Paddle Sense.

[dusty montgomery]

A buddy and I each got a Native Ultimate 12′ solo last week. As we had both just dropped some serious coin on the boat, we both opted for the basement paddle. They are by Hobie, 230 I think, and they cost $49.95. We have both commented that we think we need longer paddles. So, the question here is, are the carbon paddles worth the cost, or is there a better solution? We have had numerous conversations, on this board, which consisted of cost vs. value, and in truth I was thinking the $250 carbon paddles must be inherently superior, though I have no such experience. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
D.

[Steve K.]

Dusty,

I bought two U-12s recently and will splash them in the Everglades this weekend. I opted for the mid-priced paddle ($129). It has a carbon fiber shaft but the blades are plastic. The selling point was the ferrule design…it’s a two-piece breakdown paddle. It is tight and their is no wobble. The ferrule can be rotated for different blade angles. The top-o-the-line was about $250 if I remember right. The blades were CF on those as opposed to plastic. I havn’t tried the paddle yet but will report back on my findings if you are interested.

I’m excited about our Glades trip….I understand the Ultimate was designed for that environment. We (my son and I) plan to fish the canoe trails and camp in the backcountry chickees. If the fish don’t cooperate, we’ll head down to the Middle Keys and see what’s up.

I built a pushpole out of 8 foot 3/4″ aluminum tubing that will also be used as a stake out pole in conjunction with the anchor trolley. We’ll see how that works out.

So hopefully the boats should get a workout.

[cole m.]

IMHO for the ultimate you need a 230-240cm paddle. People just dont realize how much a paddle will make your float more fun and easier on your body. I have a Werner and they make a great paddle but are pricey.

[Zach Matthews]

Hey interesting that this should come up.  I don’t mean to hijack the thread, but is there such a thing as a super long paddle for stand up rowing?  I stand more than I sit when I’m fishing by myself in my canoe.  Today I brought one of my pontoon oars; it worked great, but it’s heavy and slippery and too thick.  Do they make paddles for stand up surfers or something?  Anyone recommend an inexpensive one?  I like my paddles like Ben Roethlisberger likes his women: cheap and [s:3bwxj00g]underage[/s:3bwxj00g], er, plastic…

Zach

[cole m.]

Zach, funny you should mention that as I am on the lookout right now for a stand up paddle myself. This is the cheapest I have found:
http://www.sevylor.com/Maui-Paddle-80-P2078C47.aspx

[Steve K.]

I think there is one on the http://www.nativewatercraft.com site but is pricey. It’s a break down model that has a spike on the top end for poling around coral and rocks.

[Bob Riggins]

On the first question, yes, paddles make a difference.

[brad bohen]

Zach

If you do a lot of stand up stuff in a canoe why don’t you just push pole?  It works a great deal better than the paddle and is kinda badass too if you are into that kind of thing…

[matt boutet]

 Do they make paddles for stand up surfers or something?  Anyone recommend an inexpensive one?  

Zach,

If you google SUP paddle you’ll find a ton of options.

[dusty montgomery]

Thanks guys. And Zach, my next question was going to head in the same direction as yours. I have considered a push-pole myself, but first I have to find my stability. I am told I should be able to stand in the Native, though the water is still a bit chill here, and I have yet to find the courage to try this feature.

D.

Drifter,
I would be very interested to hear about your findings from the upcoming trip. Thank you.

[Rick Marcum]

Sawyer makes SUP…

[Mike Cline]

in truth I was thinking the $250 carbon paddles must be inherently superior, though I have no such experience. Any thoughts?

Congrats on the Ultimate 12 – they are great boats.

[dusty montgomery]

Thanks Mike, I’ll give ’em a look.
Was it you that posted a detailed pic of how your boat is rigged last year? If so, would you mind reposting that image?
D.

[John Bennett]

What Mike said.
When it comes to your paddles, think weight first.

The paddle is the one thing you can’t put down when you are tired and have a long way to go to the take out.

I spoke to quite a few kayakers before buying my Ultimate and part of that discussion was paddles… A few ounces here and there may not sound like a lot but at the end of a long day………………. As one serious yaker said to me. If you save 20 or more ounces and after a long day have logged 1,000 strokes (or more)…..

I went with a carbon by Werner that weighs 26ounces.
http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/touring/performance_core/kalliste/

[Mike Cline]

Thanks Mike, I’ll give ’em a look.
Was it you that posted a detailed pic of how your boat is rigged last year? If so, would you mind reposting that image?
D.

Dusty,

Here’s the posts: http://www.itinerantangler.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?num=1245433966/0#0; http://www.itinerantangler.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?num=1245433966/18#18

Here’s another accessory that’s invaluable if you’re going to be doing any flats fishing in the Ultimate: http://shop.stickitanchorpins.com/

[Tim Angeli]

I like my paddles like Ben Roethlisberger likes his women: cheap and underage, er, plastic…

;D

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