Eric Jackson- In the Know- Whitewater Kayaking- All About Paddles

[@ryanperk7380]

I ended up taking your advice and bought a 200 cm shogun. I’m 6’ tall. Even just another 3 cm made a big difference. I love it. You’re a smart man which is why I watch your videos and only paddle my Jackson fleet of WW yaks.

[@jaffy27]

Great information, thanks! I'm shopping for a new paddle, so I just came back watched it a second time. Any chance of adding a table of contents to the description, to make it easy to jump to the section you're interested in? Something like: 2:48 Length 9:15 Offset 16:00 Bent vs straight 20:27 Increasing grip w/ electrical tape 21:57 Foam core

[@ministryoftruth3535]

Hey Eric, thanks for the very helpful info, FYI on Werner's website you can order this paddle in any length from 188 - 203 cm in 1 cm increments, you can even choose the feather angle in 5 degree increments.

[@keithpullen1279]

Great video, I switched to a 202cm VE paddle last year. At 6 feet 1, this made a big difference to me on rollling, bracing and power. I was told it was too long by a couple of people but this video reinforces what felt right for me.

[@Fauxlaf]

Hey Eric, i´m paddling 0 degree since 25 years. With no problems; less in my wrists than before. It´s just i don´t have one fixed hand. The hand on the active blade is always straight, upper hand is loose to get in straight position. I transformed it from my C1 times. Where i´ve been told to train to paddle with slightly open upper hand....

[@andydainty6055]

Great video EJ, I use a Werner Stikine Carbon Bent R30, but i always felt the paddle sizes from Werner was a bit on the small size for my strokes. This video has been a huge help and explains why they are short. May be a Werner EJ edition with a higher bend and removed grooves with a longer length is the way forward. 🤘 Looking forward to the next vid. All the best from Sandals Antigua!!!

[@robertarcher6712]

Thanks. I've been paddling with a 197cm Rio and a 194cm player depending what I'm paddling. I was thinking of getting a 200cm powerhouse or surge for when I traveller to Austria next year and this has convinced me that I should definitely go longer.

[@patrickh621]

Thanks for the inspirational thoughts! As a beginner (calm'ish small river) in whatever boat the club has at hand, I chose an adjustable twist/length paddle to start figuring all those things out (197cm+10, 0-90 deg.). Next thing will be what leads to tendonitis in my lower left forearm - right hand being the leading hand with the stronger grip ...

[@AVERT-]

Thank you for the information! Really helpful I'm just getting into kayaking .. I live in CT on the natchaug River (Dianna's pool)

[@DennyT71]

Thank you EJ. I'm 6'3' and 240lbs. and you're right. They were trying to sell me a 200 cm paddle. I refused. After watching your video I'm glad I did. Really enjoy the info you put out. 👍👍

[@robertjoppe2995]

Expert knowledgeable advice my man, many thanks. Now I know why I fell in love with my medium Jackson karma 6 months ago, being 67" and 160lbs. I was thinking of getting the new Werner Surge paddle but you pointed out some key differences that make alot of sense. Im kinda torn between a blade that slices and floats or, one that drags but may put more power in the buff and hole busting stroke. No matter my choice Werner really should be taking serious notes from you. If they dont we should seriously develop The Jackson Action Paddle.

[@malcoppock4255]

Excellent vlog EJ

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

I prefer AT2 , from Advance Technology, since I never match the slicing "feather" action in any other paddle, even after 20 years of experience. On AT2 paddles, the heavy duty shaft is lifetime warranty and there is also a light version if you find it a little heavy. My backup is a Werner Player. Great video, as always. Thank you dear legend.

[@jacquestejeda5554]

Great video with really good advice. I'm your hight and little heavier but I changed to 200 cm paddles when I started slalom boating. I was thinking it was a little long but now I'm convinced it's a good length. Still trying to figure my best off set though (for play and river running)...

[@AngusRobins]

Ace video Eric...😎

[@Canoer-rk8xg]

Nice vid. A nudest at 15:02 🤣

[@adrianboloveschi7266]

I found that the Werner carbon shafts get grippier when wet. Much more then when they're dry.

[@pilom]

Feather angle is not offset. I wish people would stop using the words interchangeably because they aren't. Offset is the position in front or behind the grip. The Odachi and the Surge are "offset" forward. AT bent shafts are offset backward. Feather is the angle between the two blades.

[@fitdoc565]

If you’ve made any instructional videos, post them so we may learn something.

[@ChiefYellowstoneR1989]

Thank you for marking this helps a lot

[@MarkFitzptrk]

Why not colaberate with werner and have an EJ edition paddle!!! Whats your opinion on the forward cranked blade paddles???

[@AnonymousOtters]

One thing you didn't elaborate on is paddle shape, like river running vs freestyle. I would imagine that shape also affects what length is effective. Because freestyle paddles are canted slightly relative to the shaft, it seems like you would need less effective length to make contact with the water. Thoughts?

[@kevinhill.8]

Great video EJ! Thanks for putting this together. Why can’t you get a longer bent DD? Werner website shows bent available to 203 in 1cm increments. Do you use DD for everything or do you use a Stikine or Sho-Gun (or something else) for creeking and river running? Never thought about the increased leverage for feathering provided by the bent shaft. Might explain why I had three missed strokes when I tested my wife’s straight Sherpa recently. I’ve been paddling with a bent Stikine for 5 years and love it. I’m about to go from 197 to 200, and from 0° to 30° but I’m thinking about staying with smaller Stikine (vs. Sho-Gun) since I’m light (6’ 135lbs), and to reduce strain on my previously injured right wrist and shoulder. Thoughts?

[@RainIsLiquidSunshine]

Thanks for thosse information. A lot of inspiration about the perfekt paddle. So why you not using a Lettmann Paddle?

[@andyclasby6088]

Good video Eric as I’m new to kayaking

[@tomjudge7879]

Thanks, great info. I have a Werner high angle large blade touring paddle, looking to get a WW paddle. My paddle is the right overall length but the crank hand position is just too narrow, more so as I get stronger. Do Werner crank widths vary with the length of the paddle? Thanks

[@erikmortensen2987]

I've paddled for a some 5-7 years now, and really enjoy a 0 degree offset shaft. it is my understanding that the notion of the right hand being the "driver" and the left hand being a "hinge" came from the days of sea kayaking into headwind like you mentioned. why keep this mindset when it is no longer necessary? Why not always have the lower/paddling hand being the driver (firm grip), so changing dynamically from stroke to stroke? this is what i've gravitated towards. This allows for a symmetrical paddling style rather than a right hand dominated one - my right side is already a fair bit stronger, no need to exacerbate this. Any thoughts?

[@erikmortensen2987]

@@ericjacksonkayak Thanks for reply - my point is though to not have two tight hands, only one at a time, changing when resetting the paddle from one stroke to the next. The lower hand, closest to the blade in the water will always be holding tight, while upper hand will be loose. Similar to your stance when you are paddling on you right hand side, you just mirror that position to the left side when you reset the blade to take a stroke on the left. Same technique you would use with a tradition zero offset eskimo paddle in a sea kayak

[@ch678able]

Excellent

[@carlscarbro4127]

Have you ever tried a wing paddle for white water?

[@jonathanwalker7199]

@ericjackson Do you use the double diamond for playboating and river running? I noticed the description of the paddle online describes the double diamond as a playboating paddle and powerhouse as a river running paddle

[@NiceGuyFYI]

Just checked Werner's website: they have a double diamond 203cm paddle now!

[@jamesmallard3386]

Makes me feel better about using a 203 cm paddle. Its the longest Werner Shogun I could get.

[@edwarddoheny19]

Awesome video!

[@MrCycling101]

Hey EJ, great video! I currently have a 200cm bent shaft foam core Sho Gun at 30° offset and a 197cm bent shaft Player at 15°. Currently recovering from shoulder surgery, whats your thought on switching to a fiberglass blade as my creeking and river running paddle to protect my shoulder as the fiberglass technically has more flexibility in the blade? Thanks for your time, cheers!

[@frankfattore8400]

What’s the difference between the Double Diamond and the Sho Gun? Thanks!

[@mattmurawka4919]

EJ, would you recommend a double diamond for all paddling disciplines? Or is DD more for playboating. Whats your thoughts on a shogun

[@saint5203]

I am 6 foot three.220 lbs How many centimeters should my paddle be? River running. Class 3 and four

[@dMaribo]

If we could get a run of paddles like those Lightnings, that would be great.

[@KimIrby]

What if you are 5’2” and 115 pounds? What length paddle for river running up to Class III in a small Antix 2? Thx!

[@Canoer-rk8xg]

Longer paddles put more strain on your shoulders when in big volume

[@ryanwsu4]

I’m a 5’5” dude, a super long paddle just feels like it may be an odd choice. But EJ probably has forgotten more about paddling than I’ll ever know. So maybe I’ll get something longer, when they are available. Side note: anyone hear much about whitewater technology paddles?

[@Belisarius277]

15:00 your son streaks in the left low corner :)

[@paddlepaddlepaddle8147]

Eric have you tried Mitchell Paddles? they make excellent blades!!.

[@cheskybaba4864]

Eric - AT paddles just closed up shop - You should buy the molds and make your own stuff. Are foam cores stronger than all one composite?

[@Realjameshayes]

Do you not find that a shorter paddle increases cadence making it easier to not flush off the back of a feature?

[@aarongreen4358]

Why doesn't Jackson make paddles?!?!??

[@ralfbender1728]

Okey i forgot something. On a 45° Angle a 45 cm blade is only ca. 30 cm deep in the water so 3cm more is about 10% 10% makes the difference between a big paddle 750 cm2 or a small to middle paddle 675 cm2. And i forgot also the leverage. It has a small advantage.

[@sjacquesE]

What about grip size? I have large hands and use cork bike tape to increase size of grip. Thoughts?

[@mauifish13]

Did you get the new 203?

[@romangoat6652]

What is the best paddle shape for someone with shoulder problems?

[@deepcreekfooter]

What paddle length and feather do you use for playboating? I'm 6'3" 185lbs, paddling a rockstar 4.0 M, considering a 203cm 0 feather double diamond? too long for playboating? I keep getting told to go shorter, just curious what you're using.

[@deepcreekfooter]

​@@ericjacksonkayak right on. thanks. they must have recently added the 203cm bent shaft, cause it's on the website and at some retailers. I'm going to go to 203! Any particular reason for the 30R - or more specifically any reason not to go 0 feather? BTW, I grew up in Brookmont ('80 - '99) - remember seeing you down on the feeder. stopped paddling in '98, but getting back into it. Love the rockstar 4.0!

[@joshb3523]

i notice that Werner now sells a 203cm version of this paddle :) It is always Out of Stock. :(

[@SergeyVoynov]

Hi Eric! Thanks for the video. I have been having sort of an issue with choosing paddle, and I would appreciate any advice. I'm 5'10, 215 lbs. I used to have 204 30 degree RT, switched to 199 15 degree, after that to 196 15 degree. I am right handed, by my left is not far behind. I roll equally good on both sides. I am not a race paddler. Typical rivers for me are Upper Yough and Upper Gauley. I plant paddle in the water vertically a lot to steer. I have three problems. When paddle is vertical on the left I need to twist my wrists out much more vs right side, because I have that 15 degree angle, and sometimes I have issues making rapid left turn. Therefore I have been thinking of getting zero degree paddle. Also I try not to raise my elbows high in order to protect shoulders, but if I don't raise it high my blade goes to deep in the water, because my grip is narrower then normal, I was thinking of getting 192 sm. Also, i constantly have blisters on my left hand, never on the right, which means shaft turns inside of my hand, which also makes me think of getting zero degree. After watching your video Im not so sure my logic is right. Any advice? I appreciate your time. Thank you.

[@SergeyVoynov]

Thank you for the response. I'm not sure what the "open faced" draw stroke is, but I do use draw stroke a lot to change my direction. No doubt there are my flows in my technique, because I learned watching people and videos, as majority of paddlers I'm sure. Trying to make a step up from things like upper yough and upper gauley I came to understanding of some of my problems, and significantly fewer solutions. I will look for that video. Thanks again!

[@powskier]

I don’t understand how can say 200cm is the longest you can get. Simply not true. I talked to CKS and you can get any length you want in this paddle too. It’s only $15 extra and you have to pay shipping because they come from Werner.

[@nikapyrenees]

I am 6ft tall and I got the odachi 206cm.

[@trevorqueenan1089]

I’m learning 😁

[@patsywalker9378]

What length paddle would your recommend for a 6 foot, 190 lbs person? I currently use a 197cm and would like to go longer.

[@patsywalker9378]

Thanks. I am used to a straight shaft, although I watched your video and understand your preference for a bent shaft. I might try a straight shaft in a 205cm length, if they'll custom make it for me. I just didn't want to go too long. @@ericjacksonkayak

[@xaviermacias7988]

Good thing I'm 5'7 and 120 lbs

[@dukerider694]

Naked photo bomber 😂

[@12bdarnell]

My dad Ben Darnell knows you

[@ralfbender1728]

Are you serious Mr. Jackson? I am 165 cm tall a small guy my Paddel is 194 cm i also used 197 cm long paddles. So if i take a 200 cm paddle this is 6 cm more or 3 cm on each side. A paddle is about 45 cm long this 15x more. That mean a 194 cm long paddle has 1/15 of the blade less in the water.

[@ralfbender1728]

@@ericjacksonkayak Sorry my english is not very good. What i meant is when i take a 194cm paddle and only 42cm from the blade are in the water (blade length is 45cm!) Then when i take a longer paddle, let say a 200cm this is 6 cm more or 3cm on each side, so the whole blade off 45cm would be in the water. arithmetically it does not look like much only 1/15 more but as you said it has an huge effect i tried it out.