Selecting the perfect kayak paddle is
probably the most important decision you will make as a boater. That is because the paddle is engine, your
tool to transfer energy to the water.
Choosing the proper blade shape will allow you to perform at the highest
level for your style of boating and understanding the perfect fit options for
you will allow you to be more comfortable, use less energy and spend more time on
the water.
Choose
the shape of your blade based on the style of paddling you are doing
Low
angle-“more options”. Most people enjoy the low angle style of
paddling as it allows them to use good technique when they choose, torso
rotation and focus on core strength, but also spend more time on the water if
you are just relaxing and recreating.
With your hands in a lower position, think about your top hand shoulder
height as you take your stroke, you put significantly less pressure on your
upper body, arms and shoulders. The
longer, more narrow blade shape Werner has designed “fits” in the water better
and presents more surface area to the water with low angle paddling.
High
angle-“more commitment to technique, but more efficient.”
By focusing on keeping you top hand about
forehead height as you take your stroke you will notice how the blade travels
closer to the kayak. With the blade traveling in this path your boat will track significantly better, go
straighter. Werner’s wider, shorter
blade shape puts more surface area of the blade into the water in this
position. Now this style does take more
emphasis on proper torso rotation since more pressure can be put on your
shoulders in this higher angle paddling style.
The commitment is worth it though for those looking to take their
paddling to a higher performance level in longer, sleeker light touring and
touring kayaks.
Check out a video
here giving you a visual of low and high angle paddling.
Fit
options
Now that you have the proper blade shape
for your paddling style let’s be sure you have the perfect fit. The perfect fitting paddle will assure
comfort and the least amount of energy used on the water.
Length
Low
angle
Here
are some easy to follow rules
-6
feet and under use 220cm.
-6’1”
and over use 230cm
-If your kayak is
over 28” wide add 10cm to the length of the paddle, after you choose based on
your height.
High
angle
Here
are some easy to follow rules
-6
feet and under use 210cm.
-6’1”
and over use 215cm
-Kayak width
generally does not come into play since most high-angle paddlers are in more narrow
light touring and touring kayaks.
For a more in
depth look, especially for more uniquely sized paddlers and boat width
combinations, check out the Paddle Fit Guide
Shaft
options
The benefits of a straight shaft is that it is a familiar feel, we have all used
straight shaft at some time and it is what we are used to. Other benefits are lighter weight and less of
an investment. If good technique is used
and a paddler can hold on loosely to the paddle, focusing on grasping the shaft
with the “O-Kay” symbol, all day, pain free paddling can be obtained.
For those who have developed some aches and
pains in their hands and their wrist, for those who generally hold on to
tightly to their paddle (and let’s face it we all do when we get nervous when
conditions get wavy and windy,) neutral bent shaft become an insurance
policy for your body. By always keeping
the wrists in an ergonomically correct, straight alignment, less pressure is
put on the small tendons and ligaments of the wrist and pain is alleviated. Although more of an investment it can make
all the difference of spending more time on the water. The concept of neutral bent allows for a
smooth transition from your old paddle, as your hand position is familiar and
exactly the same as it was on your straight shaft. The only thing that changes is that your
wrists remain straight while paddling.
Check out a video
here giving you a visual of straight vs. neutral bent shaft.
Shaft
diameter and Blade size
Both of these options are really common
sense and easily determined by your body size.
Smaller hands, smaller bodies, would look towards the smaller diameter
shaft for a more relaxed grip and a medium or smaller blade surface area to put
less stress and strain on the body.
Larger boaters, generally with larger hands, prefer the standard
diameter shaft and a medium to full sized blade area depending on their fitness
level. Remember, a bigger blade is not
always going to make us more powerful, especially if we are just working too
hard to move that extra size through the water.
Spend
as much as you can afford on your paddle material
As we stated early on, the paddle is your
engine. You will use less energy on the
water, run more drops, surf more waves and perform better if you are less
tired. A paddle that is lighter to move
through the stroke path, swing weight, will allow you to feel fresher as the
miles and hours wear on. A paddle with a
stiffer material will flex less, causing less water to “escape” from the blade
face and for you to use less energy and create more motion. Higher end materials like Performance Core
offer buoyant blade materials which will help you brace with more confidence
and for higher performance paddlers, rolling more easily. With the ease of use and simply design of
Werner’s adjustable ferrule system, no matter how many times you take your
paddle apart and put it back together it will never wear out. Your investment is protected for life. Well I
think that sums up how to decide what to spend, how much do you value your time
on the water, how far do you want to stretch your skills?
Thank you to Werner's own, Danny Mongno for preparing this blogpost.
We finally got on the water to demo a couple of our new 2014 Werner Paddles
specifically the Luna canoe paddle and the stunningly light Werner Sr.
Signature Series, Ovation touring kayak paddle.
The
Ovation, well it was incredible, so light and effortless to paddle
with. I also have to comment on how it performed entering and exiting
the water - it was SMOOTH. Perfect design, combined with flawless
construction - of course, we would expect nothing less from Werner now
would we.
