Rec boat paddle?
Question:
Last weekend while boating on Cache Creek, my friend lost his kayak paddle. It was black/silver, with cupped black blades. If you find it brand it was. As for Cache creek, it looked like anything but a creek last Saturday. The water was high (somewhere around 5000?), the current was swift and with the perfect weather this run was a great warm-up for the season. It should be noted that at this water level, boating under the low bridge near the recreation area put-in was a rather dubious choice! Our raft cleared by maybe 6-8 inches I think. toward the end of the run there is a low water bridge that normally produces a dangerous hydraulic, but we ran it safely on the far right side. It may have been runnable almost anywhere at this water level.
Response:
My Lightening paddle is the only paddle I will use. It is the lightest paddle for it’s strength and the fact that it will last more than a season, makes it a bargain. Watch out though, if you paddle one of the graphite shaft paddles you won’t want to paddle with you’re old fiberglass friend. The graphite with glass blades is, IMHO the finest paddle around. Check them out. HILDE S
Response:
I have a Keowee and I’m thinking of replacing my $50 slug of a paddle.
Any suggestions from some Keowee folks who have used different paddles? Dave
I’ve paddled both a Keowee and my Wee Lassie double paddle canoe with a Sawyer Sea Feather (cost about $125). It’s a 2 piece takeapart. Most everyone who paddles these kinds of boats ends up with an 8 ft. paddle. Other good wooden options are the Grey Owl sea kayak paddles (2 models). If you prefer metal shaft and compositre blades, you can’t beat a strange little company called Lee’s Value Rite (or Right) out of the midwest. The make an asymetrical spoon bladed paddle in any length you want, for around $75! This is the only composite paddle I’ve ever used that has the "live" feel of a wooden paddle. Check the C&K Buyer’s Guide for an address/phone. –Ken
Response:
I have a Keowee and I’m thinking of replacing my $50 slug of a paddle. I was in REI yesterday eyeballing paddles and came out fairly bewildered as to what paddle to buy. I’m kinda leaning toward wood. I’m 6′2", 210 lbs. and use it for noodling around lakes, easy going rivers and protected bay waters. I guess the 2 big questions are length and blade shape. My tendency is to get a wooden one with that in-between size blade(not too skinny and not too fat). Any suggestions from some Keowee folks who have used different paddles? Dave
Response:
I have a Keowee and I’m thinking of replacing my $50 slug of a paddle. I was in REI yesterday eyeballing paddles and came out fairly bewildered as to what paddle to buy. I’m kinda leaning toward wood. I’m 6′2", 210 lbs. and use it for noodling around lakes, easy going rivers and protected bay waters. I guess the 2 big questions are length and blade shape. My tendency is to get a wooden one with that in-between size blade(not too skinny and not too fat). Any suggestions from some Keowee folks who have used different paddles? Dave
I’m not a keowee paddler, but after what happened to my paddle this weekend, I can give a strong recommendation for Lightning Paddles. Somehow, when I packed up my gear, my paddle didn’t get put back in the vehicle. As we drove off, I heard something that didn’t sound quite right – turned out to be the sound of my friend’s Isuzu Trouper rolling over my paddle. The amazing thing was that other than a few scratches on the shaft, there was no damage to the paddle! They’re not cheap (around $200), but in water and out they are excellent quality paddles. -Andy-
