New Here, and wondering about this paddle design.......

Hello All,

I am new here, and still pretty new to Kayak fishing. I have been using a conventional paddle (I don't recall the exact length at the moment) but I noticed that every time I come home from an outing my shoulders and upper back really hurt, more so the next day. In the past, due to a work injury I have had both of my shoulder rotator cuff's repaired, and I have a bulged disc in my upper back between my shoulders......I know that this is a big part of the problem, but at the same time, I don't paddle super hard, and I don't really go that far. (Due to the same problem)

So......., I have been looking at the paddle below, and would like to get more experienced guys opinion. Do you guy's think this might help, or do I just need to adjust my paddle stroke some how?

http://gullwingpaddles.com/paddle.html

Any advice you guy's can lend would be greatly appreciated.

I've owned a gullwing for several years, while I don't have shoulder issues I found it pleasant to paddle with since the stroke is not as high as a regular paddle.  It's easy to cradle in your lap when working with fishing gear, etc. it won't fall overboard.  I haven't used it much since I bought my Hobie.  I don't recall what length mine is but if you might want a slightly used one, PM me.

Dan E

Can you tell me what boat/model you're padding (looking for width) and the length of the paddle, inches will do. Is the paddle you are currently using feathered or straight.  That just means are the blades turned so you have to slightly rotate the paddle in your hand each stoke to get a good pull in the water. This is an easy read going over the idea.

http://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2012/03/understanding-paddle-feathering/

When you paddle, are you pulling with your arms/shoulder or keeping your elbows closer to your body and using your chest/waist muscles to turn and pull the paddle back. How far past your body do you move the paddle?  Usually about body position or slightly back is best.

We should be able to help you paddle without excessive arm fatigue with in reasonable goals

Paddling is easy, but paddling in the best way for you takes more practice than some think. 

I'll send you a PM message with my phone number and you can give me a call if you'd like.  I've had back surgery and learned to paddle my sit-in over 40 miles a day in the salt, so it's frequently a matter of how you paddle and learning what works for you.  I'm in Kent and would be happy to meet part way (maybe at one of the brew pubs on 167 toward Sumner?)   You can learn a lot paddling on a bench or even a chair outside.  I have a decent paddle or two I'd lend you to try before you spend money on something on a hunch.
john   

I'd guess it's more technique that paddle design - paddling a kayak isn't something we're born knowing how to do.  Take Trident13 up on his offer before you start buying paddles.

BTW, a 230cm paddle would be 10 or 15cm too short for me at 5'10" with a 31-inch wide kayak.

Thanks for all of the replies....

My Kayak is a sit in, and it's about 29" wide. I think I am using my arms and shoulders more to paddle than anything else. I am not sure on the feathering thing for the paddle....(still new to this) my blades are a little angled, but I don't need to turn the paddle to  make my paddle stroke if that makes much sense.

Yeah, it makes sense and a shorter paddle could be the right fit.  I have a banged-up rotator cuff and I can feel it as more of an irritation when paddling than a real "Ow!" pain.  What made it a bit better for me was reading something about not using the paddle to push myself through the water, but to pull myself.  Thinking about that changed my stroke.  Wasn't a game-changer, but it got better.

Stay in touch with Trident13 and see if his tips help.  Oh, and get a Hobie...   

There's also these. You all may not be injured enough to warrant the purchase, but someone reading this thread in the future might be.

https://www.angleoar.com

There's also these. You all may not be injured enough to warrant the purchase, but someone reading this thread in the future might be.

That one's not going to help me.  It's not holding the paddle, it's the effect of the paddling movement on the shoulder joint and I'd still be doing that with an Angle Oar.

My future might be attaching that jet to the rudder...

Try watching this video, it points out a lot of things.


I tend to keep my elbows lower and closer to my body.  I really try to focus on rotating my chest and waist while "holding" with my arms.  You can experiment with a push with the up-paddle side as much or more as a pull with the paddle stroke. 

You should try to reach forward and stick the paddle by your feet ad get out about hip level.  It hurts me to let the paddle get further back and I end up scooping water on the pickup.  There's several videos on this and all are worth watching.  Just search for Forward Stroke Kayak paddling.
My sit in was 23 inches and I felt good with a 220 paddle.  At 29 inches you might want to try a 230 or even 240.  Stay in touch and I can let you try some.  ave some with you. 

Thanks again for the replies.

I went out yesterday, and paddled about a total of 3-3.5 miles, the longest I have done so far. I kept my elbows closer to my torso and paid more attention to how I was putting the paddle in the water. I was actually able to troll from my Kayak for the first time......And actually caught a small Bass to boot! First time ever doing that, I loved it....Fishing while travelling to my fishing spot, very cool.

When I got done I was not as sore as usual, and that's with going further than I ever had before. Now today, my upper back is a little sore, as are my shoulders, but nothing like before, and like I said I was able to go farther.

Thanks for posting the video, good information. I think now I just need to get out a bit more, as this bit of soreness I can handle.


With that said..................My next Kayak WILL have a pedal drive, and the paddle will just be for a back up

Thanks again to all for the advice, with it I was able to do more than I ever had with just a few tweaks, opened up a lot more fishing areas for me.......

argggg, does that mean you don't need to meet up for a brew? lol.  I would like to have a South Seattle meetup before too long...

Sounds like you've figured it out, look for some "forward stroke" video's on youtube, many have a a nugget or two that will work for you.  It's a good sign you're a bit stiff in those areas as it means you're using muscles that are better suited for your situation.  I carry a bit of a pouch just to make sure I have additional resources if needed:-0

I'm in the South Of Tacoma, I do thank you for your help via the Forum I think I will get it down.............Maybe I'll see you on the water somewhere......

You might consider some yoga/stretching exercise to loosen up the back and shoulders too.  Worked for me.
http://www.canoekayak.com/skills/yoga-for-paddlers-part-i/

That's a really good idea.........I should know that, but I forgot all about stretching before. I bet that will help too. Thanks for reminding me!

great thread
I am also post back and shoulder surgery and any topic about paddles and technique is of interest.
Even if you don't have injuries, if you're paddling and not stretching, you are set up to have some.

The gullwing has had my curiosity for some time. Im not a fan of the materials or its weight but the design is very interesting. I can see how the lower blades could offer less shoulder stress and the comfort of the neutral position in a bent shaft is well known. But, those blades look burly. What relief you might get from the shaft design could be lost in those scoopers.
The real deal breaker for me was not being able to feather the blades and I was concerned that the paddle would become a novelty taking up rack space.

Al_G19,  if you decide to continue paddling, I might suggest a paddle that..
is light    ~25 oz    (cf)
is long    240 minimum
has a humble low angle touring blade
then feather the blades

Always stretch and engage your core every time you put blades to water.

They are not for everyone but I find comfort in the bent shaft paddles.
Unfortunately its tough to find a bent shaft over 240.
I am hopeful that this will change with SOT chairs getting higher.

the quiver