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04/06/2020 03:48AM |
Blatz: "I come from a bit of racing background so it's sit and switch for me. I can J stroke all day if I like , but prefer Sit and Switch. Bent ZRE paddle"
ZRE bent shaft carbon
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04/06/2020 03:50AM |
scat: "Straight style, T grip. I had a Bending Branches for years til I snapped it in half pushing too hard when stuck in a muddy pool. The one I have now cost $18, with a plastic paddle, aluminum shaft. I love it. Super light and has the T grip. "
Great paddles for rough work for sure.
Not what I bring to the BWCA
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04/05/2020 11:05PM |
bwcadan: "I prefer front to back. HA HA"
That might be the most common stroke but I think my favorite is a sculling draw.
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04/05/2020 02:15PM |
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04/08/2020 09:55PM |
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04/08/2020 10:29AM |
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04/07/2020 03:10PM |
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04/30/2020 06:23AM |
These are my favorite paddle styles because they enrich the narrative. I also like vintage Coast to Coast paddles with peeling varnish.
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04/05/2020 09:49AM |
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10/03/2020 09:31AM |
MichiganMan: "RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."
And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it!"
Beautiful smallmouth!
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04/07/2020 02:11PM |
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04/05/2020 11:14AM |
Touring/covering some distance, my short bent shaft is my go in the stern of a tandem or the bow for that matter, also solo. If the situation gets shallow and boney I pick up the spare which is often my oldest and first paddle(1967), a solid ash beavertail.
On moving water requiring draws and ferries and back paddling the straight shaft Clement or Dagger comes out. Typical touring blades, the Clement a little bigger. No flat blades, all have a raised center section to prevent flutter when really digging in.
Dancing on the calm lake with some freestyle moves one of the old beavertails is the choice. I have a long one and a short one. I also have Dagger that is really light and a little longer for dancing.
All my paddles are wood and quite a few my own creations. I guess my homemade bent-shaft gets the most use. Even though I made the Dagger paddles when I work for them decades ago, my favorite straight shaft is still the Clement.
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04/06/2020 03:38PM |
justpaddlin: "I like short, light straight shaft paddles with stubby blades since I do a lot of upstream paddling on rivers and they can be used to hit and switch to power upstream but also work great for j-stroking or just playing around on quiet water. I'm a kneeler.
Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.
Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.
"
I'm in the same (yet different) boat as you with the Black Bart being my paddle of choice. I've got two 50" bent that I love.
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04/09/2020 04:10PM |
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10/02/2020 01:41PM |
justpaddlin: "I like short, light straight shaft paddles with stubby blades since I do a lot of upstream paddling on rivers and they can be used to hit and switch to power upstream but also work great for j-stroking or just playing around on quiet water. I'm a kneeler.
Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.
Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.
Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?
Best
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10/03/2020 06:45AM |
RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."
And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it!
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10/02/2020 08:35PM |
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04/06/2020 11:21AM |
Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.
Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.
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04/10/2020 07:26AM |
1. 48 inch, 15 degree, 8 inch blade.
2. 50 inch, 0 degree, 8.5 inch blade.
Not pretty, but I have to do the paddling and am lazy.
butthead
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04/05/2020 09:38AM |
I really really want the Bending Branches Black Pearl II paddle.
The BB is a perfect angle and is lightweight and it has lasted a very long time. Zero complaints with it.
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10/02/2020 11:54PM |
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10/03/2020 12:09AM |
For river or near-home paddling, I use a T-grip wood paddle. I love the t-grip for j-strokes and paddle control, and I don't want to worry about "abusing" a paddle (I use it for pushing off shore, pushing off rocks, etc.).
Just my .02.
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04/29/2020 09:57PM |
OCDave: "CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"
I like long, thin paddles that allow me to reach deep into the water. I feel more in control of my canoe on flat water than with a short, wide paddle. More importantly, I feel like the long paddles promote a paddling cadence that matches my wilderness tripping mood. My "favorite" changes each time I paddle but is one of 4.
My Fishell Ray Special is my #1 paddle. I also have a Fishell Modified Special which is frequently my #1 paddle. These paddles are produced by the Fishell family in Ontario. They are a direct continuation of the paddles designed and produced by Ray Kettlewell as Ray sold his patterns and equipment to the Fishells.
My other #1 paddles are my Badger Tripper and Badger Sliver . Badger paddle is also a family-owned (Mike and Fiona Ramsey) shop; also in Ontario. I especially like the Tripper in windy conditions or in the early season to get into paddling shape. I choose the Sliver when the goal is to paddle all day everyday for a week.
The Badger paddles are just a bit lighter and flexible than the Fishells. The shape of the Fishells Zip effortlessly through the water during my Canadian stroke recovery.
OK. Feeling the need to go for a paddle
"
I’m using a Badger Badgertail and rocking the Canadian stroke as well.
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10/03/2020 05:08AM |
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10/03/2020 06:42AM |
60” BB Expedition Plus here. This paddle’s ability to move a lot of water has helped me out in a couple windy situations. The wrap they put on the edge of the blade and up into the shaft has held up real well and the big blade also makes a nice area for cleaning fish.
Also have an explorer plus but don’t care for the handle. The blade design also appears to be slightly different.
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10/03/2020 07:57AM |
Blackgrass70: " > "
Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?
Best"
Here you go Blackgrass. Like the guys at GRB told me, the GRB blade size is a little bit bigger than a standard Zaveral blade and I think that makes it about perfect for me. The pic is a little deceiving since the GRB is the only paddle with a bend. Yes I still absolutely love the paddle and use it a lot. I've lent it to a couple friends and they fell in love with it too (gave it to one friend to try briefly and didn't get it back until the end of a 5-6 hour paddle). My only concern with ordering a six degree was getting the length right since I didn't want to start the trial and error process with six degree paddles. I ordered 54.5 inches and asked them to leave the handle unglued so I could trim it and they forgot and glued the handle but fortunately it feels great as-is, and my friends that tried it are shorter than me and loved it. I'm around 6 feet tall. A 54 would probably fit me fine too.
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10/03/2020 08:01AM |
CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"
The Dog Paddle because it's simple and effective!
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10/03/2020 09:45AM |
justpaddlin: "Blackgrass70: " > "
Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?
Best"
Here you go Blackgrass. Like the guys at GRB told me, the GRB blade size is a little bit bigger than a standard Zaveral blade and I think that makes it about perfect for me. The pic is a little deceiving since the GRB is the only paddle with a bend. Yes I still absolutely love the paddle and use it a lot. I've lent it to a couple friends and they fell in love with it too (gave it to one friend to try briefly and didn't get it back until the end of a 5-6 hour paddle). My only concern with ordering a six degree was getting the length right since I didn't want to start the trial and error process with six degree paddles. I ordered 54.5 inches and asked them to leave the handle unglued so I could trim it and they forgot and glued the handle but fortunately it feels great as-is, and my friends that tried it are shorter than me and loved it. I'm around 6 feet tall. A 54 would probably fit me fine too.
"I really appreciate the photo and reply. I’m 6’ tall as well and paddling a solo (kneeling).
While I would like to try a Black Bart, it sounds like the GRB if much more obtainable.
To clarify on the straight ZRE, does the blade meet the shaft and is it centered symmetrically including the grip?
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10/03/2020 10:21AM |
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04/07/2020 01:10PM |
TZ
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04/07/2020 01:53PM |
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04/05/2020 07:16PM |
For flatwater, I'm a recent convert to the graphite/carbon bent shaft paddles.
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04/04/2020 06:12PM |
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04/05/2020 08:52PM |
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04/10/2020 06:05AM |
I did make my own one time and used it on a trip. And I still have it. But now I just use a straight paddle with a nice long blade that goes deep and allows me to pull a nice big handful of water. I'm sore today because of a day on the lake. It's a wonderful feeling.
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04/05/2020 08:37AM |
I normally paddle on one side until I am tired. I don't use any C or J or anything like that. I believe what I use is something like a "river drag" or river ... hold on I'm going to google. Actually I do use that C stroke but always considered it a sweep stroke. The drag thing is like using your paddle as a rudder for half a second.
My current paddle of choice is a bending branches paddle. I do like those graphite bent ones up in Ely though. So light. Too expensive for me though.
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04/05/2020 08:53AM |
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04/05/2020 09:00AM |
CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"
I like long, thin paddles that allow me to reach deep into the water. I feel more in control of my canoe on flat water than with a short, wide paddle. More importantly, I feel like the long paddles promote a paddling cadence that matches my wilderness tripping mood. My "favorite" changes each time I paddle but is one of 4.
My Fishell Ray Special is my #1 paddle. I also have a Fishell Modified Special which is frequently my #1 paddle. These paddles are produced by the Fishell family in Ontario. They are a direct continuation of the paddles designed and produced by Ray Kettlewell as Ray sold his patterns and equipment to the Fishells.
My other #1 paddles are my Badger Tripper and Badger Sliver . Badger paddle is also a family-owned (Mike and Fiona Ramsey) shop; also in Ontario. I especially like the Tripper in windy conditions or in the early season to get into paddling shape. I choose the Sliver when the goal is to paddle all day everyday for a week.
The Badger paddles are just a bit lighter and flexible than the Fishells. The shape of the Fishells Zip effortlessly through the water during my Canadian stroke recovery.
OK. Feeling the need to go for a paddle
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04/06/2020 07:07AM |
andym: "bwcadan: "I prefer front to back. HA HA"
That might be the most common stroke but I think my favorite is a sculling draw."
I don't know if a sculling draw is MY favorite, but it sure seems to be the favorite of all the newbies who see me do it. It never fails to impress someone with limited or no paddling experience.
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04/06/2020 08:25AM |
Mike
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04/08/2020 08:54AM |
CanoeViking: "I have a bending branches special bent shaft paddle that I really really like. I was curious if there’s anyone out there that uses the Ottertail paddles and what has been their experience. It might just be the woodworker and me wanting to make one but it looks like it might be fun to use in calm weather. "
I made a cherry ottertail years ago. I always bring it with! I find it’s comfortable to change paddles every so often, half hour or so, just to change things up. I always enjoy paddling the ottertail as my change up from a bent shaft.
Make one! Do it!
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04/05/2020 10:01AM |
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04/08/2020 10:19AM |
if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand
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04/08/2020 12:04PM |
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04/05/2020 01:48PM |
I do want to try some of the longer, thinner types one of these days.
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04/06/2020 12:34PM |
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04/07/2020 12:03PM |
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10/04/2020 12:37AM |
I was attracted to bent shaft paddles for the claimed extra speed with the same effort. I have not done tests to verify that, but it generally seems to be acknowledged to be true. The disadvantage I was worried about was that it wouldn't be as good for certain strokes. In particular, I worried the J-stroke would be harder to do because the bent shaft would angle the blade back towards the canoe at the end of the stroke. I do the J-stroke without prying off the gunwale. I found that it was easy to do the J with the bent shaft paddle. It is also easy to turn to the inside with a little pry at the end of the stroke. I haven't managed to do a Canadian stroke with this type of paddle. I just don't seem to be able to control the paddle during the underwater return. To be fair, I am pretty bad at the Canadian stroke with a straight shaft paddle. The Indian Stroke makes little sense with a bent shaft. Since the paddle is rotated on each stroke, you'd be using the paddle backwards every other stroke. Sweeps, prys, draws and sculling draws work fine with the bent shaft. All in all, I am happy as a conventional paddler on lakes with the bent shaft paddle.
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10/04/2020 01:45AM |
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10/04/2020 09:53PM |
Position: Bow
Style: Paddle on one side until I'm tired, then switch. I like the mindlessness of it so I can focus on navigating and just looking around in general. Thank you to all the Stern paddlers out there. I appreciate you!
I finally bought my own paddle last year and it was one of the biggest game changers. Outfitter plastic paddles are pretty crumby once you make the switch. If you plan to go on more trips in the future, buy a used paddle!
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10/04/2020 10:31PM |
RunningFox: "MichiganMan: "RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."
And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it!
Beautiful smallmouth!"
Thanks! It was caught last week on Little Knife Lake.
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11/12/2020 08:32AM |
CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"
I like the Chinese Penhold Style! Works great for both offense and defense!
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11/12/2020 07:05AM |
justpaddlin: "The straight ZRE is just one of their bent shafts with a custom 0 degree angle (I think they'll give you any angle you want for an extra $15) so the blade is not centered on the shaft and the grip is not symmetric. If you're ever in the SW Michigan area we could go for a paddle and you could try a Black Bart straight (which is fully symmetrical...both blade and grip). The latest Bending Branches Sunburst is a pretty nice fully symmetric paddle although the blade is on the small side for my tastes."
Thanks again for your help. I received my 6 degree paddle last week or so and have been out a few times with it. I really like the paddle and appreciate your pointing them out. I’m paddling solo (kneeling) and it is a very comfortable paddle for me.
Gary was easy to work with and quick to respond.
Best
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11/13/2020 05:05PM |
Blackgrass70: "justpaddlin: "The straight ZRE is just one of their bent shafts with a custom 0 degree angle (I think they'll give you any angle you want for an extra $15) so the blade is not centered on the shaft and the grip is not symmetric. If you're ever in the SW Michigan area we could go for a paddle and you could try a Black Bart straight (which is fully symmetrical...both blade and grip). The latest Bending Branches Sunburst is a pretty nice fully symmetric paddle although the blade is on the small side for my tastes."
Thanks again for your help. I received my 6 degree paddle last week or so and have been out a few times with it. I really like the paddle and appreciate your pointing them out. I’m paddling solo (kneeling) and it is a very comfortable paddle for me.
Gary was easy to work with and quick to respond.
Best"
I'm happy to hear that you like your new paddle. Cheers.