How to Pick the Right Paddle
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1. Choosing the right length
2. Are you a recreational paddler or an angler?
Whether you’re a recreational paddler or an angler our paddles are designed for your comfort and the activity you have planned. All of our paddles are low-angle paddles and are made for wider kayaks. They allow you to maintain an easy, steady pace. As this style of paddling is less about force, your paddling technique is not as important. Low-angle paddling means your hands are always at or below shoulder height, which puts less strain on your shoulders. So, whether you are a recreational paddler or angler our paddles ensure your comfort for hours on the water.
3. Choosing the right paddle shaft
ALUMINUM
Reliable and more economical, aluminum shaft paddles are perfect for short or infrequent trips on the water.
ALUMINUM+
These aluminum shafts come with either a full shaft anti-slip coating or a comfort grip sleeve which helps protect against temperature variations you would feel without them. Perfect when weight isn't an issue but comfort and practicality are.
FIBERGLASS
Worth the additional investment if you plan long hours in your kayak. These paddles are more durable and much lighter than aluminum shafts.
4. Choosing the right blade material
POLYPROPYLENE
Reliable and most economical choice as polypropylene blades are strong and can take a beating. Nevertheless, they tend to have a bit of flex when moving through the water, which can affect stroke efficiency and they are more susceptible to UV damage over the long-term.
FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
Usually, the strength and resistance offered by a polypropylene or nylon blade are offset by their less efficient performance due to flexing. However, reinforcement with fiberglass helps improve performance by decreasing the amount of flex in the blade. This helps you balance your budget at the same time increasing performance.
FIBERGLASS
Worth the additional investment if you plan long hours in your kayak. These blades are more lightweight than polypropylene and nylon blades and are much more rigid when going through the water meaning each stroke takes you further. Even when compared with fiberglass reinforced blades the improvement is noticeable.
4. Choosing the features important for you
DRIP RINGS
These handy little rings ensure your hands stay dry as well as minimize the amount of water that drips into your kayak. Make sure you adjust them 4" - 6" away from the blade for optimal effectiveness.
INDEXING
Some paddles come equipped with right-hand indexing. You will feel a subtle "dent", known as ovalization on the right side of your paddle. This allows you to set your grip more loosely with your right hand while letting the shaft rotate freely through your left hand, therefore decreasing hand and wrist fatigue.
FEATHERING
This is a handy feature when paddling in strong winds. Feathering allows you to increase or decrease the wind resistance encountered by your paddle depending on whether you are paddling with or against the wind. Different paddle models will allow you varying degrees of feathering. While this is a great feature on longer trips, it may take some time to become used to it. The important thing to remember is to never adjust the angle so much that it causes additional tension on your wrists.