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How to Choose a Paddle That is Right For You
1. Blade shape and paddling style – From a Fisherman’s perspective
Simply put, if you focus on a paddle that fits you it
will means less fatigue, more time on the water and
more fish in your boat. A lot goes into a great
paddling paddle and each manufacture will happily
tell their story, so do your research, try stuff out and
make an informed decision. However the constant
between all brands is that you are going to see two
general blade shapes. They will differ some, but
generally you’ll have short and fat or long and skinny. Each shape is designed specifically to
perform better with your paddling style. Now sure you can use any blade, paddle however you
want, but to get the most from your paddling match the blade shape to your paddling style.
Let’s take a closer look.
Long and Skinny. This shape is for “Low-Angle” paddling. In this style your top hand is
shoulder height during your stroke, and much more relaxed as it puts less pressure on your
smaller muscle groups. This allows you to spend more time focusing on landing fish. Try for
yourself and see how the longer, narrow blade shape “fits” in the water better and presents
more surface area of the blade to the water. Now the disadvantage is that with every stroke
the blades travel away from the side of the boat, making the boat turn slightly as you travel
across the water. Less of straight line means more time to get from point A to B.
Short and Fat. When high angle paddling, your top hand will come up to about forehead
height. Notice that your blades travel much closer to the kayak helping you to track
significantly straighter. Again note that the short and wide blade shape “fits” in the water better
in this position. It can be harder on the smaller muscle groups, but as you commit to
perfecting your paddling technique, it will allow you to be a more efficient paddler. The
common misconception is the fatter blade is faster, more powerful. Generally the blades are
the same overall size and again the shape difference is to match style. To truly become more
powerful, faster, work on technique. Here is a great, short, video for the kayak angler and their
forward stroke.
Still not sure what paddling style is best suited for
you? Ask yourself, “What do I see myself doing the
most out there?” If your answer is to get out there,
relax and maybe catch a few fish, low angle would
be the way to go. If your answer is to get out in the
water and focus on better technique for more
efficient paddling, high angle would be the ticket for
you. You can always get out there and try paddles
out. The day you become a kayak fisherman, you
have to think like a paddler first. Consider your
paddle fit as much as you would consider any of
your tackle.
Don’t forget, a bad day of fishing is still a great day of paddling.
http://www.austinkayak.com/category/11/Paddles