NorthWest Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing => Product Discussions => Topic started by: Hydrospider on June 08, 2017, 12:40:30 PM

Title: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 08, 2017, 12:40:30 PM
Im searching for a paddle that is 250-260cm.
Either a stock product or a company that will make something by request.
Carbon or wood shaft and either glass or carbon blades.

I'd prefer a bent shaft but I realize that may be even tougher to find at these lengths.

Any help is appreciated.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: onefish on June 08, 2017, 01:12:59 PM
Werner carbon Camano or the Kalliste come in sizes to 260, not in bent shaft though.  I checked them out recently at a demo day, super nice!
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Trident 13 on June 08, 2017, 02:01:31 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Predator-Fiberglass-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B00RM7YYL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496955545&sr=8-1&keywords=250%2Bcm%2Bkayak%2Bpaddles&th=1&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Predator-Fiberglass-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B00RM7YYL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496955545&sr=8-1&keywords=250%2Bcm%2Bkayak%2Bpaddles&th=1&psc=1)
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 09, 2017, 10:01:31 AM
Thanks for the suggestions.

Does anyone know what happened to Saltwood paddles??
They used to be based in OR and now I can't find their website.


My Saltwood paddle is one of my favorites. This one measures 230.

Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 09, 2017, 12:49:01 PM
 Just received word that Saltwood closed their doors last year.

 The search for a 260 continues.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: polepole on June 09, 2017, 02:26:52 PM
I know that Werner has the ability to do a custom one for you.  They've offered to do one for me in the past.  Now, what it will cost, I do not know.

-Allen
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: JasonM on June 09, 2017, 10:27:30 PM
As mentioned above, the straight shaft Werner paddles come in 260cm without even needing to ask them to do a custom paddle. I'm loving mine and it's just a Skagit (lower price model) in 240cm. Their ferrule is awesome, adjustable and feels like a 1-piece paddle when using it.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: [WR] on June 11, 2017, 11:46:40 AM
Check with NRS (www.nrsweb.com) or Sawyer Paddles... I think you'll find the length and materials you're looking for.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 12, 2017, 10:25:30 AM
Thanks again for the support.
This paddle will need a larger high angle blade. Ill be using it for rivers with the elevated chair.

I know that Werner has the ability to do a custom one for you.  They've offered to do one for me in the past.  Now, what it will cost, I do not know.

-Allen

 The last time I had inquired with Werner they weren't willing. Ill try again.
Do you have a recommendation for a contact person?

I do see that Werner now offers the Corryvreckan in a straight shaft 260.
That blade at 240cm has been a long time favorite of the B-port posse.

(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af155/hydrospider/1%20long%20paddle/XX_zpsxxzn7dox.jpg) (http://s1003.photobucket.com/user/hydrospider/media/1%20long%20paddle/XX_zpsxxzn7dox.jpg.html)
(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af155/hydrospider/1%20long%20paddle/P7220041_zpsy8gfm0w0.jpg) (http://s1003.photobucket.com/user/hydrospider/media/1%20long%20paddle/P7220041_zpsy8gfm0w0.jpg.html)
(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af155/hydrospider/1%20long%20paddle/DSCF3687_zpsmauggdqy.jpg) (http://s1003.photobucket.com/user/hydrospider/media/1%20long%20paddle/DSCF3687_zpsmauggdqy.jpg.html)
(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af155/hydrospider/1%20long%20paddle/DSCF1272_zpsqgorrwm2.jpg) (http://s1003.photobucket.com/user/hydrospider/media/1%20long%20paddle/DSCF1272_zpsqgorrwm2.jpg.html)

Beastly paddles and my comfort zone, but the bent shaft isn't offered at 260.
It looks like their longest bent shaft is 230.

260 ,bent shaft, twisted to 30, SHOGUN and we are in business!
But, Id be willing to down size to a Cyprus if I can get a bent shaft.
I AM getting older and the Corryvrecken sometimes feels like its getting bigger.

Ive been looking at some of the other companies offering 260s or "kayak fishing" paddles
and haven't been as impressed, yet.



Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 13, 2017, 01:37:59 PM
I spoke with Brandy at Werner customer service today. She was very helpful and explained that Werner is not able to make bent shaft paddles longer than advertised due to the mold that is used to make the shafts.
So, I am going to continue to search and if I can't find a WW paddle company that is willing to make a bent shaft 260, Ill return to Werner and get a straight shaft paddle at that length.

While I was disappointed, Brandy was great.

Going to try Adventure Tech next.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 13, 2017, 02:47:40 PM
 Adventure Tech (AT) won't produce a paddle greater than 240 straight or bent shaft.
Same mold issues as Werner. They suggested a wood paddle maker.
That was where I wanted to go with Saltwood...

 Things are looking grim. Checking out a few more, then Ill look outside of the U.S.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: YippieKaiyak on June 13, 2017, 03:20:17 PM
Mind if I ask why the preference for a bent paddle?  Never used one myself. 
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Mark Collett on June 14, 2017, 02:12:57 AM


 Hey Hydrospider,

 I've been wanting to make a 'Greenland' style paddle. It could be any length you want.
 Interested ?
 I'd be making it out of Red Cedar.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Ling Banger on June 14, 2017, 04:44:14 AM
Mind if I ask why the preference for a bent paddle?  Never used one myself. 

By keeping your arms in a lower position you get less fatigued.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: polepole on June 16, 2017, 10:10:00 AM
Mind if I ask why the preference for a bent paddle?  Never used one myself. 

By keeping your arms in a lower position you get less fatigued.

I don't think it keeps them in a lower position.  It does, however, rotate them into what is believed to be a more ergonomic position.  That being said, it isn't for everybody.  I paddled one for a couple years, but never was able to get used to the difference in shaft control.  And it really didn't make any difference for me.

What strikes me as odd here is that a bent shaft could really help for the longer paddles.  I would think that with the more torque they produce, the more that the ergonomics of it would come into play.

Terry, let's build some paddles!   ::)

-Allen
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 16, 2017, 05:30:34 PM


 Hey Hydrospider,

 I've been wanting to make a 'Greenland' style paddle. It could be any length you want.
 Interested ?
 I'd be making it out of Red Cedar.

Thanks MC,  Ive always thought that it was Jedi to be able to craft your own paddle. If you make your excalibur , please just enjoy it.
I don't have the right boats or skills, but WOW, thats an interesting offer..They are fascinating paddles, and something oversized could be fun.
Maybe a conversation for another time MC. Ive watched a lot of greenland roll videos and the style is both humbling and inspiring. Unfortunately the greenland is not the right tool for this job.


Mind if I ask why the preference for a bent paddle?  Never used one myself. 


Its just a better fit for me. For my frame and paddling styles, the bent shaft is a more relaxed and comfortable position.
Its also feels more action ready. Kayak fishing takes the paddle out of my hands. It also requires quick paddle counter measures while distracted by fishing. The bent shaft seems to help me with my paddle awareness. I know exactly where I am at on the paddle at contact and a grip flex away from being on the move when I need it most. I also extend the paddle a lot, especially when ruddering. The bent shaft helps speed up my my grip position changes. Im more confident that Ill find that sweet spot and blast off quicker. The bent shaft is even more noticeably helpful with this when wearing gloves.
I knew it immediately when I first picked one up. I switched to the bent shaft in 2006 or 07 and have not purchased a straight shaft paddle since.
 I can adapt ,and it looks like Ill have too, but its just not as enjoyable.
I appreciate a stronger connection to the paddle, and not just because more of my hand stays in contact with the paddle throughout the stroke phases. These are just the paddles that fit me. The rub is that they are heavier and may not be as strong. And, of course, difficult to get in a 260.
I think its kind of interesting that none of the big league paddlers that I have followed or tried to learn from use the bent shaft.
Still, there is no doubt that its what I should be paddling.




Terry, let's build some paddles!   ::)

-Allen

We may have to.   The 240 is just not enough to be successful in the tall chair

Come on Werner!  I am a reasonable man. Cyprus 260, bent shaft, and adjustable blade angles.
This needs to happen. Or something close or maybe bigger.

The chair is tall,comfortable, and fun. The boat is a creek beast and feels like they made it of me.  I just need the paddle that fits.

The forward 3 paddles are all bent shaft. The straight shaft paddles of my past stay on the rack collecting dust.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 19, 2017, 11:20:41 AM
 The hunt and the homework continues. I came across an article that I thought was interesting.
It's from Jackson, promoting the Bending Branches kayak fishing paddle.

The 2 statements that I found most interesting were "The best paddle money can buy"
and  "the best paddles that you can find in the world".

Pretty strong words and I'm a little suspicious of the featured writer's skill set.
Possibly a by product of kayak fishings "pro" staff culture that I believe is largely made up of anglers pretending to be paddlers.

http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/2017/03/21/bending-branches-angler-pro-the-best-paddle-money-can-buy/
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: ZeeHawk on June 19, 2017, 06:03:38 PM
"the best paddles that you can find in the world".
:spittake:
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on June 20, 2017, 09:05:46 AM
 I got to test this same BB paddle a few years back. It wasn't a horrible experience but I wouldn't purchase one.
They were once building up their pro staff ranks and some friends suggested that they ask me.
I had to be honest and told them that if I felt they had a product worth representing I would already be using it.

 Im kind of surprised that Jackson was promoting BB.  I remember EJ using lightning paddles and I think Dane uses Werner.
Maybe there is some sort of business relationship between Jackson and BB for the fishing boats.
I really like Jackson, enjoy EJs educational products, and own 2 Jackson kayaks, but after reading this article, Im a little disappointed.
Title: Re: Long paddles
Post by: Hydrospider on November 29, 2017, 01:21:54 PM
 I eventually chose the Werner Cyprus, carbon, straight shaft, 260cm, and feathered to 45.
Its the smallest blade that I have used but I enjoy it. The straight shaft is not comfortable for me( I had no other options), but the 260cm in the elevated chair is exactly what I had hope it would be.

Side-note
My paddle rack won't support a 260.