3 years sea kayaker getting into white water this season. Bought me a used Jackson 2 Fun and have been out in Golden close to a dozen times and on grizzly a couple times.
5ft 6inches. Arms couple inches shorter than normal. Prefer wider stance on the shaft than typical.
Paddle size:
Have been borrowing a 191 Werner twist BS from the shop (normal shaft size). With a 191 I realized that it maybe slightly long for places like golden (I like real vertical strokes because this stubby boat turns too soon!). So I thought I would shoot for 189-188cm but the shop guys think thats too small.
When I paddle I feel like a cm of the shaft is burried in the water (past the blade attachment). Not sure and am confused!
Which paddle:
Was thinking of the Werner Twist glass or the AT2Flexi. The AT2 flexi is got more surface area but I think I would be fine since the flex shaft should not make me feel too overburdened! The twist is the tried and true one ...but it does not move me ...I dont feel the water ... I tried the At2 in a 194-196 at the pool and the feel is nice. I tried the At4 on the river and did not like it much! Too stiff.
Its a lot of money so I am not sure what to do.
As a new WW boater, you're bound to loose your first paddle within a few weeks of purchase.
Hmmmm! Ok!
The flexi is a great paddle! I am 6' and use a 196. If you go to their sight they have a sizing chart for each paddle they sell!
Hope this helps.
Here is a link=AT Paddles - Bentshaft Whitewater and Touring Paddles
Yeah according to their size I should be a 190-191 but I feel I need it a little bit smaller! But maybe I have bad technique and so I feel I need a shorter paddle. maybe.
-a
Quote:
Originally Posted by stumpster
Hmmmm! Ok!
The flexi is a great paddle! I am 6' and use a 196. If you go to their sight they have a sizing chart for each paddle they sell!
Hope this helps.
Jarraa,
I too am 5'6" and have been paddling for 16 years and have owned quite a few paddles in my day. I have been using an AT2Flexi 191 for a few years now and in my opinion it is probably the best paddle I have ever used. Its easy on my joints, comfortable, and worth the money.
FWIW, I'm 5'10" and paddle a 191 Werner sidekick glass and would go shorter if all I was doing was playing. I have the 191 because my creeker sits me up so high. I like short and will never go back!
My suggestion is 188 or 185!
I have a friend who's 5' and paddles a 179. That thing is wicked!
work your technique im 5' 10" i use a at2 standard 194 its sick you should paddle with your core musscles not your arms just a little hint, and like some of the other guys said you will loose it soon anyways and this is true maybe not loose but you will probably break it if your are surfing in shallow holes so buy a cheaper paddle they do the same thing when you are just learning
My personal advice is the Werner Player, for durability, but that's not on your list.
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