TOPIC:

Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7512

brianlorence
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Well, this might be strange, but I am fairly comfterble paddling w/ a regular paddle in class 3+ water, but strap hand paddles on me and I am ready for 4-5+ water. For some reason when I put the hand paddles on, my confidence increases, I tend to play a lot more, and I am much more aggressive. I have spent the last 4 months working on my regular paddle strokes and feel they are great... strange...

Whats everyones take on this - Should I resort to hand paddles only? Despite them being a little more work, I can keep up w/ everyone else, ferry like no other, and punch holes like a dream. Am I crazy?

Do you know any other boaters who prefer/use hand paddles more often than traditional paddles?

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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7515

batman100 Offline Elite Member Posts: 172 Thank you received: 0	Whoa you're crazy!!! but your paddling so its your choice
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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7878

ReesieCup45 Offline New Member Posts: 3 Thank you received: 0	No I think that is understandable, with hand paddles you have two points of contact at all time not just one like with a paddle. I feel like i can play better and balance better with hand paddles, I have heard that useing hand paddles lowers your center of gravity making you more stable. So despite the extra added effort, it is a good work out, and possibly a better way to boat
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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7880

DavisGfunk Offline Premium Member Posts: 67 Thank you received: 0	Also using hand paddles gives you alot less chance of shoulder dislocation.
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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7881

Paddles4 Offline Senior Member Posts: 37 Thank you received: 0	just reading that makes me want to go out and buy some hand paddles lol
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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 5 months ago #7882

nathan
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I know som1 who exclusivly uses had paddles but he only boats up to class IV I have used them on class IV but find it hard to keep a draw stroke in fast water. Also, I can't get the same power and pull through to punch larger holes. Also, bracing is a bot tougher because I can't lean all the way out w/ the paddle. When surfing it's hrader to get that powerful back stroke for blunts. And it's hard to drive down the face for loops/ Hey man, whatever works for you. What tough rivers have you boated w/ with them. Are you using Power paws?

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Re:Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 3 months ago #9240

Rods Offline Junior Member Posts: 6 Thank you received: 0	Interesting thread. I hadn't heard of Power Paws but I bought some hand made paddles from here if anyone is looking for a contact (they're a very reasonable price): www.riveraholic.com I'm looking forward to using them but unfortunately I'm injured at the moment and sitting dejected on dry land!
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Re:Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 19 years 3 months ago #9257

Golder Offline Premium Member Posts: 96 Thank you received: 0	they can be a bummer for long flat water paddles...
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