C-Forum

Right now I am using a Werner Natahala(?). Should I invest in a better paddle? One with a spooned powerface? I guess I would consider myself a solid class III (whatever that means) boater with a solid roll. My boat is a Dagger Id.

If you like your paddle, no. If you want a different one, yes:). I know, I'm being terribly helpful here. One of the few paddlers that I know that can mystery his acrobat uses a Carlisle, and we're not talking about the newer ones...we're talking about the same sticks rafting companies use.

Personally, I do prefer a spoon blade, and a really, really light paddle. But it's obviously not necessary to be a great boater.... If you're interested in checking different sticks out I'd urge you to find some other CBoaters in your area and try out their paddles, and take a look at the home page of CBoats for a few different ideas. I've only listed companies that CBoaters have had good luck with, and there are quite a few options listed there (and probably quite a few more that need to be-if two people can vouch for a paddlemaker, I'll add them...so let me know!).

I've got to agree with Adam. If you like the Nantahala stick with it. A spoon blade will give you a stronger forward stroke but you might really notice some increased difficulty in rolling. In my admittedly limited experience, I've never known a Werner paddle to break, the blades will wear down to next to nothing but a shaft that stays with the blade gives me a lot of peace of mind.

Martyn