Help Choosing A Kayak Paddle

[GADawgs]

I just bought a Jackson Cuda 12 and I am really enjoying it. However, the paddle I bought is not great. In store if felt good but on the water it is heavy. It weighs 54 ounces and after being on the water for about 10 hours this weekend I discovered that I want to get a lighter paddle. The ones that I have been looking at are the Bending Branches Angler Pro and the Werner Camano and Werner Shuna. The only issue is I don't have access to a store to handle those paddles. I also do not know which Werner would better suit my needs. Length will either be 240 or 250cm though. I am 6'3". Thanks in advance for any input.

[GADawgs]

Correction, my current paddle weighs about 40 oz.

[Rudy1922]

I have a Cuda 12 but I'm a beginner, so my opinions are probably wrong. Anyway, at this point in time, this is what I think. I have about 70 hours on the water with the Cuda 12 and I use a Werner 240 cm Camano (I'm 5' 11"). I think the paddle is great and I love using it. I think in the low seated position it might be a hair too long (maybe) and in the high seated position it might be a hair too short (maybe). So it's a good compromise if you plan on moving from low to high like I do while fishing. It just depends on how windy it gets.

Or...and I was thinking about this while I was paddling from both positions today, I just have to get use to the adjustment in paddling when you move from low to high.

The Camano is best for a low angle paddling style and the Shuna is best for a high angle style.

[Darren.]

The paddle is a thing you want to be light and comfortable for a day on the water. When I started kayaking, I used a cheap paddle that came with my kayak. Good grief that thing was a bear.

 

I upgraded when I bought my Native Ultimate 12, to a carbon hybrid model from Aqua-Bound. But Werner and the others you mentioned also make great paddles. You just want to make sure you get the right size for your height, etc.

 

Too bad you can't get your hands on various models. If you buy through kayak stores (or retailers) with great return policies, the better you'll be.

 

As far as what I was taught, to find the right length paddle, raise your arm up and curl your fingers at the second knuckles (over the paddle) that's the right length. Unless you have a particularly wide yak, then you'll take a longer paddle.

 

Hope there was something in my response that was helpful..... 

[Mr_Scrogg]

I used Full Carbon Aquabound Stingray, and a Small Shaft Stingray Hybrid. Both 240 in length.

The Small Shaft was used by my wife, smaller hands it was more comfortable for her. The difference betwrrn the regular shaft full carbon and small shaft hybrid was 1.5 oz I think.

[MikeinFresno]

I use a Werner Hooked model. For a taller guy or a high position seat you will want a 240-260 length. Im 5-9 and use a 240. These carbon style paddles weigh 26-28 oz and WOW what a difference it made. On many of the Kayak fishing forums there are group deals a couple of times a year and they also have discount codes. Lots of good info on those sites as well.

[Jrob78]

I paddle a WS Ride 135.  I started with a cheapo paddle just because I didn't have the money to drop on a good one after buying the kayak and all the crap that goes with it.  Last fall I bought a 240cm Werner Shuna Hooked.  Man, it's amazing what a difference it makes.  The paddle is light but mainly the blades are very stiff.   I looked at the Bending Branches Angler Ace and the Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon but felt like the Werner was the better paddle.  I'm very happy with my choice.