Paddles and racks for a pickup truck

Lookin for some feedback on paddle selection.  I have settled on a OK Big Game as my first kayak to enter this entertaining world of kayak fishing but I know nothing about paddles or selecting one that is right for me.  I assume the store I am buying the kayak from (REI Portland or Alder Creek) will help me out as well, but I would value feedback from others on this board as well.

Also - for transport I am looking for feedback on a system for carrying the yak on my Ford Ranger pickup truck.  I have two Thule cradle racks which fit on my 4Runner roof rack, but I don't have a rack system on my truck.  I don't have a canopy on my truck so I'm leaning towards one of the racks that slide into the tow hitch receiver with an extension that comes up to meet at the roof line.

By the way for those that are interested - REI is having their big anniversary sale this weekend and guess what is on sale... what for it..... KAYAKS, PADDLES, DRY BAGS, and PFDs!!  I was already leaning towards buying my gear soon but this just proves that the kayak fishing Gods are smiling down on me apparently!

Re: paddles-

You can get pretty good recommendations on paddle length, from the store, but paddle shape is another thing. Paddle length will be affected some by your stroke; ie a low, across-the-body stroke works best with a relatively long paddle. A high, vertical stroke would suggest a shorter paddle.  Blade shape preference is very personal. Some people, like myself, prefer a narrower blade because it's easier on the joints and seems more conducive to a long days paddle (don't have to worry about feathering in windy conditions, either). Other people prefer a wider blade so that they can dig in better, and get the boat accelerating, sooner. Best is to try, or test, as many paddles and shapes as you can.

Re: racks_

I am a died-in-the-wool DIYer. I'm also (by necessity) cheap. I would probably build something out of scrap dimensional lumber. (I'm a carpenter.) There are lots of systems out there. What's going to feel right to you?

Words of wisdom from Pisco!!

I'll just add my 2 cents as I've used some different paddles on the Big Game (see my post on some paddles I have for sale).  You'll definitely want to splurge on a good quality paddle.  With the Big Game being a heavier boat you don't want to lose efficiency by using a cheaper paddle that is not as stiff.  I'd start by trying an all fiberglass paddle that's 230cm.  230 seems to be a good all around paddle to start off with.  You can adjust size from there to fit your paddling style but you shouldn't have to go beyond 220-240.  If you have a higher angler paddling style then you'll find the shorter side of that range to be better.

And as Pisco says, bigger blade is not necessarily better.  A lot of people think getting a bigger blade will be better, but many times you just work harder and your muscles will just get more tired and you won't end up doing much better.  If you know you are a stronger paddler, then by all means try out the bigger blades, but don't go into it thinking you need bigger.

Try the Werner Shuna or it's bigger brother, the Corryvrecken.  The Kuaui I have for sale is similar to the Shuna.  REI and Alder both carry Werner's.  Also try the Carlyse Enchantment, which I also have for sale.  The Swift brand paddles also have a decent following.  And I currently paddle a Lendal paddle.  All the above a proven brands worth trying out.  REI also carries Aquabound which are decent paddles too.

Don't get too caught up in the specs, especially weight.  There all within a few ounces of each other anyway.  Find the one that feels best to you and you're good to go.

REI will be having their Paddle Demo days at Lake Vancouver on June 16, if you're still looking to demo paddles then.

-Allen

Bluknight

Go to the classified area and look at the truck rack that I put on there for sale. I still have it and I am willing to deal, If you want to come and get it. Check it out, if it works for ya I will give you the low down on it. You can come over to fish/kayak and if you like it take it home, for the right price. If not at least we fished. I am in Port Angeles.
Matt

Floatin CBs -

I noticed your rack earlier in my searches.  Looks like a nice setup but I'm looking for something a bit less permanent.  Believe it or not I do a good bit of hauling in the truck bed so I need it open on the top.  I'm leaning towards a Thule T-post that comes out of the hitch receiver.  I already have the kayak cradles that would go on that.  Thank you for the offer though.

I have not used it personally, but the boys down south that I've been hanging out with use a bed extender from Harbor Freight that goes into your hitch receiver. Wrap it with a split pool noodle and at $40 (and often on sale for $20) it will more than do the trick and definitely appeals to my frugal nature. Plus there is no overhead lifting.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39168

Ohhhh yeaah!  I'm liking that option much better than the $250 worth of Thule gear to put it on top of the truck.  I'll have to see how obtrusive the boat is in my truck though.  My Ranger bed is only 6', so that means I'd have another 6' sticking out the back of the truck.  I'm not even sure if that is "technically" legal to have that much junk hangin out your trunk here in WA!  A little research will clear that up though.

Just got done with my research and according to Washington State Patrol ......"To the Rear – Load shall not extend more than 15’ beyond the center of the last axle. RCW 46.44.034"  Thanks again Fishesfromtupperware!  I owe you at least a couple Starbucks or cold ones when we get linked up someday.  Oh, and my shoulders will likely be thanking you as well!

Hey Bluknight; way off topic, but how did you get your handle?  Are you a Motor Cop?  Just curious. 

Thanks,

Will

Will,

Well done sir!  Not a motors guy but I am a cop.  Big fan of Joseph Wambaugh books and therefore I have taken on idea of being a Blue Knight from one of his first books so titled.  Don't hold it against me too much .... I've been told I'm a very nice cop even by those I arrest!