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/ Werner Side Kick Fiberglass Bent Shaft Whitewater Kayak Paddle

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5.0
Rated 5.0 stars
Based on 1 review
1 review
  • JK
    Jay K.
    Flag of United States
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 stars
    5 years ago
    Good for rock gardens and surfing, too

    Being that big and strong guy, I have paddled full-size blades for many years (Werner Ikelos and Corryvreckan). But after breaking a few ferrules and a blade in more hardcore applications that are less typical for sea kayaking, I decided to try a one-piece whitewater paddle. With the more durable fiberglass blade, the options were pretty much down to the Powerhouse and the Side Kick. The only difference, as far as I can tell, is that the Side Kick features the downturned blades, which should help getting a shorter paddle in the water sooner.

    I ordered a bent-shaft Side Kick in 203 cm length to accommodate for the relatively wide boats I fit in. Still 12 cm shorter than my touring paddles, which got me a little concerned. Also a bit disconcerting was the slight flutter that a reviewer on another site mentioned and attributed to the downturned blades.

    However, after well over 30 miles of rock gardening, some long-boat surfing and a few open-ocean segments in four days, I am perfectly happy with my purchase. The feel is very similar to my touring paddles (which is essentially what I was after), but I am much less likely to destroy this one! Unlike the other reviewer, I have not detected the slightest hint of flutter, possibly due to the rather light grip I have on the paddle. On the distance segments, I had no problem keeping up with others who had touring paddles. If anything, my off-side roll seems a little less reliable -- but that may have other reasons.

    Do the downturned…

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