New kayak paddle really worth it?

[King Saba]

What everyone else said. Try getting the lightest paddle you can afford. If you're thinking that a couple of ounces won't make a big difference in how long you can paddle you will be sorely mistaken.

[InfidelYak]

Originally Posted by King Saba

What everyone else said. Try getting the lightest paddle you can afford. If you're thinking that a couple of ounces won't make a big difference in how long you can paddle you will be sorely mistaken.

That's actually exactly what I was thinking lol thanks for the advice gentleman, I'll definitley start looking into a lighter padde 👍

[taggermike]

I look at paddle yakking as being similar to distance running in some ways. After the first miles you may not appreciate a light high quality pair of shoes. But after miles and hours you definitely will. Same with paddles. It can take a long paddling session to show the superiority of a light CF paddle.
It's hard to describe well, but super light and stiff CF paddle have certain "feel" that you don't get with other paddles. Im using a Werner bent shaft CF paddle and is great. Mike

[bwana]

Over 10 years ago, after a long day on the water I hear water sloshing around inside my paddle shaft.

Purchased a Werner Kalliste the next day. What a difference a quality paddle makes.

[radastaff]

been using the same BB bent shaft since I started
was waiting for it to break before I get a new one
but might make the plunge sooner

don't think its gonna ever break
and it weights a ton


P

[alanw]

I upgraded from a basic Crack of Dawn paddle to a carbon fiber one and it just felt so much better. I don't think I gained any speed, but the comfort level went way up. I'd recommend upgrading if you paddle any more than a mile or two.

[Dave Legacy]

I have a Werner Skagit which is a CF overlay straight shaft and plastic blades. It's not all that heavy, I never feel worn out from using it, BUT I swear that I can feel the flex in the blades when I dig in and to me that's a loss in efficiency and effectiveness.

Do fiberglass blades also flex during paddling?

[King Saba]

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

I have a Werner Skagit which is a CF overlay straight shaft and plastic blades. It's not all that heavy, I never feel worn out from using it, BUT I swear that I can feel the flex in the blades when I dig in and to me that's a loss in efficiency and effectiveness.

Do fiberglass blades also flex during paddling?

I didn't notice any flexing when I used to paddle with my Werner Camano. The stiff blades on it gave out a lot of power with each stroke.