2016 Werner Grand Prix Review

Welcome to our guest blogger, Werner Team Paddler, Mike Darbyshire.

After hearing about the changes to Werner Paddles SUP linefor 2016 I was eager to get the paddles into my hands and into the water.  I placed my pre-order at the end of last year for 3 new paddles to replace my current paddles and so far I have not been disappointed!

Werner has always staked their reputation on making the highest quality paddles that perform at a high level. 

Hand-crafted in Sultan Washington, their paddles have for a long time been the standard in kayak paddle quality and performance.  This quality and performance is maintained through their SUP line and my favourite part is the design that goes into making specific paddles for specific uses.  

A wise man once told me that the word ‘compromise’ when it comes to outdoor gear usually means you are going to get the worst of all worlds.  While this isn’t always true, a paddle that ‘does it all’ will likely ‘do it all’ poorly rather than provide excellent performance in a particular area. 

As a gear junkie and somebody who loves products designed for specific purposes I have always appreciated Werner’s dedication to putting a lot of thought, design and testing into specific shapes, materials and sizes that would provide the best performance in the specific discipline.

I get a lot of questions asking what paddle I use? What size is the blade? What length are you using? And my answer varies depending on which area of SUP I am being asked about.  Here is a breakdown of the 4 paddles I am using now. (I am about 5’11”)

1.    Werner Grand Prix 86

a.    Dedicated racing paddle

b.    Length: 78”

c.    Blade Size: 86 sq.in

d.    Weight 413 grams

2.    Werner Rip Stick 79

a.    Surf Paddle

b.    Length: 74”

c.    Blade Size: 79 sq.in.

d.    Weight 454 grams

3.    Werner Legend 99

a.    Whitewater Paddle

b.    Length: 76”

c.    Blade Size: 99sq.in.

d.    Weight: 535g

4.    Werner Soul S (for 2016 check out the Flow 85)

a.    Teaching Paddle

b.    Length: 78”

c.    Blade Size: 90sq.in.

For this post I am going to focus on the Grand Prix.  This paddle will be in my hands for the majority of the season. I log a lot of hours training and racing through the season and the paddle is the one constant throughout the season. 

Since I started racing 5 years ago my race paddles have gradually been getting smaller and smaller. My first race paddle was a Kialoa Shaka Puu which was 82” in length and had a 101sq.in. blade.  As you can see from above, my paddle this year is 4” shorter and 15sq.in smaller in the blade.  This change is fairly common through the SUP racing world and seems to be driven by a couple of factors.

The first reason I moved to a shorter paddle with a smaller blade was to take some stress off my shoulders.  I found myself getting a sore right shoulder after racing and even had a couple close calls in the surf where I felt like my shoulder was close to dislocating.  The smaller blade and shorter shaft has reduced a lot of this stress.

The second reason I moved to a smaller paddle was to focus on my strengths.  I love how inclusive SUP racing is and by that I mean that it lends itself to all sorts of body types, weights, heights etc.  It’s all about how you move your own body across the water.  I found that the best way for me to move quickly and efficiently was with a higher turnover and quicker strokes rather than focusing on longer stronger strokes, I seemed to be better suited for a higher cadence with a bit less power.

This is where the Grand Prix fits in so nicely. It has a generally narrow blade which allows for a quicker turnover and a cleaner entry and exit from the water.  The smallest blade size has been reduced from a 91sq.in. blade in 2015 to an 86sq.in which results in a little less stress on the joints and a quicker stroke turnover. The Grand Prix also has what I would consider a ‘softer’ flex in the paddle shaft which can also help in keeping some stress off the body.

So far I’ve logged about 60km on the new Grand Prix and it feels great.  The feel of the paddle remains much the same as it has the past couple of years but the smaller blade is definitely noticeable, especially this early in the season. Werner has also maintained the relatively high 12 degree offset angle in the blade which results in a cleaner exit and a more vertical blade throughout the stroke. This off-set is an excellent efficiency feature but can feel a bit different for paddlers who are used to a more tradition 8-10 degrees. The Grand Prix continues to be one of the lightest race paddles on the market while still maintaining the high level of durability you can find with all Werner Paddles. The Grand Prix comes in a straight shaft or a benth shaft and can be purchased in 3 different blade sizes: 86sq.in, 93,sq.in and 100sq.in.

If you are in Deep Cove you are more than welcome to give my paddle a try or use one of our many Werner demos!  Or stop by our retail store Deep Cove Outdoors to chat with one of our staff who can help you pick the right paddle for yourself.

Keep checking back in for more product reviews!

Mike on the Slocan River with Werner Paddles, Western Canadian Sales Rep, Nikki Rekman photo: Mark Klein

West Kootenay River SUP Race Re-Cap

What an amazing weekend in the beautiful West Kootenays with the BC SUP community last weekend at the BC SUP Cup River SUP Race hosted by the folks at Endless Adventure.

The weather was spectacular and HOT and the rivers kept us cool and on our toes!!!

Mark and I had the pleasure of taking Mike Darbyshire's River SUP Clinic on the Upper Slocan on the Friday and it was a great learning experience and a lot of fun.  If you have a chance to get in on one of Mike's clinics do it.  He's knowledgeable, fun and safety is a top priority.

Thanks to Mark Klein aka my husband and the other half of Nikki Rekman Sales for the photos!

I look nervous...I was a bit.  Thanks to Kokatat, Werner, Jackson Kayak and Predator for my awesome gear!!

Mike D getting me on the Slocan River in the River SUP clinic - so much fun!

Saturday was the long course race down the mighty Columbia River from just outside Castlegar to Genelle, BC - 16.8 km.  Nikki Rekman Sales team members came out on top with Mike Darbyshire taking the top Men's spot, Lina Augaitis top Women's and our Alberta-boy, Eli Fischbuch taking top Junior!  We are proud to have all three athletes paddling with Werner Paddles!

Start on the Columbia River

 

First guy across the finish - Mike Darbyshire

First woman across the finish - Lina Augaitis

First Junior to cross the finish - Eli Fischbuch

We wrapped up the Saturday festivities at the Lion's Head Pub (THANKS Troy and Carly for hosting!!!) with entertainment by musician, Shane Phillip. FYI - the food at the Lion's Head is FANTASTIC.

Sunday was the most fun for participants on and off the river for the first ever BOARDER CROSS back on the Slocan River.  Very entertaining to watch!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these Nikki Rekman Sales team members - Lina, Mike and Eli!!

THANKS to Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles for outfitting folks in the river SUP clinics and in the Boarder Cross with rescue PFD's and paddles.

We participate in a lot of paddling communities in and around Western Canada and the BC SUP community never fails to impress me.  This is a group of welcoming, fun and gracious individuals and I am so thankful you have embraced us into the fold.

Nikki, Chris from Endless Adventure (our event host along with wife Andrea) and Mark photo: Andrea Ryman

Special shout-outs to Chris & Andrea from Endless Adventure and Mike Grant for hosting all of us.  Mike Darbyshire for inspiring people on and off the river.  To our team members, Mike, Lina and Eli - your support of us and our brands is so very much appreciated and we love connecting with you!!


Vanessa Fischbuch thanks for getting Eli to all the races and for being an amazing example of how to parent awesome kids.

Super-Mom - Vanessa enjoying some time on the Columbia River waiting for Eli to finish his race.

For more photos go to Mark's Flickr account HERE.  Please give him a photo credit if you use the photos - Mark Klein :)

See you on the water!

Stand Up For Men’s Health - Two Werner Paddles Athletes Help Raise Awareness Alongside Olympic Champion

Departing on June 12, two of Werner Paddles Canadian, SUP Athletes will be participating in the “Stand Up For Men’s Health” with Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield.  

Lina Augaitis and Mike Darbyshire will be joining Simon on a crossing of the Salish Sea.  Here are the details from the press release.  In addition, our friend, Yannick Michaud of Ocean River Sports will also be one of the SUP adventurers.    "I am excited to participate in this expedition, particularly in my own backyard.  The opportunity to paddle with a group of SUP athletes of varied experience, to  promote Men's Health in Canada, is fantastic", comments Mike (Darbyshire).

Lina recently returned from Nicaragua where she won Gold for Canada in the Women's SUP Distance Race.

 

Mike continues to train while hosting the TNR series at Deep Cove Outdoors in North Vancouver, BC.  Watch for Mike on the race circuit this season in Western Canada and the PNW.  Photo courtesy of:  Sundog Adventures Sports

 

 

In partnership with CMHF “Champion” Simon Whitfield, and in conjunction with CMHF’s first annual Canadian Men’s Health Week, Olympic Champions, world class paddlers and accomplished adventurers dedicated to improving the health of men across Canada will“Stand Up For Men’s Health”. 

The “Stand Up For Men’s Health” event will begin on June 12th from English Bay in Vancouver, cross the Salish Sea, through the Southern Gulf Islands and conclude in the Victoria Harbour on June 15th. The paddle will be a highlight of the first ever Canadian Men’s Health Week and ends on Father’s Day in Victoria.

KEY OBJECTIVES: To provide the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) and their supporters a high-profile event platform to promote the launch of a national campaign, and to create awareness around the mandate of the organization.

-  To leverage four Olympic Champions, including Simon Whitfield and their celebrity status to promote the mandate of CMHF through an event worthy of national media coverage

-  To build an event that promotes men’s health through active living

-  To be the first annual expedition series that provides ongoing media and brand awareness for CMHF and engages with Canada’s elite athletes who embody active living

CMHF is in the process of launching a national media campaign to promote the recently formed Foundation and its mandate. Simon Whitfield is a proud “Champion” with CMHF and is committed to building an exclusive annual expedition to promote CMHF, starting with #SUP4MH. With a shared passion, the two have the power to create an event platform that harnesses the team’s celebrity status, while providing CMHF and its partners with an opportunity to promote their mission to inspire Canadian men to live ten healthier years through positive lifestyle choices.

The “Stand Up for Men’s Health” event is presented by Duracell with support from the following partners: Canadian Tire, SunSki Canada, The Edge Food Energy Company, Starboard SUP, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Harbour Air Seaplanes.

Lina had this to say about the invitation to participate, "Personally,  I am very excited to be a part of this event.  I think it will be a great adventure (which I am always about) that is physically challenging as well as uses and promotes the amazing beauty and environment we live in here in the Pacific Northwest.  We are bringing together athletes from around North America to support a really great initiative and new foundation. Along the way I hope it inspires others to get out and enjoy the outdoors, think about the importance of staying healthy and open their eyes about different ways they can stay healthy in order to continue to enjoy their lives for themselves and others.  It is also a great way to promote this amazing sport of SUP and further demonstrates the positive community SUP has developed throughout the country and world. I can't wait to further explore our local waters!"

We look forward to some images from Lina, Mike and Yannick and some comments about their experience on the expedition at a later date.

 

SUP Surfin' with Mike Darbyshire

Back from a few days of holiday surfing in Washington State and I'm ready to go back again.

I find myself heading down the I-5 to Washington a little more often these days for surf and I am usually not disappointed.  With a few well known spots like Westport, Crescent Beach and Hobuck there is always waves to be found.  If I had it my way I would be surfing in Tofino every other weekend but sadly the cost of getting on the ferry seems to send me down south instead.  There might be a little bit more driving but in the end I save money on ferries, gas and of course good ol' american cheap beer.

Trying to get to the nose on my 9'0 Starboard Converse

On this past trip I was able to connect with a couple Washington state locals who I have seen on the race circuit but not had the pleasure of surfing with yet.  Getting into the surf side by side with Renick Woods and Tom Hanny is a little bit more fun than trying to paddle harder than them at one of the many races we've been in together.

I went out on this trip solo and managed to score a couple of good sessions at Crescent Beach and Hobuck.  Crescent Beach is a great spot but tends to be a little bit tricky when checking the forecast for the right conditions.  The forecast looks great and you show up and those beauty conditions you saw online just aren't there.  This can happen at any surf spot but I know those who surf anywhere in the Strait of Juan de Fuca either on the Washington or Vancouver Island side know all too well how it feels to drive out to your local break and get skunked.  Regular grunts, complaints and cute pet names for surf forecasts website such as 'Tragic-Seaweed' or 'Black-Magic Seaweed'.

Looking for rights, Starboard 8'0 Pro and Werner Nitro

Either way there's always water to paddle on and fun to be had. As the season goes on I think I'll be bringing my 12'6 with me and if the surf is down there is usually somewhere nice to paddle or maybe some small rollers that only a bigger SUP could catch.

Plan is to head out again this weekend and hope for the best.  Winter swells tend to roll in pretty regularly but the challenge is usually finding shelter from the wind and chop.  Once again, all that matters is getting out on the water!  I have to get as much playtime in as I can before the real hard work on the water starts in getting ready for race season.  Paddle surfing is such a great way to boost your fitness and skills for flatwater racing and I never realize just how hard I'm working because it's too much fun.





As we get ready for the upcoming Spring I've been getting lots of questions about race dates and people planning their 2014 seasons.  Start your season off with a Surf Course in Tofino, run by Norm Hann, Catherine Bruhwiler and myself! E-mail for more information.

If you are looking for dates for local events, I have added as many as I know about to my event calendar so feel free to put them down on your calendar or let me know about any other events or races that might be relevant.   All of my dates are not 'official' so please consult with the various organizers and race directors for confirmation of tentative dates.

Thanks and see you on the water!

DRYSUITS! Must have by Team Paddler, Mike Darbyshire

Cold and clear makes for some amazing paddling conditions here in Vancouver but with the cold comes a whole new level of preparedness.

The only way to stay warm, dry and most importantly safe is to get yourself into a drysuit for winter paddling.

I have tried paddling in cold weather wearing just about every combination of gear and for me nothing beats a good drysuit.

Here's my pro argument followed by some responses to common anti-drysuit arguments.

PROS:
If you fall in the water, you can get back onto your board and still be dry underneath.

Reduce the cold water shock you feel when you hit the water.  See link:
http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/4-phases-of-cold-water-immersion

When you get onto your board to start your paddle you don't have to get your feet wet.

Mobility will never be as good as not wearing the suit but mobility in a drysuit is WAY better than a wetsuit

After your paddle you can take off your drysuit and get into your vehicle fully clothed. No more akward barefoot, towel, freezing in the parking lot situations.

If you paddle two days in a row your drysuit will be dry the next day....or even later that same day.

You will stay in better shape because you will get out on the water more often during the winter.

You will practice your skills during the winter because falling in the water practicing buoy turns isn't such a big deal.


CONS:
Price: Yes drysuits are more expensive than wetsuits but once you get one you will never go back and your comfort and safety are well worth the extra dough. Talk to anyone who purchased a drysuit and I promise that none of them regret spending the money.

Overheating:  Yes, when compared to non-immersion gear you will get warm with a drysuit on.  Sometimes you might even get too hot while you paddle.  Cooling off is never hard.  Just a quick dip into the water and you can bring your temp down and keep on paddling.  Overheating may also occur if you purchase a lower quality suit.  Gore-tex suits provide the best breathability and will reduce heat and moisture build up.

I am a little bit partial when it comes to my brand of choice but I have a lot of experience with Kokatat drysuits and I believe they make the best suits on the market.

Kokatat suits are durable, breathable and full featured.

My suit of choice for day paddles or short fitness paddles is the Kokatat Lightweight Goretex Suit. This suit is the lightest weight and most breathable suit in the Kokatat line. It features Gore-tex socks which is a must have. They keep your feet warm and dry and allow you to wear whatever socks you want underneath. This suit also has a neoprene neck which isn't fully waterproof but is much more comfortable to paddle in and will still keep most water out as long as your not spending long periods of time with your head under.
http://kokatat.com/products/paddling-suits/gore-texr-lightweight-paddling-suit-men-radish-gray.html






My suit of choice for bad weather and expedition paddling is the Kokatat Expedition Suit. This suit has it all.  Pockets, socks, durable exterior and a hood.  Kokatat is also the first company to allow online personalization and customization of your suit.  Check out the website and play around with the GIZMO customizer.  This allows you to custom tailor the suit to your size, choose your fabric options, select your pockets and features and most importantly colour.

I ordered my suit earlier this year and its been great so far.  I went for a conservative blue and black colour option but I am most pleased with the custom fit.  After plugging in my measurements, my custom suit is a medium suit with a couple inches added to the arms and legs.  This makes for a slimmer fitting suit that has enough length for me. In the past I have been using a Large suit which was quite baggy in the legs and torso.

Get onto the Kokatat website and play around with a custom suit for yourself!
http://kokatat.com/products/custom.html

Drysuits for winter paddling are a must have and something I would never be without!

Our team decked out in Werner Paddles gear!!!

So proud to have all of these amazing paddlers and people on our team!!!!

(thanks so much you guys and gals)

Luke Vollmerhaus - all things whitewater and SUP (flatwater/river)!!  Great shot Luke!! photo: Liam Fournier

Laura Demers - whitewater (kayaking/canoeing), SUP (flatwater/river/racing) and kayak fishing!!!

JF Marleau - sea paddler, kayak angler and instructor representing Vancouver Island!

Lina Augaitis and Mike Darbyshire - SUP.  Keep an eye on Lina as she is prepping for the Molokai Crossing and Mike as he tackles not only the competitive racing scene but the river as well.

Lina and Mike - also proud members of the Werner Paddles SUP Team

Eli Fischbuch - SUP (racing and river) and our youngest team member (yes, he got his own hoodie too)

Lina and Mike - love this one!

 

Kayak Angler - Len Zilkowsky aka The Fish Whisperer

missing:  kayak angler Stephen Laurie

Advanced SUP Courses by team paddler, Mike Darbyshire

We are happy to promote the following Advanced SUP Courses by team paddler, Mike Darbyshire & Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre.

Advanced Flatwater Paddling Skills Clinic - $95 per person
This 3 hour course introduces novice SUP Paddlers to the skills needed to progress into more dynamic water conditions. Learn the proper technique for pivot turns, bracing, catching waves and downwind paddling. This course is also the pre-requisite for becoming a Flatwater SUP Instructor. 
Saturdays May 18, June 8, July 13

Stroke Efficiency Clinic: Racing or Touring - $200 per person
Proper technique in your forward stroke will allow you to become a faster and more efficient paddler. With 1 on 1 coaching and video analysis we can improve your stroke and efficiency on the water.
3 hour sessions available upon request

Paddle Canada Flatwater SUP Instructor Course - $350 per person
Learn the tips and tricks of the trade in this 2.5 day course. Becoming an instructor will give you a greater understanding of all of the basic and intermediate flatwater skills. Become certified to teach lessons under the Paddle Canada Instructor program.  
May 4,5,11 & June 14-16 in Deep Cove
 
Ocean Navigation for Stand Up Paddlers - $95 per person
Learn the skills needed to safely navigate and paddle in the ocean. This course will provide paddlers with the knowledge needed to read marine charts and understand marine weather forecasts. These skills will make you a safer paddler and allow you to have more fun out on the water.
May 15 & June 19
 
Intro to River SUP - $110 per person
River paddling is a great way to challenge yourself in a new and exciting environment. In this course we will learn the basic skills needed to choose appropriate rivers to paddle and how to stay safe on the water. This half day course will take place in the lower mainland depending on water levels and conditions.
Dates to be confirmed: Late May/Early June
 
Skookumchuck Rapids: SUP Surf Course - $350 per person
Have you ever wanted to surf a wave for 5 minutes? The standing wave at Skookumchuck gives you that opportunity. Learn the basics of understanding tidal currents and how to safely paddle in this environment. This multi-day course includes flatwater training and a multi-day trip to the Sunshine Coast to experience stand up surfing at Skook!
Dates to be confirmed: August 2013

 If you have any questions or would like to register for any of these courses please contact Mike directly at: 604-897-7608 or school@deepcovekayak.com

Trip Report - Gulf Islands SUP Solo with Mike Darbyshire

What paddling did you get up to over the Christmas holidays?

Nikki Rekman Sales, Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles sponsored SUP paddler, Mike Darbyshire took to the water and did a solo, multi-day trip through the Gulf Islands.

Check out his trip report HERE and be sure to come back as we will be featuring Mike's 2013 paddling adventures on our blog throughout the season.

Purpose Built Paddles

Welcome Guest Blogger, Mike Darbyshire! 

**Mike did up this great post on his blog and we thought it was too good not to re-post here! 

I can appreciate the ease of having one paddle that "does it all". The problem with that is usually a paddle that "does it all" comes along with a number of compromises in performance. Most paddle companies have a few different models with end-use, cost and durability in mind. Werner Paddles has been making paddles for a long time and they have a pretty good idea of how to make paddles to handle different environments.

Racing:  Werner GrandPrix M1000  -  81"

This is Werner's race specific paddle.  It is full carbon and extremely light to allow for a faster stroke rate and less fatigue over time.  I tend to prefer a faster stroke rate and I really like the longer, narrow blade rather than the wider teardrop shape.  I am noticing a lot more companies coming out with this narrow shape for 2013 so there must be something to it.

Werner also makes this paddle in the bent shaft.  I have started using the bent shaft for training paddles this fall and am looking forward to using it for some longer distance races.  The bent shaft gives a noticeable increase in forward reach but does take some getting used to especially if you have been paddling straight shaft for some time.

Surf: Werner Nitro - 79" 

In the surf I use a paddle that is 2" shorter than my race paddle.  This allows me to paddle comfortably in a surf stance when I am crouched low to catch waves.  The shorter paddle also allows me to use a high cadence stroke for quick acceleration.  Surfing can put a lot of stress on the paddle so it is important to use a good strong paddle that you can rely on.  When I'm surfing I pull harder to catch waves than any other paddle or race. For this reason I like to use a smaller blade to reduce the risk of injury.

Whitewater: Werner Stinger - 78"

The newest SUP Paddle from Werner.  This paddle is truly purpose built and performs its duties very well.  The Stinger has a very unique blade shape that is perfect for whitewater. The narrow tip of the blade allows for a lighter stroke and a soft catch. The blade gets larger towards the shaft of the paddle to give the paddler more surface area for bracing and power when needed.  The reverse teardrop shape lets you decide how much blade goes into the water.  The rounded tip of the blade is also great for moving the paddle around under the water.  A lot of whitewater strokes like draws, rudders and braces keep the paddle in the water in transition.

I understand that it doesn't make sense for everyone to go out and buy 3 or 4 different paddles but it does make sense to choose a paddle that is designed for what you do most.  Make sure you pick a paddle that feels good in your hands and that you trust.  I always recommend paddlers spend a little bit extra on their paddle.  It can be the most important piece of equipment you use so take the time to pick a quality paddle that is right for you.