Lighter paddle

[skrilla]

Pick the right tool for the right job. I use the Aqua Bound Hybrid. Got it because of how rough I find myself to be with the kayak. Pushing off docks, jetties, shallows, smacking opportunist sea lions, digging tourists out of the sand... etc. Those durable nylon blades take the abuse like a champ. The carbon shaft is light enough where I don't feel sore at the end of the day and it's adjustable to boot. And if it ever breaks it's only another ~120 bucks for a new one.

[Zed]

My dad and I have had great service w aquabound/bending branches. We both have broken shafts (after many years) and they hooked us up after writing them. So another investment isnt a given if you take the time to tell the company about it.

[Fish Taco]

Back in 2011 when I bought my Stealth 14 from CJ at OEX Mission Bay, he sold me a Adventure Technology Exodus FishStix paddle (240 cm) and it was well worth the investment... I love it...

[Rocketfish]

wow guys. all these paddles you are referring to are in excess of $300 on average. that's how much my yak costs LOL. I know I know... If i'm going to be serious about yak fishing AND want to avoid injury, it's worth it. I AGREE.

Anyhow, my current yak is just a trial yak to see if I even like getting out on the water. the answer after a couple months is YES, so I'm saving up for a good yak with propulsion system, preferrably. if not, then one of these paddles for sure!

[Amish Ed]

Originally Posted by Rocketfish

wow guys. all these paddles you are referring to are in excess of $300 on average. that's how much my yak costs LOL. I know I know... If i'm going to be serious about yak fishing AND want to avoid injury, it's worth it. I AGREE.

Anyhow, my current yak is just a trial yak to see if I even like getting out on the water. the answer after a couple months is YES, so I'm saving up for a good yak with propulsion system, preferrably. if not, then one of these paddles for sure!

Actually the Aquabound that Skrilla recommended is sub-$200. I use an Aquabound Sting Ray (carbon shaft, nylon blades) and have been for many years. Check them out here...http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...sories/paddles

[cabojohn]

Besides a good PFD and a comfy cozy seat...a carbon fiber paddle is the best coin you can spend. $.02


(copied from Onno's site)

Please humor me. Yes you can buy a plastic paddle for 40.00 or less. But. What if you could travel farther with less effort or paddle for even an extra 15 minutes just because your paddle boosted your efforts? What is that time worth to you? How about in your profession? The extra expense is made up fast.

Real world #s: 1stroke = L-R-L
40oz. plastic 25oz. ONNO Signature = 15oz. x 20 strokes per minute = 300oz. x 60 min. = 18,000oz.
That's 1125 pounds per hour you are swinging around needlessly. Hey, you just filled 22, fifty pound bags of sand with your hands on your leisure time. Or 1500 cokes.

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this is why carbon fiber is worth the $$.

[Rocketfish]

Originally Posted by cabojohn

Real world #s: 1stroke = L-R-L
40oz. plastic 25oz. ONNO Signature = 15oz. x 20 strokes per minute = 300oz. x 60 min. = 18,000oz.
That's 1125 pounds per hour you are swinging around needlessly. Hey, you just filled 22, fifty pound bags of sand with your hands on your leisure time. Or 1500 cokes.[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/LEFT]

very interesting and cool calculation. I appreciate quantifying how a lighter paddle will benefit you.