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hOW DO yOu chOOSE yOuR PADDLE ?

A gOOD PADDLE muST LET iTSELF bE FORgOTTEn. iT cAnnOT, AT AnyTimE, cREATE ThE LEAST

DiScOmFORT, EiThER FOR ThE ExPERiEncED PADDLER OR FOR ThE OccASiOnAL uSER.

SeVeral ParameterS mUSt Be taKen Into accoUnt to cHooSe a Good Paddle :

you must know the width of your boat. This measurement is important as it s essential to determine the length of your paddle. There s a multitude of kayaks on the market, but it s nevertheless easy to determine three sizes : Small : from 48 to 55 cm Medium : from 57 to 63 cm Large : from 65 cm  caution values in the choice table (on n°9 of this document / p.10) are for medium boat (width from 57 to 63 cm). Reduce length by 5 cm for a Small boat (width from 48 to 55 cm) or increase length by 5 cm if your boat is large (over 65 cm).

your height is also determining for the length of your paddle. if you are between 155 and 165 cm tall, you will have a shorter paddle than someone who s height is between 175 and 185 cm, and if your height is over 190cm, you will need an even longer paddle ! And this is true regardless of the type of boat you are using.

We have 3 adjustment systems which enable you to change the length of your paddle. (see S-Lock System, S-Lock 2 System & Fast-Lock System (point n°7 / p.8).

Hi angle > A vertical paddle stroke : The paddle is close to the boat s bottom, the directional stability is good. it is a dynamic paddle stroke : Rates of stri- king are high and the search for brace is important. Power is the goal to reach in order to do fast maneuvers, some physical conditioning or to maneuver in difficult conditions. It is the European style, which is taught in many paddle sport schools.

Low angle > A more horizontal paddle stroke : The catch is softer and rates of striking are lower. The movement of the paddle is rounder. Directional stability on boats with no fin nor rudder is not as good. It is less tiring for muscles and joints during long trips. it is also very good for backaches ! The low angle style comes from north America.

it depends on the paddler s level of experience and of its physical condition. Large : For those who are powerful and in a good physical condition. Medium : The most representative size, the most polyvalent one.

you can compare this to a bicycle bracket : A Large paddle takes in much more water and the rate of striking will be lower and will ask for more power. With a medium paddle, the rate of striking can increase without needing to develop a strong power.

Boat S WIdtH

YoUr SIze

YoUr StYle of Paddle StroKe / 2 differents styles

SIze of tHe BladeS

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