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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 18 years 10 months ago #7512

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 18 years 10 months ago #7515

Whoa you're crazy!!!

but your paddling so its your choice

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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 18 years 9 months ago #7878

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 18 years 9 months ago #7880

Also using hand paddles gives you alot less chance of shoulder dislocation.

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Prefer hand paddles over traditional paddle 18 years 9 months ago #7881

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 18 years 9 months ago #7882

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 18 years 7 months ago #9240

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 18 years 7 months ago #9257

they can be a bummer for long flat water paddles...

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