Thanks all!
Posted by: castoff
on Jan-05-13 12:11 AM (EST)
My thoughts as a kayaker are buy the best light paddle you can afford as it is easier on you, and most times can be used in any other boat. This said I have a mid price $150 carbon Aqua Bound (29oz), a used Lendel carbon bent shaft (34oz), and a pricey Werner carbon cypress (24oz). I use all 3 but the Werner is my favorite.
I could go $200 a paddle budget wise, but as for now I may opt for two decent entry level canoe paddles until I have a better feel for what length and style. Then buy the best. I don’t think of a good paddle as expensive, but rather as worth the ease, efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on me. I haven’t used a bent blade so that will be new to me. Though I did lots of canoeing 25 years ago I can see I have much to learn. I do know a number of the paddle strokes.
Thanks for all the ideas and advice keep them coming if you have something you like. G2d, I really like the home made idea, and might give it a try as I could fool with the length, and see how I like a bent blade at the same time.