Selecting a paddle
There are several types of paddles: 1) Flat recreational (inexpensive recreational paddles) 2) Spooned recreational (touring paddles) 3) Wing paddles (sprinting and racing) I suggest the mid wing paddle as the very best for all types of paddling and increased stability. It is a must for anyone who paddles a Surfski or K-1. Below are my reviews of some of the best quality wing paddles:
Epic Mid Wing - Made by Epic Kayaks Australia. It's a great all around endurance race paddle. It is approximately $500, carbon fiber blades, carbon fiber shaft, two piece adjustable and very light. I liked this paddle alot. It is a great paddle for long distances. The blades are beautiful showing off the carbon fiber weave and feel very thick and strong. The adjustable shaft will adjust to a consistent angle with clearly marked levels. The oval shaft is distinctly different than the usual rounded one other companies make. Many paddlers prefer it. This paddle comes with a bag.
Fenn 3 is almost identical except for having a rounded shaft. Excellent quality and only $375 thru www.oceanpaddlesports.com . Currently, the Fenn 3 is my paddle of choice based on price and equivalent performance to many of the top brands. I was disappointed that it didn't come with a bag though.
Bracsa VI Wing - a great sprint paddle. This paddle is the same one used for Olympic sprinting. It is approximately $500, carbon fiber, blades very thin but strong carbon fiber, round treaded shaft for control and very light. I used this paddle for both endurance paddling up to 10 miles and sprinting. This paddle increased my sudden acceleration capability. I feel I got significantly stronger training with it each week. It provided greater stability and scooping power. Excellent Quality but not intended for endurance. This paddle comes with a bag.
Set Endorphin Wing - Made by Set Paddles South Africa. It's a great paddle for both endurance and sprinting. What? Yes, I said both. It is a unique blend of both of the paddles listed above. It has the exact same treaded carbon fiber shaft as the Bracsa VI Wing. This provides less slipping and more confident sprints. The paddle blades are absolutely beautiful. They are thin like the Bracsa VI Wing but shaped uniquely 1/2 way between the Epic and Bracsa. The color of the blades in also distinctive as they are a silver angular weave similar to carbon fiber. From a few feet away, the blades look like the scales on a fish. Although Alutech is supposedly lighter than fiberglass but heavier than carbon fiber, holding all 3 paddles, I cannot tell a weight difference. Try several before you spend the money.
There are many many other good brands...
When you purchase a high-end paddle, my suggestion is to purchase a split paddle. They are easier to travel with and you won't need to use a heat gun and epoxy to adhere the paddle to the shaft when it arrives from the supplier. Also, I find it helpful to play with the angle for the most comfortable stroke. I am currently using a 205 to 215 length. It is the shorter of the paddle lengths. Start out longer and shorten as you get more tired. Fixed paddles only come in one angle. Also, some paddles come with a case and others do not. Cases can cost $35-$70.
Epic Mid Wing - Made by Epic Kayaks Australia. It's a great all around endurance race paddle. It is approximately $500, carbon fiber blades, carbon fiber shaft, two piece adjustable and very light. I liked this paddle alot. It is a great paddle for long distances. The blades are beautiful showing off the carbon fiber weave and feel very thick and strong. The adjustable shaft will adjust to a consistent angle with clearly marked levels. The oval shaft is distinctly different than the usual rounded one other companies make. Many paddlers prefer it. This paddle comes with a bag.
Fenn 3 is almost identical except for having a rounded shaft. Excellent quality and only $375 thru www.oceanpaddlesports.com . Currently, the Fenn 3 is my paddle of choice based on price and equivalent performance to many of the top brands. I was disappointed that it didn't come with a bag though.
Bracsa VI Wing - a great sprint paddle. This paddle is the same one used for Olympic sprinting. It is approximately $500, carbon fiber, blades very thin but strong carbon fiber, round treaded shaft for control and very light. I used this paddle for both endurance paddling up to 10 miles and sprinting. This paddle increased my sudden acceleration capability. I feel I got significantly stronger training with it each week. It provided greater stability and scooping power. Excellent Quality but not intended for endurance. This paddle comes with a bag.
Set Endorphin Wing - Made by Set Paddles South Africa. It's a great paddle for both endurance and sprinting. What? Yes, I said both. It is a unique blend of both of the paddles listed above. It has the exact same treaded carbon fiber shaft as the Bracsa VI Wing. This provides less slipping and more confident sprints. The paddle blades are absolutely beautiful. They are thin like the Bracsa VI Wing but shaped uniquely 1/2 way between the Epic and Bracsa. The color of the blades in also distinctive as they are a silver angular weave similar to carbon fiber. From a few feet away, the blades look like the scales on a fish. Although Alutech is supposedly lighter than fiberglass but heavier than carbon fiber, holding all 3 paddles, I cannot tell a weight difference. Try several before you spend the money.
There are many many other good brands...
When you purchase a high-end paddle, my suggestion is to purchase a split paddle. They are easier to travel with and you won't need to use a heat gun and epoxy to adhere the paddle to the shaft when it arrives from the supplier. Also, I find it helpful to play with the angle for the most comfortable stroke. I am currently using a 205 to 215 length. It is the shorter of the paddle lengths. Start out longer and shorten as you get more tired. Fixed paddles only come in one angle. Also, some paddles come with a case and others do not. Cases can cost $35-$70.
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