Open Forum: Gear for beginners

Gear for beginners

Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: The Class Room
Forum Name: Open Forum
Forum Discription: Discuss and Share your expertise on products or technique
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9092
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 4:01am

Topic: Gear for beginners

Posted By: Alphacyber
Subject: Gear for beginners
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 12:28pm

I'm new to hardshelling and didn't find a topic on gear for beginners, so I'm starting one. In particular I'm looking for advice on paddles. I've looked at guides on websites but would like to hear from the people who know and use this stuff. I'm nearly 6'2" and looking for a good multipurpose paddle that will get me down the river and let me play some while I'm at it.

Replies:

Posted By: Kiwi
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 12:37pm

if you know your gonna stick with it buy a werner paddle, like the powerhouse or the player, for ~$225 or so.

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 1:59pm

Alpha I am 6'3" and I have huge feet. We should chat if your ever interested in getting the scoop on a common problem for big paddlers. In the meantime there is a http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4882&PN=1 - great beginner guide that was written by Arn you should check out.

Posted By: Connor
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 2:58pm

Werner paddles are the best because they break less than other brands (AT and definately Seven2). Other than that its just what you like in a paddle and how much you want to spend. Try out how a bent shaft compares with a straight shaft on a river before you buy a paddle.

Posted By: Alphacyber
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 4:27pm

Alright, from what I've already heard from others and what I've heard here I'm sold on Werner. Any tips on what length to get and which design to use for all around paddling?

Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 8:50pm

I really like the Werner Stikine for all around paddling. You probably also want to think about what degree of feather you want. I personally don't like more than 30 (currently paddling with a 15, which I like better) but there are great boaters out there using 45 degree feather. I think (and hear from better paddlers) that overall some things are easier with a 30 degree or less feather.

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It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle.

Posted By: Kiwi
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 11:53am

get a <200 cm paddle
I'm 6'6" and have a 206 cm powerhouse, it's phat.
maybe a 202? as long as your hands aren't on the paddle blades when you paddle your good

Posted By: Kiwi
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 11:56am

also +1 for 30 degree feather. if you've never paddled with a feathered paddle get a 15 degree.
my first paddle was almost a 90 degree feather, so my stroke naturally includes a twist of my wrist, less feather is nice for creeking and bigwater though, it's easier to brace on both sides when your getting tossed around.

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