I have recently bought a new boat (jackson fun) and i love it to bits, i mainly use it on rivers but mainly in the surf, as these as the closest things to me. I have a ainsworth paddle at the moment, but have been offered a werner sidekick for £60, its fairly new, but i am not sure if it will be right for me. I am 16, and about average for my age (not sure what height i actually am) but apparantely the sidekick has bigger blades, so does this mean it wont be as good for me. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks,

Steve

stevebs36 wrote:

i mainly use it on rivers but mainly in the surf

What? As for the paddle, all that the larger blades would mean is that you can get more power from every stroke, but wear down much faster. In comparison, the Player has 50 sq cm less surface area than the Sidekick (675 for Player, 725 for Sidekick). Check on the length as well, because you don't want to have a paddle that you feel is the wrong size.

I just got a sidekick and i LOVE it!!! I use it with my super fun at our local play spots. I am a larger guy so i like that i can get much more power with each stroke. However with more power i have to work my arms much harder. If you can you should give it a try before buying it.

Hi
I'm of a similar age and found the sidekicks to get in the way a bit to much whilst throwing myself around due to the larger blade shape, if you can try and get a slightly smaller blade such as the ophion cyclone, player or a set of mitchell nemesises.
Tom

Go for the sidekick, probs far more durable than the Ainsworth you've got now and it'll also have a far better feel. Big blades will also help you out of sticky spots in rivers and make rolling easier to an extent.
If someones offering it to you can't you just go and try it out? You might want to consider saving up and getting some really good paddles, because in the long run your'll save your money and have a better time on the water, rather than going to replace some 2nd hand sidekicks in a years time then wishing you still had the 60 quid. Larger blades means more muscle to move them, so you might ache for a few sessions before your muscules get used to them. Height shouldn't be an issue,I've seen guys paddling supershort Werner Shotguns for playboating who are about 5'6", and they didn't have any problems. However, you need to make sure you get the right length shaft, 194-196 is about the right length for your sort of paddling if youre under 6'2". Just remember, try before you buy.

ok, thanks for all your help guys. I apprecaite it alot

i use the bent shaft sidekicks they are easily the most comfortable and powerfull blade i have ever used
and for £60 you cant go wrong!!