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Can anyone suggest a good forum for kit reviews? I need to invest in some kit but have no idea where to begin....
Cheers
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What kit are you thinking about getting?
https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum
First stop a paddle I think….I am literally out of my depth on lengths and styles…
Go along to AS Watersports sea kayak demo day. I am sure that they will give unbiased advice and will be able to try out kit as well kayaks. As for paddles, I like cranked paddles - when I first got some, I thought that I wouldn't lke them but I noticed that my 4th and 5th fingers were going numb after a long paddle - cranks sorted that out instantly!
Someone wanting to do long touring days might choose a length 215 or even 220, depending on height. And the blade might be relatively slender - because every time you do a stroke you need to pull, and at the end of a long day many people find it easier to do more easy strokes than fewer harder ones.
Someone who enjoys rock hopping or tide races will want a shorter paddle (mine are 210 even though I'm quite tall) with a a slightly larger blade. A shorter paddle works closer to the boat and a bigger blade delivers more power, so paddling somewhere where you need to quickly vary speed or change direction becomes easier. But a really big blade is hard work.
Surf kayakers will use a shorter paddle again, more like ww length, maybe somewhere around 190, and again with a big blade for support and for acceleration. They only paddle in bursts, not all day.
Buying a split paddle means you can transport it more easily, generally means you can change the feather of the blades (you're left handed aren't you?), means you can use your less preferred but still good paddle as a spare on your deck, and some even let you vary the length, which can be handy on a long day. Split paddles are more expensive though, and the joint can wear out. If buying second hand, put it together and shake it. If it has a 'rattle' that's not great (but can sometimes be fixed, Ian has done mine).
A paddle was the first bit of serious kit I bought, and for me, light weight was important, so that meant a carbon, not fibreglass shaft. But my blades are fibreglass. A light paddle is a huge blessing.
Cranked shaft is more expensive again, and although I like mine, and wanted them to lessen wrist fatigue, you can get the much the same ease with a light grip and good technique.
Nylon blades are much cheaper, but more flexible, meaning they transfer power less well. Glass blades are fairly standard. They wear down if bashed through the rocks a lot, but that's how it is. Carbon...no idea. That's out of my price range.
Talking of price, paddles do come up second hand occasionally on various kayak FB groups. A good thing would be to try various paddles next time you're out. It's easier than swapping boats. You tend to see regional loyalties. Lots of Exeter paddlers seem to buy Werner. In North Devon you see more Celtic.
Wing paddles and Greenland paddles....both great but probably not what you're asking about right now. Somewhere I have a link to an online discussion... I'll try to find it. Then you'll have two essays on the topic!
This is the article
Thank you ….food for thought.