New member hello / paddle recommendation

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say hello! I’ve been lurking for a few months now but picked up a V8 Pro about a week ago and have had it out on the water a few times now – a local river. I’m still using my old euro paddle and looking forward to picking up a wing paddle soon. I’m finding the V8 Pro stable enough on flat water for me not to be worried about a capsize but I can see that it is certainly less stable than any sea kayak I ever had. No doubt some swimming will be in my future as I move to more bumpy water. Right now my only problem is I’m only good for about an hour in it at most before my lower abs are shot. I think this is less a function of staying upright due to balance and more related to simply sitting upright in a position that is not natural for me. I guess I didn’t do enough core exercises over the winter. If anyone has specific paddle buying advice for a beginner in surfski that would be great. I am considering the full carbon Epic paddle or the Braca XI. I’ll mostly paddle flat water or boat wakes with an occasional trip to the great lakes. I’d like to go with the smallest blade size that would be reasonable for me as I’d like to keep a reasonably high cadence and won’t be doing that with a bigger blade. Any advice is appreciated.

David

Welcome David!

I have no doubt that you'll hear from several folks on the forum, but I'll break the ice and recommend the Epic Mid-wing. It's a smallish, light paddle that's very easy to use (stays planted, doesn't twist as you take your stroke). I've been using it now for over ten years.

I've only tried a couple of other paddles in that time, but saw no need to change.

I'm sure you're on it - but brace strokes and remount drills are in your future! You need to learn and practise the bum first method of remounting, very easy and will remove any apprehension about falling in. "Self-rescue" in surfskis isn't nearly the big deal it is in sea kayaks!

Happy paddling!

Hi David

Try the different paddles out, and select the one that feels best for you. I use the Brasca XI surfski paddle. It's light weight and you can buy it with an adjustable shaft. That way you can experiment with length and angle. It also comes with a soft shaft to save your shoulders.

Morten

Welcome to the forum David. May your days with us be many and your troubles be few.

If your abs hurt try moving your peddles closer. It helped me a lot. You've got a good ski and whichever paddle you pick will make a huge difference. Peace.

I started with a hybrid Epic Mid Wing. Then I bought a Maxpaddle Jtech (high twist blade like the XI and Gamma). I still have the Jtech but last year bought a new all carbon Epic Mid and small mid. The small mid is nice for long distances as it's easier on the shoulders and easier to maintain a higher cadence.

The Jtech (or other high twist blades) are nice but to me required more precision to be as effective as they could be. The catch is strong and the exit was quick but if I missed, the blade had more of a tendency to duck under or pop out prematurely. Ugh, premature exit, nobody likes that

Thanks for the welcome and tips! I'll most likely go with the all carbon Epic Small Mid since I get a discount from my kayak purchase. The only thing that has me worried is I didn't like the club carbon paddle. But, I've heard that they are quite different. I can see from this evening's yoga session that my abs are slightly stronger already but my hips sure feel tight - I think my hamstrings are way too tight.

Love this paddle! Especially the price.

www.rpc3.com/kayakpaddles/small-wing-paddle

Kirk, Do you have one of those? Can I come and give it a try? I'm looking for a second paddle for my 2nd surfski (so friends can try it out), so something budget is appealing...

Thorsten absolutely yes. Just buried in work and projects right now. This Sunday might work.
How would you like to be deck hand on my boat this Saturday 0700. It's the big annual 6 man outrigger canoe race. Have been providing escort boat for years. Race ends around 1500. Maybe paddle after race? Neck has been an issue though.

The Epic Club Carbon blade is exactly the same blade as the standard carbon except for a small blemish somewhere on the blade. The blemish will only be superficial and very slight, most people can't even find it. Yes it has a green shaft but for a beginner that is where you should be, it is much more durable for those unforeseen events especially when new to paddling.

www.rpc3.com/kayakpaddles/small-wing-paddle

Love mine!