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.

 

Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race - THIS SUNDAY in Deep Cove!!!

The weather is supposed to be great this weekend so join us in Deep Cove for the Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race hosted by Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre this SUNDAY September 16th.

We will have all of our Werner Paddles Stand Up Paddles for you to demo and you can check out all that's new for 2013 too!

Board the Fjord is Deep Cove's Premier Stand Up Paddleboard Event. It's a full day of racing and festivities in beautiful Deep Cove and Indian Arm.

The scenic race course takes paddlers around 7 different islands in North America's southern most fjord.

The race is open to recreational and competitive paddlers and we encourage everyone to come out and challenge yourself at this great event!

Visit the website for more information!

SUP Paddles: Why Use a Bent Shaft?

I have been getting some additional inquiries lately about the Werner Paddles SUP Bent Shaft and I thought to myself, this will make a good blogpost so here it is…

Coming from our expertise in Whitewater and Touring it only made sense for Werner Paddles to introduce the Bent Shaft and the philosophy behind it to the Stand Up Paddle market.

Target customers are Performance Enthusiasts and Ergo-conscious paddlers looking for less-impact on their bodies.  This paddle benefits entry level recreational users as well and ultimately the features of the bent shaft paddle play to both of these groups.

Key features of the bent shaft:

-          The alignment of the lower hand/wrist/elbow on the bent shaft places less stress on those parts of the body, so it is more comfortable and less taxing.  The wrist is straight, relaxed and in alignment. This prevents fatigue and injury and most important allows you to enjoy your time on the water longer.  For those with existing arthritic or other medical issues the bent shaft typically relieves some of these symptoms that flare up during paddling.

-          Paddlers may hold the shaft with full fingers without making the ok sign; this allows more control on the lower part of the shaft during the catch phase. 

-           Paddlers will like the extended reach for the catch and the torque provided by the bend to “lift” the board during this phase.  Those extra inches in your forward stroke, add up over miles in a race and give you that competitive edge.

-          Both performance enthusiasts and recreational paddlers will appreciate that the bend allows a more neutral position when ruddering and bracing.

The image below helps illustrates some of what we are talking about:

Great overview of the bent shaft by Matt at SUP Global http://www.supglobal.com

http://youtu.be/wF-9NEMj91Q

Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival: June 22-24

Join me and Werner Athlete, Nikki Gregg for the Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival in Vernon BC, THIS weekend, June 22-24.  This event is hosted by the fabulous crew at Kalavida Surf Shop!

The event has something for everyone; beginner to enthusiast, men, women and dogs too.

Friday: SIP and SUP to Bishops Bird Sanctuary / Late Registration

10:00am-8:00pm – Late Registration - Kalavida Surf Shop
6:00–8:00pm - SIP & SUP Sunset paddle (Wine and Music with Manfred Harter)
 – $10 Donation (Board rentals available)

Saturday: Short Courses / Sprint Showdown / Free Demos

9:45am – Opening Ceremony (feat. Mollie Bono – Okanagan Indian Band / SPrKL)
10:00am-3:00pm – Vendor Expo and Board Demos
10:00am – Short Course Race - Competitive (Presented by Starboard)
 - *BC SUP CUP Points race for 12’6
11:00am –Short Course Race – Recreational, Junior - *BC SUP CUP Points race for 12’ & Under
2:00pm – Sprint Races (Competitive & Recreational)
3:00pm - Grom Relay Races (Kids)
6:00pm – Dinner & Entertainment

Sunday: The Kalamalka Crossing - Long Course (Presented by Naish)

8:30am – Pre-Race Meeting at Start line in Oyama (Wood Lake Beach)
9:00am – Start for all 12’ & Under Surfboard style
9:20am – Start for 12’6 & Under Recreational & Competitive & 14’ Recreational
9:30am – Start for 14’ Competitive - BC SUP CUP POINTS

River SUP with Paul Mason, Mark Scriver and crew

Check out PaddlePointers.com for more great videos featuring Paul, Mark and Johno!

The Hottest SUP Paddle on the Market

The Werner Paddles Grand Prix SUP Paddle Series is the hottest SUP paddle on the market and Werner's Danny Mongno tell us why.

Don't forget to share this video on your own blog or FACEBOOK page.

Werner Paddles Grand Prix M1000 SUP Paddle Review

Mike

Grand Prix M1000 SUP Paddle Review by Mike Darbyshire of Deep Cove Outdoors

After putting my order in back in January I have been waiting patiently to get the new Werner Grand Prix Paddle in my hands and finally that day came last week.  Werner has spent time developing this paddle as a pure race paddle and with the change in blade shape and drastic drop in weight it sounded quite promising. After a couple training paddles, one down-winder and two races the Grand Prix didn’t disappoint.

Out of the Box:

My first reaction when I picked up the paddle is that it was very light. The swing weight was minimal and felt considerably lighter than the other ‘high end’ paddles at our shop. I was slightly concerned that the drop in weight would result in a lack of stiffness.  I ordered the mid-size blade which comes in at 98 square inches for blade size. 

The size is about the same as the Werner Nitro but it is slightly shorter and a little bit wider.  Werner has a pretty unique handle on all of their paddles and the updated carbon version feels comfortable and reduces the weight even further.   I also liked the updated logos on the blade, the yellow logo looks great and stands out in a crowd of similar paddles…Appearance is everything after all.

Racing and Touring:

Nitro on the left, Grand Prix on the right

I glued the handle on and went for a short down-wind paddle that afternoon. The blade feels great through the water with it’s dihedral shape and didn’t flutter.  I liked the narrow blade which allowed for a quick stroke rate and kept my stroke close to the board.  I tend to prefer a faster stroke rate rather than longer more powerful strokes and I felt that the reduction in weight didn’t translate to a lack of stiffness.  Maybe a bigger stronger paddler would notice more flexibility but it felt pretty stiff to me.

It didn’t take me long to get used to the paddle but I did find that during the down-wind paddle and even when the wind picked up while I was racing; the paddle was so light that when switching hands it gets blown around in the wind quite easily.  Not sure if that is a con or something I just need to get used to.

I know that over a long day of touring or racing that any reduction in weight is a blessing and I’m excited to use the paddle for this season of racing.

Final Thoughts:

I think that once people start getting this paddle in their hands and giving it a try we will see plenty of them on the water.  With 3 different blade sizes and the option of Werner’s bent shaft there should be a paddle to fit everyone.  The paddle will easily compete with the Quickblade Kanaha Elite Racer and is actually lighter and cheaper.  If you are interested in trying the paddle we will soon have two for demo at the Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre waterfront location.  A bent shaft and straight shaft will be available for demo. 

If you are ready to buy they will also soon be in our retail store Deep Cove Outdoors and retail for $389.  Werner has donated a Grand Prix paddle to be given away as a draw prize at the Tour de Indian Arm race coming up on May 20^th so come out and race and you might walk away with a brand new paddle! 

BoardStock and the Vancouver SUP Challenge

Werner Paddles will be participating in TWO more SUP events in the Vancouver area this summer supporting our new SUP dealer Pacific Boarder.

BoardStock - the Stand Up Paddle Social Event

Saturday June 9th, 2012

Demos start at 10 am

Event starts at 12:30pm - 200 meters east of the Jericho Sailing Center

Ends at approximately 4pm at the Yaletown Brew Pub

 

The Vancouver Stand Up Paddle Challenge

Sunday August 26, 2012

Demos start at 10 am

Event starts at 12:30pm - west side of Jericho Sailing Center

Ends at approximately 5pm at the Jericho Sailing Center

For more info contact the great folks at

http://www.pacificboarder.com/

1793 West 4th Ave.
Vancouver, BC.

Phone: 604-734-7245 or 1-888-BOARDER (toll free)