Paddles

I was reading through the "What paddle do you use" thread looking for ideas, but that's an old discussion and many of the best recommendations are for discontinued models.  So I'll ask my question.

I started with short sit-in touring kayaks but haven't touched a kayak in decades.  Just bought a 30" wide sit-on-top and grabbed cheap 220cm Carlisle Day Tripper.  I hadn't a clue about the "right" type paddle - length, blade shape, materials; not a clue.  I wanted something cheap to start to find the answers to those questions.

What I found out was that I can't use my old mid- to high-angle paddle stroke; that aluminum shafts are cold and - at least on the Day Tripper - slippery; and that low-end polypropylene blades have quite a bit of flex.

What I want to try next is a paddle that's 230cm long, with a straight-shaft fiberglass pole, and  reinforced blades.

BUT (big but) I expect this new paddle will be a learning paddle and not the last paddle I buy (for this kayak).  I don't want to spend the bank on a "learning" paddle, I just want it to be a better paddle than the Day Tripper.

Right now, we're limiting ourselves to coastal streams, smaller bays, and lakes, and around four "paddling hours" per trip.

I'm 5'10".  It's a Wilderness Tarpon 100.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

I would recommend a paddle 230-240cm in length. Werner, Bending Branches are two brands of paddles I have used and think they work great.

http://wernerpaddles.com/shop/kayak-paddles/kayak-fishing-paddles

http://bendingbranches.com/paddles/kayak/all

Hard to go wrong for your application with a Werner Camano.  Good all around paddle.

Once you get comfortable with your "learning" paddle, try out some bent shaft paddles.  They provide a more comfortable wrist position, and give you excellent control over the angle of your paddle.  But you'll need to spend some serious money to buy a bent shaft paddle.

However, if you have a pedal kayak, don't bother getting a bent shaft paddle.  You'll spend most of your time pedaling, not paddling, and a bent shaft paddle may not sit securely in a paddle holder.

Thanks.  What I choose will become a spare paddle someday, so I'm holding down the budget for now.  Werner and Bending Branches paddles are on sale right now and I'll check them out.

Thanks for the length recommendations.  Werner's sizing chart always points to a 220cm paddle, and I already know that's too short for me and the boat.

Everyone likes the Camano - it's always highly rated - but its price puts it off the list right now.

Thanks for mentioning a bent shaft.  I read that they are more ergonomic, but I haven't run across anyone who uses a bent shaft paddle.

Subject to change, I don't see pedal-power in my future.  I see the researchers setting out to sea in their Hobie's and I think they're great, but I don't believe we'll be in water deep enough often enough to rationalize pedal-power.  But I can rationalize any kind of new toy at the drop of a hat, so I may think differently next week.

I've already rationalized how much the grandkids will like the Tarpon 100 and have started looking at longer boats, so no one knows what direction I'll go next.  Not even me.

Thanks for taking a moment to give me your advice and suggestions.  It always helps.

Look used.  My first paddle was a Werner Camano that I paid $90 for.  A lot easier to drop $90 than $275.  Granted it was an older version Camano, and my newer one is lighter and stiffer.  But still a great paddle.

Look used.  My first paddle was a Werner Camano that I paid $90 for.  A lot easier to drop $90 than $275...

I keep an eye on Craig's List, but I'll look more often and watch more closely, now.  Thanks.

230 should be good. Go carbon. Every ounce counts against you and carbon Werner paddles are tough as nails. If there's one product I could fully endorse it would be those carbon paddles from Werner. I have one of those 230s and it was good for my Tarpon (which has since been sold) and another 210 cm Cyprus.

Thank you.  Werner carbon may be my ultimate paddle, but the Werner's are mighty pricey at this stage.  I'd spend the afternoon sitting on the bank crying (loudly) if I lost or damaged a Werner...

Aqua-Bound makes carbon paddles at half the cost of a Werner but I can't track down much information about them.

Appreciate the tip on a length that you liked to use with a Tarpon.  Every tip counts!

Same here, first paddle i had was from Werner called "Baja" at 240 cm for 99 bucks retail but got 20% off. Lightweight and easy.  Bending Branches Scout paddle is also good with a different blade profile than the Baja and easy to use for paddling 4 or more hours. Both are great but personally like the Scout. Currently using that with Wilderness Ride 115x.

Thinking for your height and width of kayak 230-240 cm length.
Look through Craigslist, Yakaz, and Ebay for deals and used. Will save you money.

Good luck

Bending Branches Scout paddle is also good with a different blade profile than the Baja and easy to use for paddling 4 or more hours. Both are great but personally like the Scout. Currently using that with Wilderness Ride 115x.

Thank you.  The Baja and the Scout are on sale.  Good discounts.  I've looked at the hook retrieval "cut out" molded into the Bending Branches angler series paddles and - without ever having tried one out - wondered if (and how) that affects that side of the paddle?

I haven't noticed any effects on where the cutout is and haven't tried using it for getting snagged lines. Just overall good paddling experience since I got it. Taken it out on Baker Lake and Puget sound and has really been solid.

Let me know if there's any other info or feedback I can help with.
I hope you find the right gear for your needs

Wow!
 I see many folks prefer the high $ paddles....
 Quite frankly, I am the opposite, I like my cheap Carlyle paddles.
 I am a utilitarian to the core, I use my paddle for many things I would not use a "werner" or any other high end paddle for. This includes, but is not limited to....pushing into the rocks, sand, gravel, mud, to get me moving in shallow water. Pushing /holding against wash rocks in the Ocean. I have even had to use it to slap the head of a large Sea Lion wanting our fish off the Yak.
 Bottom line for me is....it is more than a way to propel my Yak.
 If I were a Sea Kayaker going for distance....then I could see getting the best I could afford, but alas, I am a simple kayak angler enjoying life on the water when I get the chance.

I used to feel the same way,  until i tried a werner.

High end paddles are just if not more durable than the cheepies.
I use my paddle to push off the rocks and sand too. In fact I stepped on an all carbon top of the line Werner last summer. The carbon creased and a line was visible through the clear coat but it popped right back into shape and I used it for the rest of the week. A plastic paddle would have snapped.

All you need is an hour or two with a nice paddle and you will want one.