Thank you for your patience and thank you for supporting American manufacturing.
Our shipping windows are slightly longer than most of our loyal paddlers are used to, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure paddles ship timely and perform perfectly. As soon as you place your order, a real person in our Osceola, Wisconsin factory will start preparing your paddle. Here at Bending Branches, we build all of our paddles to order (much like a fast food restaurant), so paddles do not collect dust or become dated. 18-laminate shaft provides strength and powerīlade Material: Basswood & Roasted Basswoodīlade Surface Area: 118 sq.
The reason for this huge jump in price is due to the different materials and design methods used to construct each paddle.The Explorer Plus is a long-time favorite, known for beat-me-up durability, for both wilderness tripping and flatwater paddling. Kayak paddles can cost anywhere between $30 on the affordable end and $300 on the expensive range. Budgetĭepending on how much you use your kayak and how often you get out on the water, you might want to consider investing in a premium kayak paddle. You can have plastic blades on the more affordable side of the spectrum, fiberglass for a competitive price and nylon blades on the more expensive end. The material that the blade is composed of is also important. A large blade is more powerful as it displaces more water, however, a small blade is more efficient as it is easier to pull through the water. It is important to choose the right blade for your needs.
Carbon fiber shafts come with nylon blades and are definitely the best option in terms of materials used. Fiberglass shaft paddles are usually complemented by fiberglass blades making them the middle price option.įinally, carbon fiber is the lightest and stiffest material, however, it is also the most expensive. Additionally, aluminum shaft paddles are normally fitted with an affordable plastic blade option.įiberglass is lightweight and stiff but not as much as carbon fiber. That said, buying a new kayak paddle built using lighter materials could completely change your kayaking experience, but some materials are more expensive.įor example, aluminum alloy is functional and affordable, but not as lightweight or strong as fiberglass and carbon fiber.
As the shaft is the bigger part of the paddle, you want to make sure that it’s lightweight and durable. Kayak paddles have blades and shafts that are constructed using different materials. MaterialĪnother key factor to consider is the material used to construct the paddle. For many paddle shafts there is the option to adjust the angle of the blade to find what is right for you. Matched blades are aligned in order to give the most powerful strokes. Feathered blades are offset at an angle to increase wind resistance when paddling. Some paddles feature feathered blades, while others feature matched blades. This gives the kayaker more control over their strokes by allowing them to lower the blade when kayaking and creating a more streamlined kayaking experience. They are best suited for white water paddling as they allow for quick displacement of water.Īlternatively, many paddles have asymmetrical blades, meaning that each blade is a different size. Some paddles offer symmetrical blades that are easy to use and beginner friendly. There are many different types of kayak models that offer various unique features. The best way to get the right length is to take your height and add about 8-12 inches (20-30cm). When looking for the best paddle, it is important to get the right length as a paddle with the wrong length will be awkward to use. What to look for when buying a Paddle for Kayaking Length