this approach, I have noticed nearly universally sloppy catch and a host of connection issues related to a general lack of core engagement (no tripod). I am of the opinion that it prioritizes bracing above actually paddling, and while well intended, is a crutch that ultimately interferes with paddler progression. Zero feather paddlers progress more slowly, paddle more slowly and have to unlearn very bad habits later; ironically including learning dynamic bracing (bracing to catch described in my first post). While I am not a fan of arguments from authority, I don't know of a single elite / pro racer using zero feather today, and it's not because they haven't tried it or were simply taught another way. If something can produce even a decimal point of improvement, they'll do it. I've personally experimented with it, and recorded my data. I am far more biomechanically efficient at 62º feather than I am even 45º. It drops off a cliff at 40º and beyond to zero….