kayak paddle suggestions

[northwest]

I may be getting a kayak paddle as a wedding present for a soon to be nephew-in law. A length of 240 cm has been mentioned by him in the past. Use will mostly be recreational with a little white water mixed in every now and then (Buffalo & Piney type stuff). I am an open boater here so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[okieboater]

Some one else needs to chime in paddle length for rec use.

Lots of brands to choose from and all have good points.

I have used Werner brand paddles for many years and rarely seen a bad one as far as construction.

Look at the Werner web site as they have a bunch of designs to select from.

They also have a routine to help you select the paddle that best fits your need.

[Smo_Off]

All depends on the Kayak "Decked or Sit on Top" Also his height.

[sig]

240 is pretty long unless he's paddling a canoe with a kayak paddle.

Might want to talk to the guys at OOO in Hot Springs, they can steer you in the right direction and order the paddle for you.

[RiverRummer]

Howdy
Is this a nephew in law that you like? if so, I would look into Werner or AT Rec. paddles. (if not, a walmart paddle) :) JK
Rec boats are wider needing a longer paddle, while WW paddles are shorter. WW paddles in a rec. boat cause you to have a higher stroke angle making paddle strokes to be a little awkward (& more tiring), while a longer rec. paddle in a WW kayak makes it harder to do the quick strokes often needed
I normally recommend a 2 piece rec. paddle, as they usually have extra holes which allow you to change the blade angle & they are a lot easier to pack and travel with. But if doing a little whitewater, a stronger 1 piece might be better for you. On the rivers you mentioned a 2 piece would work just fine.
The blade shapes on rec. paddles can be very different. Between long and skinny and the bigger blades similar to WW paddles, if doing some whitewater he would probably like the bigger ( more WW like) blades better, to get more power out of your stroke. the longer skinnier blades offer less resistance and less tiring strokes.

If (when) he starts doing harder rivers, he would be better off getting a WW paddle & a WW kayak
If he's like alot of us, 1 boat just won't do. tell him he needs a rec.kayak, A WW kayak, & a canoe! then he'll be ready for any river outing.
I have a high end 1 piece AT rec. paddle, and a cheap Carlisle 2 piece rec. paddle that both get used frequently with my Dagger Axis 12. just depends on where I'm going and what I'm in the mood for. they both do fine. and on longer multiday trips I often take both. I paddle the 1 piece and have the 2 piece broke down in the deck rigging, as a back up in case my 1 piece breaks. On longer trips I use my skinny bladed AT, on shorter 1 day floats, it depends on the river and my mood. I like them both for different reasons and use both paddles frequently. but If I only had one rec. paddle, it would be the bigger blade style
Hope that helps.

[northwest]

Thank you for the responses, I appreciate it!

[Jim Krueger]

If you should ever consider a really nice paddle (for yourself) that you can use for rec. boats as well as WW boats, the 210cm Werner one or two piece 'Corryvrekin' is very nice and will do double duty if needed. A solid paddle and light in weight. However it has pretty good sticker shock.

Best Regards
Jim

[okieboater]

Jim,

Glad to hear your recommendations because I just picked up my new Coryvechen paddle a few days ago. It is a two piece break apart but feels like a one piece.

No chance to try it out yet but it sure feels good.

I will second your comments on sticker shock, but with recommendations from you and Eric E. I am sure this paddle will become one of my favorites.

dave

[Jim Krueger]

Dave,

I'll bet you will like it. Marlo gave me the one I have as a birthday present about six years or so ago. I have the two piece, bent shaft. It is the only bent shaft paddle I own however I have really become accustomed to that part of it. Bent shaft on not, the Corryvrekrin has super thin blades, and I figured I would immediately trash them 'digging' rocks on the Caddo. Not so. I can't say enough how durable the paddle has been, and it's strength in construction and paddling power from the larger-sized blades have really endured me. I'll look forward to your assessment later on.

Best Regards
Jim