Paddles

Reviews of canoe and kayak paddles.

  • Paddling near one of the many small arches and caves along the Lake Superior Water Trail.
    Articles,  Paddles,  Technique,  Tutorial

    Kayak Paddle Size

    Kayak paddle size can be personal, but it’s an important consideration if you are going to get the most out of your kayaking. Many stores end up sizing paddles too long, and you want to avoid that if you don’t want to have to buy two paddles — one the right size and the other too long. The below image in this article is an example of a store that got it wrong. The problem with paddles that are too long is that they are harder to get into the right positions for some strokes — particularly any strokes that require a vertical shaft such as draws. Longer paddles also…

  • Manta Ray paddle on a kayak
    Paddles,  Reviews

    Aquabound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle Review

    For a little over a month, I’ve been using Aquabound’s Manta Ray Carbon paddle as my primary paddle for personal trips and for guiding. Aquabound sent me the paddle so I could do a Manta Ray Carbon paddle review. I’ve used the paddle with a number of different boats, including a NDK Explorer, Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Pro and a Dagger Alchemy. The conditions that I tested it in ranged from calm to 4-foot choppy wind waves. I also used it for surfing in waves up to 3 feet and for playing in rock gardens in waves to 3 feet. I tested the 210 cm version. Aquabound describes the Manta…

  • Werner Cyprus review - a carbon fiber kayak paddle
    Paddles,  Reviews

    Werner Cyprus Review: A Lightweight Carbon Kayak Paddle

    The Werner Cyprus paddle is Werner’s most popular Performance Core high-angle paddle. It features mid-size carbon fiber blades filled with foam, which gives the paddle a more buoyant feel when on the water. The ferrule features a geared adjustment system for a precise fit. Werner claims that the Cyprus fits a wide range of paddlers, and that the paddle is great for linking strokes, bracing and rolling. This is my Werner Cyprus review. Specifications Surface area: 610 sq. cm Blade length by width: 46 by 18 cm Weight for 210 cm: 23 oz. Available length: 205 to 230 cm Werner Cyprus Initial Thoughts I’ve owned a 210 cm straight shaft version…

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