Hot Deal on AT whitewater paddle

[Jaytee]

Great price right now on the carbon shaft AT4 River Whitewater Kayak paddle (they also have the small shaft version).

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,235 ... ffset.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


$159. But if you use code ALFEB2KX you save 15% at check out... or 20% if you spent over $150. I bought a pair of these for $272, delivered. Yippee! Just thought I'd share.

[RomanLA]

Wow! That's a crazy cheap price for the carbon model! I paid that much for the cheaper River E model with the plastic shaft.

[Regud]

too bad they don't have a 0 degree...

I got an email flyer from them today for 25% off and free shipping.

[BooF4FooD]

That's a steal...

0 degree is where it's at...

[unicorn]

Glad to see love for the 0º feather, too bad it's not shared by retailers or many paddle makers

[Owl]

For my edification, what will a 0 deg. offset do for me that a 30 deg. won't?

[Regud]

Personal preference like anything else...

I am a lefty and tried both right and left hand control paddles. It felt most comfortable for me to go with 0 degree.

NOC has this to say on their website:

Twenty years ago 90 degree paddles were prominent. Ten years ago the introduction of 60 and 45 degree paddles introduced a reformation to the sport of kayaking. Before all of these offsets (feather) were available there was only one. Zero degree paddles were the first types of paddles used. The reason for the introduction of a paddle feather was for the blade to slice through the wind. Some people feel that it is better ergonomics to use an offset. However, several people, myself included, feel a zero degree paddle simplifies strokes and rolling and reduces stress on your wrists and forearms. Unless you are constantly paddling with a headwind you will benefit from no offset.

A zero degree paddle reduces stress on your wrist by alleviating any "paddle twist" that normally happens from proper paddling technique with an offset. Zero offset also creates two "control hands" instead of just one, allowing your bottom hand during a stroke to be the "control" and the top hand to relax. Overall these two characteristics reduce "paddle fatigue."

Offset paddles inadvertently created what we call an "offside" in kayaking. Think of it this way, the paddle becomes both right and left hand controlled because there is no need for rolling of the wrists. So strokes, rolls, braces, are done the exact same on both sides. Rolling becomes easier because you have two blades with surface tension as opposed to one with and one without. This obviously makes playboating maneuvers easier as well. I have found that overall my daily boating has become more efficient, more simple, and overall more enjoyable.

Zero Degree Review by
Chris Wing, NOC Instructor

[unicorn]

Brad, I'm gonna answert you question with another: what will a 30º do for you that a 45º won't? for that matter what will a 45º do that a 90º wont?

I think it just comes down to personal preference, although I think that there is less strain on my wrists with a zero degree paddle.

These guys did a study, inconclusive, but a fun read http://nocpaddlingschool.blogspot.com/2 ... study.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

also this guy's take http://store.noc.com/store/21658" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

for me it's just more comfortable, and right or wrong, I learned with a rec paddle and that's what I've grown accustomed to.

It'd be interesting to do an ACC poll and see who prefers what and if there is any reason or logic to it

[unicorn]

whoops, beat to the punch.