[Toightline]

again.. probably a question answered million times before so i apologize in advance.

so with my new kayak, i have one more important decision to make. paddles.. though this may not apply to our hobie yakkers, i was hoping if you guys can recommend a paddle for me.

i get that more $$$, better quality. so here's what i'm wondering.. shorter paddle? vertical stroke = closer to yak = good tracking and speed. longer paddle? horizontal stroke = further from the yak = zigzagging? sorry to bother you with such petty questions.

if you guys can give me an idea of what you use and how it worked out for you, it'd be a mountain of help for me and all the newbies out there. thanks everyone! toightlines!

This post edited by Toightline 12:36 PM 05/02/2008

 

[pequa1]

they are not petty questions.
where did you get the yak ?
I bought mine at the Dinghy Shop in Amityville and would not hesitate to go back there for an eventual "upgrade." Susan knows as much about kayaks (maybe more, lol) as her husband. They sold me accessories and installed them at no charge. Even at retail that's a deal ! My paddle is a Mitchell, fairly light fiberglass and relatively inexpensive as paddles go. The width of your yak and your size impact the length of your paddle. While bellying, a yakker came by and had me hold his graphite paddle (he paddles a tourer, not a fishmobile) and it felt like all of an ounce or two.
I would simply suggest going to a shop you trust. The place in Island Park gets good reviews too, so it really depends on where you live. Whatever, avoid a Dicks or some big box store where the children and retirees have never even been on a yak.

 

[KayakerStan]

I would stay away from a mid tour or full tour type paddle. They are good for paddling long distance efficiently and that?s about it. The problem is launching in the ocean surf or quickly paddling to a school of breaking fish especially albies or bonito they become less efficient. I bought my ONNO paddle a few years back and love it. Do a search on ONNO Paddle's they are custom made, resonable price, very light weight, paddle long distances and very efficient for fishing and just about everyone that has 1 wouldn't buy anything else.

Some might not agree with my post but I have been doing this for years and I'm speaking from experience.