Yup, Same newbie here trying to learn some basics. I was watching the three vol basics vids and a question came to my mind. Is there an advantage to having the paddle blades offset from each other or is it more of a personal preference? I have a low end kayak and I'm starting out on flat water. I've played around with them offset and I always do better and feel more comfortable with them even. Also, if at any time in my posts, if I use improper names or lingo, feel free to correct me. Like I said, I'm trying to learn.

Thanks for a GREAT site!

Hey guy! I found when starting out that I preferred no 'feather' to my blades, but as you get your coordination down you will see that some feather is good. Anywhere from 20 to 30 to 45 degrees. A feathered blade is more effective when there is wind and/or you are paddling fast. On a 30 degree feather one blade (the one in the air) is slicing through the air while the other is cleanly stroking through the water. You know you've got your stroke down right when you are using mostly torso rotation. Practice thinking of yourself as Frankenstein (sorry--it worked for me!) in your movements. Your arms stay fairly rigid if you are doing it right and you are rotating your upper body to the torso with your legs jammed on the foot pegs/foot plate. When you start to do that, and it makes sense because that muscle group is one of the strongest in your body, your need for a feather will become more obvious.

Here's a decent free online video source to check out on this:



Some other video sources to check out:

www.savagesnow.com/whitewater_kayaking/3...yak_instruction.html

www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo/view/

www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/slalom-kayaking

www.performancevideo.com/


Whoah, dude! There's some homework there!

Here's my take....what ever is comfortable for you, period. everyone developes their own style.
Myself, don't do a lot of lake/sea kayaking but I use an adjustible going 0 degree for a normal cadence and 30 degree if a stiff wind.
I mostly creek and use 15 degree. For me it's faster to correct, quicker to brace and is prepositioned for me if I need to roll. Again, it fits my style and is comfortable.
Note as a beginner that you might let go of your paddle during swims. The flatter the feather the more likely you will be to lose it. A flat feathered paddle will head down stream like a stick where let's say a 45 degree will have a better chance of eddying out on it's own.

Cool. I did not know that a feathered paddle tends to wander less. See. I am still learning. Cool.

Thanks for the help. Sure gives me some things to think about the next time I'm out!

I personally use a 30 degree feather on all my paddles, I love it. I would recommend anything from 15 to 45. I personally don't like zero feather (and would never recommend it to anyone) although I know people who do like it. It just doesn't feel right. See what works for you though. Length of the paddle and blade size/shape is also important. Everyone is different and there are no 'must-do's' really Experiment with other peoples' paddles and have fun.

If you want to delve into another level;

Neutral Bent Shafts: they position your hands for the best balance, comfort and control, help to reduce arm fatigue. These are the paddles that look like someone ran them over with a golf cart. This type of paddle makes a considerable difference when paddling all day. Also try different diameter shafts.
I would seriously look into the neutral bent shaft if i was you.

Also the remember a large blade will have much more "power" than a small blade but it requires more energy to be expended. A small blade will be more efficient in long runs.

As for the shape of a blade it is dependent upon where it will be used. White Water Paddles have a some what more "rounder" shape than an elongated touring paddle; to deal with rocks and such.

Now I'd recommend to borrow every paddle you can lay your hands on. The key here is to use them where you plan on paddling. Some Paddles feel awesome in your hands in the store but you may find them to be awful on the water.

Remember a paddle can get horribly expensive with all the exotic materials currently used (Kevlar, Carbon fiber) so try before you buy. Also I would highly recommend using a wooden paddle if some one will let you.

Don't Kidd yourself though your paddle is a very important piece of equipment; it propels you.
Word of warning a $500 paddle will get lost just as easily as a $50. A sweet paddle will also get stolen if you aren't careful. Buy a pair of police handcuffs and lock it up anytime you are not in sight of it.

I'd also recommend buying a bright colored paddle. its hard to miss a bright yellow paddle when compared to a black paddle after a spill.

Is everything clear as muddy water? Hope I've helped...