Sea Kayak Paddle Review
- Weight: 29 oz
- Length: 220 cm
- Blade: 19.5x6.125"
- Material: Wood
- Price: $229
- Tel: (519) 622-0001
- www.greyowlpaddles.com
Zephyr
Grey Owl
This paddle has a carbon shaft with standard oval grips and adjusts from 0 to 60 degrees of left or right feather. It has 11-lamination cedar, bass, and walnut dihedral spoon blades with fiberglass cloth overlay and plastic tips on the edging. Surprisingly light and well balanced, it feathered smoothly and predictably, with an efficient stroke. It is also available with an infinitely adjustable ferrule, R or L, 0 to 90 degrees (not available for this review).
- Weight: 23.8 oz
- Length: 215 cm
- Blade: 18.9x5.9"
- Material: Carbon/foam
- Price: $375-$450
- Tel: (800) 275-3311
- www.wernerpaddles.com
Athena
Werner Paddles
The neutral bent all-carbon shaft has an adjustable feather right or left from 0 to 90 degrees, in 15-degree increments. I found this to have the best grip in the bunch. The foam-core blades are light, predictable, and responsive, with excellent feathering and bracing characteristics. This is a medium-powered blade for those who want less stress, but its stiffness retains more of the effort you put into your stroke.
- Weight: 29.2 oz
- Length: 215 cm
- Blade: 21x7.25"
- Material: Fiberglass
- Price: $255
- Tel: (360) 757-2300
- www.swiftpaddles.com
Sea Swift
Swift
With epoxy-resin fiberglass blades, a carbon shaft, and standard oval grips, this paddle has an infinitely adjustable Klicklock ferrule. You can set the feather angle right or left, with markings for right at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees, and it locks and unlocks with a simple lever. It is a powerful blade, with a little more flex than the carbon, which should help soften its bite. It is advertised as a versatile alternative to a wing paddle for those who race occasionally.
- Weight: 29 oz
- Length: 214-221 cm
- Blade: 19.5x7.75"
- Material: Carbon
- Price: $312
- Tel: (603) 523-7004
- www.mitchellpaddles.com
Escape
Mitchell
This is an all-carbon paddle with standard oval grips and is adjustable in length from 215 to 220 cm, with any degree of feather right or left, marked at 0, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees. There’s no dihedral, which they feel gives it better bite. It is stiff, powerful, and light, with smooth feathering and good bracing. This and the Sea Swift were the biggest blades in this review. It's good for someone who likes the bite and power.
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