What paddle do you use?

hmmm. practical or bling...practical or bling...

Bring on the BLING... Sweet paddle Z, I'm all over that!

Should have known to look in the Classifieds, NWKA comes through, again.

Okay, one more thing.  I remember now that I really REALLY hated how cold that aluminum paddle I uses to use felt in my hands on most of the trips I ever used it on in the chilly northwest.

Fishin-T

B.L.,

I've gone through a progression of lighter and lighter weight paddles over the years as I've stayed with the sport.  I guess after I've gone for any particular spell without picking up any new toys recently, it gets easier to justify picking up yet a better paddle than the last one.

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is the obvious fact that paddle weight per dollar spent follows kind of an inverse hyperbolic curve.  That is, the more weight that is shed off of the paddle that you want to buy, the quicker the price seems to go up, faster and faster.  The more important thing that I haven't seen mentioned is why that expensive but light paddle just might be worth the money.  Over at a site called AustinKayak (.com, of course) they explain it like this:  if you were to do maybe 1,000 paddle strokes today on a long long trip with a paddle that weighs 32 oz, then you had to lift a total of 2000 lb out of the water today (1000 strokes X 2 lb).  If you're on a much shorter trip, then a heavier paddle won't wear you out near so much.  Or if you could shave 10% off of that paddle weight, you should (in theory) be 90% as worn out.

I've got 4 paddles now, having climbed steadily up that price curve as I've gone on.  I still use my old fiberglass paddle for river trips like you're talking about, so it won't cost near so much if it gets banged up.  But I absolutely don't regret buying my "Werner Bending Branches Camano Carbon Composite Straight Shaft" paddle for longer trips or long ocean fishing days.  Check out that paddle selection discussion over at Austin Kayaks... it sounds like just what your asking for.  I've certainly got not vested interest in steering you their direction, but I did feel like I got a decent price on an internet purchase paddle from them.

Fishin-T

Hmm, I don't know i just need something to stick to the side of my kayak and look good...

Incomplete theory on this one.  Wouldn't the water pressure on the blades account for the majority of the effort being expended?

Also 90% as worn out, but you're still lifting 1800 lbs of paddle, right?  But you're probably pulling much more of that in weight due to the water pressure on the blade face.

A light paddle does come in handy when doing 1 handed paddle stroke adjustments ... when holding a rod in the other hand!!!

-Allen

I can easily see what you're driving at Pole.  But it's Austin's story, I've just mangled it and garbled it some cause I can't remember how their numbers ran.  All I know is that sure enough, my newest and lightest paddle seems a whole lot easier to paddle with than my older fiberglass model.  But yeah, that could easily have a lot to do with a more sophisticated shape and not just weight.  By all means though, check their paddle selection adviser story to get it how they really say it.

http://www.austinkayak.com/PaddleSelectorMain.php

Fishin-T

T, what are the 4 paddles you have?

-Allen

Pole,

I have the Werner that I just mentioned, a fiberglass that I can't name cause it's not with me here in stupid Okla., and two alum. loaners, one here and one there.  I think the loaners are probably Carlisle (Sp?)

T

T, what are the 4 paddles you have?

-Allen

Hey Allen,

You still willing to part with those two paddles?  I've found myself in the awkard position of having 4 kayaks and 2 paddles.   

I guess I should have gone for 2nd in the Pacific City Tournament.   

I guess I should have gone for 2nd in the Pacific City Tournament.   

You know.. that asshat just doesn't fit anyone better than you.. 

Z

T, what are the 4 paddles you have?

-Allen

Hey Allen,

You still willing to part with those two paddles?  I've found myself in the awkard position of having 4 kayaks and 2 paddles.   

I guess I should have gone for 2nd in the Pacific City Tournament.   

Yeah, they have your name on them.

-Allen

I guess I should have gone for 2nd in the Pacific City Tournament.

Ah you finally figured out my plan. 

I went from a $70 el cheapo paddle this summer to two really nice carbon paddles this fall.  They are nicer to paddle with, but frankly I never knew what I was missing before that.  If you can't fit a really nice paddle into your budget, I wouldn't bother trying one yet.

Wali's suggestion on investing in learning to paddle better before investing in a better paddle is a good one.

Brian

Bad Latitude- 

I've been happy with the mid-range Werners that I've used. I prefer a narrower blade for open water, where I expect to do a lot of paddling. It's not only easier to use at a lower angle (less rotational torque), but also is easier on the joints (less area immersed). If I need to accelerate, I just up my cadence. The advice to get some basic paddling technique instruction is sound. Both upper body and grip mechanics are important to avoid body damage, and get maximum performance. That said, I'll probably build my next paddle, just as I did with the oars for my wherry.

CBY- Since you're using a Hobie, you could probably get away with just using a couple of empties, in an emergency!

This is my paddle of choice...

http://www.bendingbranches.com/compkayak/angler_breeze_day.html

Carbon Shaft, Fiberglass blade...  Best of all, a 40" fishing ruler built in.  I bought it for my old Tarpon 160 (2003 model), and IMMEDIATELY noticed how much faster I could paddle, with less strain and fatigue over my aluminum and plastic paddle I got with the Tarpon...

Now that I have a Revolution, I still use it when shallow water conditions (Very common where I fish) prevent the use of my pedals, and when I use both (Pedals and Paddle) against currents and wind...  This latter takes some coordination at first, but definately adds about 1 knot to my speed for short distances, usually enough to overcome strong currents of 20+ know winds which often appear out of nowhere around here.

YotF

Paddle size/shape ... does anyone truly think they have a low paddle angle on a SOT?  You're sitting a good 6 inches higher than you would be on a SIK.  It just feel like going to be a high angle no matter what.  jself, your thoughts?

-Allen

True, however, the width of most SOT's compensates for the higher center of gravity...

Most SOT's and Rec yaks, require a low angle paddle...  The High angle paddles are for the touring and racing yaks...  Less than 24"  width...  Which are usually paddles in a mid angle style, as the Hign Angle style is best for kayaks in the 18"-20" widths...

YotF

True, however, the width of most SOT's compensates for the higher center of gravity...

Most SOT's and Rec yaks, require a low angle paddle...  The High angle paddles are for the touring and racing yaks...  Less than 24"  width...  Which are usually paddles in a mid angle style, as the Hign Angle style is best for kayaks in the 18"-20" widths...

YotF

Nope.  Whitewater kayaks are not in the 18-20" range and there the style is high angle.  I sit and watch people paddle all the time.  90% of the time on SOT's, they are paddling a high angle.  Most people are punching their off hand straight out from their shoulder.  When you're 6 inches higher in a SOT, you are not punching it 6 inches down from your shoulder.  So you're angle naturally gets higher.  I could do all the geometry, but I'm feeling lazy and don't want to bore you all.

-Allen