What Paddle

[jerseytrev]

I had a Carlisle for my surf ski, a lovely paddle and very comfortable.

 

i use a lendal knietic touring carbon shaft .a bit dearer than your £80 budget but worth it . bournmouth canoe

 

http://www.bournemouthcanoes.co.uk/product...ring-paddle.htm

Edited May 15, 2007 by jerseytrev

[Hake]

I was new to the yakking last year and bought a Prowler 13. I got a "free" Simply Magic Carlisle paddle with the yak; I think they retail at about £50 - £60 for the one piece version with the fibreglass-type shaft, which is what I got...length 210cm.

 

I had no previous experience but it seemed fine to me. Certainly much better than the £30 cheapo that my mate got as a freebie...don't know what it is, but it weighs a tonne by comparison.

 

When I bought a Scrambler XT a few months ago for my stepson I was offered another free paddle, but chose to upgrade to a 2 piece Originz Northwest Passage; length 215 - 223 cm. This is also quite light and I prefer it to the Carlisle one because I can adjust the length and feather. This paddle retails for about £100 (maybe less).

 

I tend to do about 2 - 3 miles on an average trip and would recommend both of these "budget" paddles as suitable for such purposes. I do favour the Originz one as I can customise it to my requirements.

 

I guess the expensvie paddles come into their own for longer distance paddling. I'll defer to afficionados such as Richi on this point.

 

Unless your going for long distance paddling I'd say you'd be fine with a paddle such as the ones I've mentioned. In my view the important thing is to get a paddle that's the right length for you. This is what I've found.

 

Hope this helps.