Why? I use a $400 paddle.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I created a 16 page PDF with hundreds of tips for playing and working in the outdoors! They are called The Guides Way and you can get them here. ko-fi.com/adventureotaku/shop

[@jsv812]

I love your channel. Keep up the great work! FYI - You know that Werner Paddles are made in Washington State, where many place names are taken from Native American names. Often, these names are not really pronounced the way someone long ago decided to spell them in English. The Camano paddle is named for Camano Island, and is pronounced Ca.Main.oh, with a long A, as in mother may I, or the way we pronounce the state of Maine. If you think that this strange, look up how to pronounce the Cities of Puyallup or Sequim. Cheers!

[@AdventureOtaku]

YA know, I almost mentioned that they are made in Washington state, but didn't because my brain says Sultan Washington (their decals used to say Sultan but I think they moved?) so in the moment I didn't mention it because I knew I would say Sultan and then someone would yell at me! AND a good friend lives in Puyallup, and my wife and I have been joking for decades about retiring to "SKWIM." Great little town. Thanks for stopping by.

[@kenwebster5053]

I make my own paddles. In fact, I still use the ones I made for slalom comp in the 70s & 80s. They are light, strong, have large blade area & are cheap to make. They are alloy & glass, so yes there are lighter carbon ones but there are no commercial paddles as light strong and high white water holding power for the same cost. I have used Alloy for shafts for decades no problem summer of winter. Sometimes I use my open finger sailing gloves to protect from cold or sun. The only time I had to repair them was when someone borrowed them. I never did find out what they did, tried to use them as a spade or crowbar I suppose.

[@AdventureOtaku]

What kind of alloy? And so you use them for white water?

[@lynnpetzold9254]

Just had this conversation last night with two friends! So worth it! I love my Werner paddles - two piece and four piece standard shaft.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Lynn stopping by my channel ?! That makes me happy.

[@lynnpetzold9254]

@@AdventureOtaku Yes, shared this with the two I was speaking with about Werner paddles and investing in a little better paddle = save your body! They live in the Seattle area so they can easily go right to the Werner warehouse. Enjoy your channel. : )

[@AdventureOtaku]

Im glad you enjoy it, that also makes me happy. I would like to go to the Werner Warehouse… actually I would like to do a factory tour. That would be amazing.

[@wavesoffun]

Great discussion. The other slight issue with the Werner splits is that if you don't ensure you always clean it thoroughly, the internal catch can stick so the button doesn't lock. I always carry a spare tent peg in case someone has a sticky button on their Werner. I currently use the Werner Cyprus and love it as well as a Gearlab greenland stick as my spare paddle.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yeah, I have had the button get stuck once or twice and copious water has always worked to loosen it up. The moral of the story is you gotta rinse your paddle religiously with fresh water.

[@inyanmila6064]

My 2 cents on the Greenland Paddle: I normally use an old carbon fiber AT Exception. Back then, I had the money to spend on a light, strong, bent shaft paddle. It was not cheap, but I had the coin. Years later, I realized the benefit of carrying a spare, only this time I'm standing in a bread line. So I made a Greenland paddle from a 2X4, with power tools I had and saved a bunch of money that I didn't have to begin with. Something about actually making the paddle has a way of drawing one's identity a bit deeper into it, and I think that plays to the identity politics of the thing. Guys who make their own bows are the same way, as are fly-fishing folk who tie their own flies. And guys who make their own guitars....oh let's not ever open that door! And...admittedly...I too, felt like puffing my chest out a bit when I showed up at the boat launch with my Homer Simpson-esque creation! Yes, it's a different stroke and a tad easier on my shoulder, but there are just as many times when I thank the stars that I'm holding a euroblade, especially when the speedboating frat-boys are trying to impress their girlfriends, and I suddenly need to “get the hell outta Dodge.” The Greenland Paddle makes sense for me due to financial exigencies, but if I have to choose one or the other, I'd pick the euroblade 7 out of 10 times. That said, I also enjoy what the Greenland paddle has to offer, and it is nice to be able to choose between the two. Here's a video of Dubside and Leon Somme illustrating how much (notice I didn't say all) of the utility of techniques typically manifest through Greenland Paddles can also be done with a Euroblade: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2bCm42kn651p5I&ab_channel=AndrewElizaga

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yeah, I agree with everything you said. on the money. I actually did a greenland rolling workshop with Dubside. Interesting guy. Thanks for commenting.

[@Simon_W74]

I also like the idea of making my own paddle, and also like the idea to trying out a Greenland Paddle and it would be the cheaper option to make one that buy one and the find that I don't take to it. It could be an expensive mistake as they are not that cheap to buy, and you'd lose a fair bit then selling it on with little use.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Go for it! Lots of tutorials online. Let me know how it works out

[@nativewatersports2746]

As usual you are right on. These are great folks to work with. I got my first Kalliste as a gift to myself when I opened my account with Werner. I think it was 2005-2006. Have had several since. Now I own one in every size to fit different kayaks that I paddle and even the SUP and canoe equivalents. I just prefer the feel and yes, I prefer the smooth shaft. Over the years, I have sold hundreds of Werners of all models at my shop and have only had a rare issue. I had a friend that noticed the same flutter with the Kalliste and he switched to the Camano Carbon. I have not noticed this issue and have always enjoyed the buttery smooth feel of the foam core blade especially for sculling. Never even tried the Camano Carbon but after this video (and inflation), I think I might just give it a go the next time I need a new paddle. Side note: Have had no issues with the feral on the Aquabounds. Cheers from FL.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@johnconnor6725]

I use my homemade "Power Paddles" with printed jets Getting a modified stroke were it drives itself forward then I pull it back giving a much faster system and over performing standard Paddles.

[@tuxediomafia]

My wife and I have been Kayaking for just a year now. We were fortunate enough to get ourselves a couple of used Delta Kayaks. But with our budget blown we purchased 2 pelican paddles from Amazon on sale. Now I have canoed all my life so the paddling technique is very familiar to me. My wife has not, and when we would go paddling she had a hard time keeping up, so I would always slow down for her. The following day after paddling everytime our shoulders were sore. I had eyed Werners, and our local shop also showed us the Blackwater line of carbon/carbon carbon/fiberglass etc etc. So one day on amazon I see a carbon shaft/poly blade paddle for cheap. Bought it gave it to her to paddle. It was only 2/3 the weight of the Pelican. Well our next paddle my wife was keeping up with me A LOT more. After that I was definitely leaning towards a carbon paddle, and after seeing a video on youtube with some fellow demonstarting how much force and brutality it takes to actually destray a werner (Camano) I was sold. and for my wife they make a full carbon model called the Athena, smaller blade and came in a smaller diameter shaft ( available on a few models). And her paddle only weighs 1/3 of an aluminum at just over 600 grams. Well this spring when we went out, my wife was a rocket on the water and I didnt even slow down for her. No sore shourlders anything. (so I bought a Kaliste shortly there after) We Did a full day course with them, self rescue etc etc. They float amazingly, they are so strong, they dont scratch that easy, re entry was a breeze etc etc etc. Simple fact is if you like Kayaking and are going to do it for even a few years, Werner is worth the investment. Either casual or hardcore. White water or touring or whatever. Your hands, your muscles will love you for it, and you will get farther and faster with the same amount of energy you would normally use with a reg paddle. They know their stuff and they have a paddle to suit your needs.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Glad you found them, and had a good experience. Thanks for watching.

[@S4WYERonPC]

I have a couple Werner paddles - my favorite being the Ikelos.....but I rarely use any of them after discovering the Greenland paddle...I have a Gearlab Kaleq and a Gram 9000D - no comparison to anything else.

[@AdventureOtaku]

It’s about what finding what works for you. Glad you did.

[@Simon_W74]

I have an Old Lendal Paddle that I bought secondhand, they were made in Scotland, also by hand. They are different to the Lendal Paddles that I see from Sea kayaking Cornwall they use a lever lock system, where as mine used PADLOK which uses a allen key to tighten the two parts of the paddle together. The nearest looks wise to my Lendal is some of the Celtic paddles I have seen as the Blade shape is the same from what I have seen to mine. I like the look of Werner paddles and have used there cheaper end Paddles at our Canoe Club, and I was doing Assisted and self Rescues training last Wednesday Evening with one of the Coaches, and he brought his own Werner paddle. I could not believe how light it was, not a cheap paddle and probably the top of the line model.

[@AdventureOtaku]

That is my only concern with Lendal, is that they moved production from the UK to the US. I still want to try one…

[@snowleopard1918]

Kayak Daves old website has some good Werner paddle comparisons, for Werner paddles, broken down into there respective categories, low angle, high angle and smaller paddles. Some of the Werner high end foam cores don’t get the great reviews you might think, just as you have discovered. I have the Camano, the Shuna and a Gearlab Kalleq and also plastic bladed non Werner low angle for low water creeks where you could hit bottom a lot. All good to have.

[@AdventureOtaku]

there is nothing wrong with a quiver of paddles.

[@gilbertk]

I've got a glass Werner Camano that I use as my primary for sea kayaking, and I just got a cheaper AT paddle with glass infused nylon blades for getting into whitewater and I've significantly missed the nicer paddle and am very close to getting a Werner Powerhouse for whitewater.

[@AdventureOtaku]

The Camano is my primary though at the moment I am working with a Lendal Voyager that they were nice enough to loan me… The AT paddles aren’t bad, I know someone that uses one as a back up….though I am a believer that your backup should be the exact same paddle as your primary (but for me it is older.)

[@bobrein8093]

Brett, I do agree with the Werner Camano being an outstanding paddle as I am currently paddling with one. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video on the Greenland paddle? I am told that it works wonders for people with shoulder issues.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Ive gotten a couple of requests to do a greenland paddle video, and while I have paddled with them, I wouldn't consider myself skilled enough to do a video about it. I will say the thinner blade is easier to move through the water, so easier on shoulders in that sense, but you have to do a higher stroke rate. I will also add that Greenland paddlers can sometimes be little fanatical, meaning they say things like "the greenland paddle is better in all conditions and all situations" which is simple impossible. No ONE thing is perfect all the time. Which is one of the reasons I stay away from it. If I bump into someone who is a greenland paddler and willing to do a video I will definitely take the opportunity and make it happen though.

[@everydaycarrytools]

@@AdventureOtakuI use a Greenland paddle, but it never occurred to me that it’s more than just a tool on the toolbox. I usually go out with a normal paddle to get out through the surf zone, then switch to Greenland to settle into the tour. It’s interesting that some people view a Greenland paddle as somehow better. It’s just different.

[@AdventureOtaku]

and I agree - and you sound like a sane, normal person. However there is a greenland paddle cult... my friend, stay out of that cult. There is a paddle instructor who I must have subscribed to his email list at some point, and most of his emails are about how a greenland paddle will fix ANY problem. He is in the cult.

[@glendaglass7264]

I’m a 73 year old new kayaker and I love my Greenland paddle. I started out with a conventional euro blade then tried the Greenland Akiak and never went back to the euro. I paddle on the local reservoirs and love how smooth and quiet the Greenland is. It’s very easy on my joints and seems to be less tiring.

[@AdventureOtaku]

That’s awesome!

[@TheSeriousWaterman]

Werner paddles are nice Ive owned about 5 so far, at the moment Im using the featherlight ovation as well as the cypress bent shaft. Recently Ive acquired a wave walker from nimbus paddles which I love as well as a gear lab outdoor Kalleq Greenland paddle, great for rolling and touring. Really can't beat any carbon lightweight paddle.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I would really like to test out an ovation.

[@TheSeriousWaterman]

If you venture out here to CT you're welcome to demo mine. @@AdventureOtaku

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks!

[@DwightFitzmorris]

Hi, I am looking at an XO13 Point North kayak. Can you offer any info on the stability,? Regards Dwight.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Hey Dwight, I haven't paddled it - or any of the Point 65 boats. It's 25 inches wide, so I would guess pretty stabile. In general I don't worry too much about stability, even if it feels super tippy when you first get in, you will get used to it pretty quickly. and long term it makes you a better paddler as it will lend itself to edging better in the future.

[@DwightFitzmorris]

@@AdventureOtaku I appreciate you and your posts. I will let you know how it goes as I am paddling it next weekend on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. Regards.

[@DarrelLyall]

Have you ever used the greenland style paddle?

[@AdventureOtaku]

I believe the first comment on this video starts a long thread on Greenland paddles. I’ve tried them, don’t really like them. But a lot of people do.

[@prophecy66]

Ironic that you say the ferrule system on the Aquabound being bulbous makes you feel it'll attract grit and lead to issues down the road, yet I've read countless post about people having issues with the ferrule system on the Werner's. Not to mention they're so incredibly hard to separate even when I've tested them new in store. They do seem like really nice paddles, but the ferrule system is a huge no for me personally. I use a Lendal Storm myself, which is an amazing paddle, super simple, but effective ferrule system as well. Perhaps try emailing the sales manager for Lendal NA, I've contacted him before personally for some help with getting spare parts and he was great to work with.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I'll give that shot.... ANY paddle can have problems with the joint, but having seen werners in day in/day out use with students with both NOLS and REI.... I wouldn't go any other way. But I would like to test a Lendal. I'll try emailing. thanks!

[@prophecy66]

@@AdventureOtaku I don't disagree that any paddle could have issues. At the end of the day, a paddle is pretty personal as well, it's your connection to the water, alongside your kayak of course. So really, whatever works best for you, is the best paddle. Hopefully you get the chance to test one out.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Totally agree. Me too!

[@armortodd5162]

Never had a problem with a Werner paddle joint…many years with a number of Werner paddles. Currently have a Kalliste two piece…works perfectly all the time.

[@swimrski]

KUH - MAY - NO 😄

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thank you!

[@swimrski]

@@AdventureOtaku Well, because of you I now pronounce Asolo correctly!

[@AdventureOtaku]

It’s just occurring to me I probably say kalliste wrong!

[@Boilermaker92]

Any tips if the joint is hard to pull apart the two half’s?

[@AdventureOtaku]

Water water water.... and a buddy to help pull them apart. So rinse really well, maybe soak in warm (not hot) water. Then try and pull apart without twisting. If that doesn't work call Werner. You know how this happens right? How they get stuck? if not let me know. That way it doesn't happen again.

[@Boilermaker92]

@@AdventureOtaku salt water and not rinsing ASAP? It pulls apart…just not as easy as it used to.

[@AdventureOtaku]

yeah, you got it. I used to be always dealing with it, and then I started taking care of my gear. Thanks for stopping by.

[@inyanmila6064]

Once they're apart, wash both mLe and female pieces with Dawn dish soap and warm water. And be liberal about the Dawn.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Interesting I hadn’t heard to use soap. Where did you get that from?