I was thinking of getting one for longer trips. It comes up when I fill in the Werner paddle guide they have on line. I guess it is good for long distance with a good speed cadence vs a larger one like the Ilkeos? Presently I have a Werner Fiberglass Shuna paddle that I bought with my Solstice used. Thanks

Dog, my long distance paddle is a Werner Camano. It's light as a feather and does the job beyond my expectations. And it's real pretty (red).

I'm probably going to get myself in trouble, but I think that some people tend to advise that you go for a shorter paddle like a 220 for a sea kayak. I've got all kinds of paddles and lots of different lengths and I've found that a 230 works the best with my big boat. The longer paddle allows more adjustment for sliding the paddle to favor one side or the other to compensate for wind and current and is far more effective for bracing and maneuvering.

I'm 6'-2" tall and have long arms, so maybe that makes a difference too. I've also found that for long distance paddling, I tend to relax and lower my angle.

230 may be good for low angle. I want a distance paddle. Thanks for the input!

I am 6'3" with really long arms and I use a 215 Corryvrecken. I am a Whitewater paddler that sea kayaks too, so I am a naturally high angel paddler. The shorter paddle is what I am used to and seems to work great for me.

I, too an 6'2" and I use a 210cm Cyprus, but also have a 220 Kalliste for those longer days. The primary difference is in the intended paddling angle. My concern with the longer paddle is leverage. With bad form and a long paddle you can increase the odds of doing damage to your shoulder. Conversely, you can hurt your shoulders with a high angle paddle as well.

Hm, seems like both paddles are good paddles with slightly different intended paddling angles and purposes. Who'da thunk it?

I am also looking to get a new paddle. And the Werner Kalliste seems to be a good paddle for expedition trips that I plan doing this year. I was hoping more Kalliste paddle users responded with their input. Of course, I plan on testing some paddles first.

I'm in my kayak 100+ days a year and, honestly, the most popular carbon/foam core Werner paddles I see are the Cyprus and the Ikelos. I see a lot of Kalliste on the deck as spares, though I do see many low angle paddles in the hands of beginners. I find that as people gain skills and experience in more fully developed conditions their paddles seem to get shorter and their paddling styles tend toward high angle (of course this only pertains to Euro blades rather than Greenland paddles). I know that the difference we're talking about here is only 10-20cm, which isn't much on a ruler, but in terms of leverage it's tremendous, especially swinging it around for bow rudders, etc.

The Kalliste is a low angle touring paddle. While there is nothing wrong with that an it's a good paddle the length of it creates a bit of a tripping hazard in more developed seas and conditions. Having said that, I'm sure people will respond that they've not found that to be the case, but it certainly has been my experience both by my own experience and by watching others on the water.

Admittedly, I do still carry it as a spare and I do use it on long crossings, but it's not my 'go to' paddle.

Thanks Mark for your input. I made up my mind and went with an Ikelos. I think the Ikelos will be a good paddle for me to grow my skills. I have a few decent aqua bound paddles I can use as back ups and on long crossings. But I will end up getting a Kalliste later on.

Demoed a Kalliste paddle the other day briefly about 8 minutes as it was new and dealer didn't want me making it used. Felt super light like a tooth pick and narrow blade. Felt like I could go for hours on end with it. Speed seemed decent when I picked up the pace to fast in my Solstice. May be good in rough water. Not sure if I want a bigger blade for touring. I want the Ikelos too but a all day paddle first.

Any feed back on these http://www.sksa-ltd.com/dam/paddles.htm#bargains

Honey got a new boat and the Kalliste cored paddle with it. Nice paddle very smooth no flutter, super light and decent speeds cruising. Paddle about three hours at a decent cruising pace with ease. I love the paddle for the long haul. I'll get an Ikelos and used her Kalliste when she is not going out.

pops out of the water like a melon seed !

this I need.

I got such a good deal on 2 Werner paddles when I bought my poly Valley Nordkapp. I saved about $200 total for both. These paddles are so light. I am very pleased with both of them. By the way I bought an Ikelos and a Kalliste.

I have now a lot more experience paddling with my Ikelos and Kalliste paddles since I last posted. And both are amazing. I use my Ikelos more often and let my girlfriend use the Kalliste. The Ikelos is a high angle paddle and definitely gives you more speed but is more exhausting to use. I used it just the other day on a 16 km paddle and could feel the difference on my muscles at my shoulders and in my abs and obliques (not sure how that is spelled). I feel that both paddles were a great investment for me.
It is amazing how light they are.
Cheers