Usually I'm a low angle paddler. I've been using an older Werner Camano paddle 230cm. Now I'm going from a 26" wide boat to a 22" wide boat, so shorter shaft is in order. Right?

Now, maybe its because I have been pushing sometimes to keep up with the long boats, but I do modify my style to higher angle often.
So with the new boat I'm wondering what I should look for in a new paddle or should I wait and paddle it for a while with a shorter paddle (that I have)which has a simular blade to the Werner and see what happens before I purchase.

My husband & I are serious about getting into more open water, now that I'll have a boat that can handle it and I am looking into some "Beyond the Funamentals" paddling classes that include more edging, sweeps and low brace turns).

Suggestions, ideas, comments, please...

Well Deb,
I have to tell ya, I've looked at a lot of paddles and tried out some very expensive ones and it really comes down to what feels right. I agree that you probably will want to go with a little shorter length, or one that is adjustable.

I don't know if a person ever gets the perfect all around paddle, no matter how much you spend. The paddle I use almost all the time now is my Sevylor Fiber Pro. As I said, I've tried several other paddles, but nothing yet has convinced me that I need to change. I have a very nice Werner, and some others, but the Sevylor just does the job.

Anyway, I have found that an infinitely adjustable for feather is rather important. I use the blades almost flat when there is little wind and especially when I'm surfing. Going to windward I find that it works best to increase the feather angle as the wind increases.

Another thing that I like is a shaft that has a prominent cam so there is no doubt about the blade angle. My Werner has a bit less cam and there have been times when I've almost flipped the boat by hitting the water wrong. That brings a question to mind; I wonder how a crankshaft works for adjustable feathering.

I think you have the right idea about being patient and trying out and watching for the right paddle to come along.

I recently moved from paddling a 24" wide boat to paddling a 19.5" wide boat and still use the same paddle. Unless you need quick short paddle strokes, I don't think there's any need to go to a shorter paddle.

If you think you need to go to a shorter paddle, there must be a shop in your local area where you can rent a paddle for the day. Hopefully they will allow you to apply the rental fee to the purchase cost if you decide to purchase a new paddle from the shop where you rented from.

I'm going to here disagree with my friend Magooch about having infinitely adjustable feather on one's paddle. Too many choices. The beauty of having one and only one feather position (I'm talking here about take-apart paddles with choice of in-line or feather) is that you know exactly where you're at at all times on the water, whatever the conditions are. I know exactly how much to cock my wrist every time. I think my Swifts are feathered at 70 degrees, and this works just fine for me in any sort of conditions going to weather--no need or desire to fiddle around looking for the "perfect" feather angle. The simpler I keep my life on the water, the happier (and maybe safer?) I think I am.

Well, I guess that's why they say, different strokes for different folks. The paddle I use the most, has the degrees marked on the shaft and I know from lots of experience where to adjust it for varying conditions. Because of the excellent cam, there is no doubt about the blade position--without having to look before insertion.

I have found that about 40 degrees of feather is fine for moderate head winds, but when the wind really picks up, I will go for 90. That allows for a lot less wrist flexing for the control hand in all but the stronger winds. The infinite adjustability also allows for a slight feather that seems to work well for me when for all intents, I'm non-feathered.

Anyway, I've learned from my own experience and from some very old time paddlers that whatever works best for the individual is often what is best. That's not to say that I'm close minded about the whole thing. Heck, I'll try almost anything--even a stick (GP).

My thought about paddle length is that you can make anything work, but as you change boats, it is nice to be able to switch to a shorter, or longer shaft, and the width of the boat is not the only feature that might prompt a length change. All of my boats sit a little different with respect to position above the water. I like to be able to completely submerge the blade without changing the amount of twist and lean (if any) that I have grown accustomed to. My favorite paddle works equally well in both sea kayaks, but when I switch to one of the rec boats I use a longer paddle that has the same kind of blades.

The bottom line for me is that if I could have but one paddle, I think it would have to be adjustable for length and infinitely adjustable for feather. There are such animals out there, but so far, I haven't gone that way.

Magooch is right: it finally comes down to what works for each individual. Regarding paddle length, I use my 220-cm Swifts with both my 22-inch beam wooden kayak and my 26-inch (or is it 27-inch?) beam Dirigo, the White Whale. Works just fine with each. However, when I'm making a long crossing in uncertain conditions, or can otherwise see that I've got to get through a patch of dicey water, I have a 20-cm shaft extension that I can insert in the middle of the shaft to yield a 240-cm paddle. Might be all psychological, but it enables me to paddle with a greater degree of security.

Hmmmm...adjustable length, now there is something I haven't thought about. I see some paddles have adjustable length and feather...but it looks like that is really complicating things. The paddles I use now are the good ole feathered or not. My older Werner only had two positions (w/240 cm shaft) and my wooden one 3 positions (w/230 cm shaft). The 230cm shaft did not work well for me with the 26" wide boat. Guess I should try it with the Cypress first.

Weighing all the information, not including a custom made paddle, I will probably go with Werner or Swift.

But for now, I'm just waiting for the new boat. After I've paddled it for a little, per your suggestions, I guess then I should start experimenting with new paddles. (It would be nice to have a paddle that compliments the color of my new boat, but that's a girl thing I guess. Plus noone makes a transluscent pink paddle and that would be ideal)

Just kidding! I am serious about this. I'll try a couple of the Swift models. I was leaning towards the Wind Swift, but the Mid Swift looks more along the lines of what I'm using now. Plus they have all those Fabric choices.

I know and like the Werner Camano and they are lighter, but not by much. I REALLY like the ONNO paddles and custom would be great. More pricey, but great reviews and superior quality. But before I go as far as a custom paddle, I'll need to have a better idea of what will work best for me in the new boat.

Thank you for the ideas and opinions. Your info does help a lot!

While you are demoing new paddles, may I suggest trying a Werner Cyprus. I got one of these last week to complement my 220-cm Werner Little Dipper. My new carbon with foam core, 205-cm, small-shaft Cyprus feels almost weightless in my hands, and I can paddle noticably faster with little effort. It is a revelation. I still like to alternate with the Little Dipper.

I forgot to mention that my new Cyprus is a neutral bent shaft; very easy on the wrists.

Thanks Mike!

I do like Warner paddles. One minor problem. My new boat is "magenta" (a kind of purplish pink). I would like the paddle to coordinate with the boat. I also decided that I wanted a paddle that is bright and easy to see, especially for open water paddling. (My hubby has a transluscent red Warner. It really shows up well.) So I decided that I'd like a bright pink or pinkish paddle.

Long story short, cannot find what I want. However, Swift will custom make a paddle if I provide the fabric. I'm still trying to decide between the "Mid-Swift and the "Wind-Swift". Probably go with the "Mid-Swift". I've located BRIGHT fabric that should compliment my boat nicely.

I am waiting for the boat to get here (another long story)and will check the fabric against the boat before I contact the Swift rep back to custom make the paddle.

Let's just say...I won't blend in with a crowd

deb

Well I finally ordered a new paddle to go with the Cypress! I decided on the Swift, Wind Swift, straight shaft, 210cm. (And yes, it is being custom made to compliment my magenta boat! Thank you, Steve!)

I chose the Wind Swift after testing several paddles. I was very impressed with the ease in which I could acclerate the boat and the light weight. The long thin blade can be used to dig deep and propel the boat forward with incredible ease or in a low profile for distance and comfort.

I spoke to several paddlers as well as checking reviews, and testing different paddles. I am satisfied that I made the right choice. Now I wait...

Swift offered to make me the custom paddle using fabric of my choice. The additional cost is not substantial.

Thank you all for your sharing of your experiences as well as those who let me use their paddles so that I could make, what I feel, is an intellegent decsion.

Deb, you'll be truly a Happy Paddler!

...and color coordinated as well!

The Billy Crystal approach.

It is more important to look marveleos than to feel marvelous.

But if You can do both... SW

You look marvelous Absolutely marvelous

I recently obtained a C2 all carbon paddle by Peregrine Kayaks. I specifically purchased it (and spent a little more than other models) because it is infinitely adjustable for feather and runs from 215-225cm. when I was looking for paddles I looked at a lot of different brands and these features always ran the cost up. So far its been great.