EXTRAS
Tips / Equipment
We frequently get calls from paddlers complaining that their paddle isn't pulling enough water, and that they want something with a bigger blade. They're thinking that with a bigger blade they will get more pull on the water and ultimately move their kayak faster or more efficiently. While this may seem like a reasonable theory, we almost always ask them to reconsider. We believe that it is far more important for a paddler to work on refining their technique than move up to "heavier" equipment. The more precise the technique, the easier the boat will move through the water. Adding a larger paddle blade to an inefficient forward stroke doesn't help the situation, it only adds the potential for fatigue or even injury.
Just having become comfortable with the paddle you have doesn't mean you're ready to move up. You can always work to get more out of your forward stroke. Spending time each week working on your form and technique will help you towards the goal of the perfect forward stroke. A lifetime of paddling can be devoted to this goal, and it is still unattainable for most. However, you will gain comfort and confidence in your boat, your overall efficiency and conditioning will increase, you will be less susceptible to injury, and you will enjoy the experience more.
When selecting a paddle always keep in mind how you will use it. We offer basic guidelines for our paddles. For instance, we recommend our Relaxed Tour paddle to customers who paddle in a more leisurely manner, or those touring longer distances. The paddle pulls through the water easier than our Active Tour, which has a wider and shorter blade face for more power, but over the long haul the paddler will be more likely to maintain a strong, steady cadence with good form as the smaller blade will leave them less fatigued. The same holds true with our wing paddles. Often people inquire about moving from a Mid Wing to a Mid Large or even a Large Wing, even though they will be paddling the same distances. Again, the thinking is that the larger blade will provide more speed. This may technically be true, but bear in mind that the Large Wing was designed to be used by paddlers putting in full efforts of 1000 meters or less. If you take that type of design and try to apply it to a 10 km course, you are more likely to suffer physically and burn out than gain efficiency and speed over the long haul.
Kayaking at its core is a finesse sport. Technique is more important than raw power, just as stability is more important than raw speed when selecting your boat. Go out and try all the options, just keep an open mind. You may be surprised to find that you're most comfortable with a boat that is a little shorter and wider, and a paddle that is a little smaller than you had anticipated.
Just having become comfortable with the paddle you have doesn't mean you're ready to move up. You can always work to get more out of your forward stroke. Spending time each week working on your form and technique will help you towards the goal of the perfect forward stroke. A lifetime of paddling can be devoted to this goal, and it is still unattainable for most. However, you will gain comfort and confidence in your boat, your overall efficiency and conditioning will increase, you will be less susceptible to injury, and you will enjoy the experience more.
When selecting a paddle always keep in mind how you will use it. We offer basic guidelines for our paddles. For instance, we recommend our Relaxed Tour paddle to customers who paddle in a more leisurely manner, or those touring longer distances. The paddle pulls through the water easier than our Active Tour, which has a wider and shorter blade face for more power, but over the long haul the paddler will be more likely to maintain a strong, steady cadence with good form as the smaller blade will leave them less fatigued. The same holds true with our wing paddles. Often people inquire about moving from a Mid Wing to a Mid Large or even a Large Wing, even though they will be paddling the same distances. Again, the thinking is that the larger blade will provide more speed. This may technically be true, but bear in mind that the Large Wing was designed to be used by paddlers putting in full efforts of 1000 meters or less. If you take that type of design and try to apply it to a 10 km course, you are more likely to suffer physically and burn out than gain efficiency and speed over the long haul.
Kayaking at its core is a finesse sport. Technique is more important than raw power, just as stability is more important than raw speed when selecting your boat. Go out and try all the options, just keep an open mind. You may be surprised to find that you're most comfortable with a boat that is a little shorter and wider, and a paddle that is a little smaller than you had anticipated.
