C-Forum

Yes, like many of you I'm in an area that desperately needs rain. Creeks and rivers haven't been this low all year... and most recreational releases have stopped along with summer.

BUT, I've been able to get out and flatwater paddle quite a bit.

And while cruising around I came to the conclusion that if I had "ok" gear (boat, appropriate clothing, helmet, etc...) the ONE piece of gear I would personally spend extra $ on to get a "better" one would be....

a paddle.

I have a number of sticks, and some of them put a smile on my face each time I take stroke. Great water feel, nicely balanced, etc.... It doesn't matter where I'm paddling, what i'm paddling (boat), it just helps me feel more connected. I personally value a light paddle with good water feel and balance - I have 2, maybe 3 carbon sticks that fit this category, and have only ever used 1 wood paddle that fits (MikeW.'s JimiStyx). I've used many a paddle that fits 2 of the 3, but it is rare to hit all three as far as I'm concerned.


So, if there was ONE piece of gear that you'd spend extra $ on to upgrade from something that works already, what would it be, and why?

Shuttle Bunny!!!





Sorry honey just kidding!

A carbon fiber adjustable portage yoke. If I had the skill I would make one. For the heavy short boats a light weight yoke would be fantastic

Wendy - try a hockey stick.
If you can get a carbon fiber one that has been broken during play (usually its the blade that breaks so the rest of the stick is available - ask at the local ice skating arena or any canadian / yankee freinds to bring you one)
Replace the wood yoke and pad out the composite one to your liking.
Drops a couple pounds - not a lot but it helps. Strong and light weight.
If you don't have access to a broken stick - post here... I'm sure one can show up over time for you!

Since you threw in flatwater, I'd probably agree with you that a good paddle is the best place to spend $$ if you have limited funds. Nothing takes the fun out of a day more than using a poorly desgined, heavy paddle.

If it was just whitewater, I'd put the paddle second behind good drywear. During my first season, I used a farmer john and leaky splash top (decked boat). The first time I used a drytop was an absolute revelation. My fun factor went up hugely, since flipping no longer meant being soaked/cold for the rest of the run.

Just for you Wendy check out the web Yoke http://mohawkcanoes.com/products/yokes-thwarts-mounts/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I agree that you already have the boat, clothing (particularly drysuit) and helmet you "like," then the paddle is the next piece of gear to be given the most importance in making paddling more enjoyable. In the original post this was stated as having "okay" boat, clothing and helmet--I want more than okay on these three. I want a boat, clothing, and helmet that I really like. Particularly the boat.

That said, I am amazed at how many paddlers will use rec paddles or continue using old paddles that have lost about 15% or so of their blade to wear. My paddle is what gives me the power to get out of jams, make hard moves, and brace to keep from falling over. I want a paddle I love as much as my boat. And when that paddle starts to wear out, generally when I've worn over an inch off the tip of the blade, I replace it. I particularly notice I start to get some weird flutter and wobble on contoured blades. These wear unevenly because I always paddle on the right. When this behavior becomes really obvious, I buy a new paddle. To me there are three key things to performance on the river: the boat, the paddler, and the paddle. Too many paddlers neglect the latter part of this equation.

This:

Sir Adam wrote:(MikeW.'s JimiStyx)

Dry gear is pretty awesome, but is only used a few months of the year. The perfect boat varies w/ conditions. The perfect paddle? Yeah, that's what I'll spend extra money on. My Mitchell is what I go to when it's shallow, I'm attaining or I need a lot of bite. I use my Zaveral when I need to pull 60 strokes a minute for hours on end. Most of the time I'm taking my RiverStyk. Jim made it for ME, not for the market. It looks the way I wanted it to look. It feels even better than I thought it could. He gave it the flex I wanted to help preserve my old, crunchy shoulders. The recovery phase of off-side strokes is so smooth you'll wonder how in the world some paddle companies stay in business.

I always buy, top of the line gear, saves money in the long run.
It lasts. And..
I love a fine wooden paddle; warm, balanced, beautiful, light, and just enough flex.
But, finding an awesome boating shoe, that's a lot harder.
I've tried many, but loved few.
To me , money is no object to have happy feet.

I agree about the paddling shoes. I've been buying fishing boots with rubber soles for some time now because they drain well, are bomber for scouts, provide good toe space for being tight up against the foot pegs, and can do double duty as hiking boots when you're on a multi-day trip. I was going to recommend the super light and durable New Balance ones I'm wearing now, but they're already no longer made. Which brings up another problem with paddling shoes--as soon as you find one you like, they stop making it and you have to start the search all over again. I had a pair of Redingtons that were amazing for their grip on rock on slot canyon climbs in the Grand Canyon, but their soles peeled off too soon from the constant pressure against the bottom of the boat.

Actually, it turns out NRS sells the New Balance boots I'm talking about: http://www.nrs.com/product/23301/otb-abyss-ii-boot-6-in

These are not extremely rugged, nor do the soles provide very great grip on slippery rock (what does?--I have had boots that provided better traction though). But, they drain super fast, are light and comfortable, and have lasted me a full year now.

My favorite shoes for summer paddling are Keen Newports.

Thanks Richard and Paul!

While, I too am always on the search for a shoe that drains well and provides good traction on wet ricks; I'm a bit surprised that no one has mentioned helmets. It is your head we're talking about! I already did it. Got the Sweets full face a while ago and it is the most comfortable helmet I have ever had on my head. Only trouble is it is hard to eat and drink around the face guard and I won't take it off in cold weather.

cheajack wrote: I'm a bit surprised that no one has mentioned helmets.

There's another one! Does anyone have a red, small/medium Bell that's cut out around the ears? They were only sold by NRS & are no longer available.

I agree a properly fitted helmet is an essential piece of gear, and I also picked up a Sweet Protection helmet recently (Rocker), replacing my old (and frighteningly flexy now) Resin Heads composite helmet.

I don't feel any safer with it,though I probably am. So perhaps it makes my wife smile (or perhaps not!), but for me the helmet is the essential "buy the best", while any paddle WILL work, a good one puts a smile on my face.

Thinking about it a bit it is amazing how much gear has actually progressed in the last 20 years. The previous 20 years were an amazing time with HUGE improvements, I think we (or at least I) discount the progress of the past 20 years.