Werner Paddles Skagit Straight CF IM Kayak Paddle

Super light and punches through the wind easily with no flutter and with a great bite in the water. I have paddled a few 15+ mile days using this paddle teamed up with a heavily loaded Wilderness System Tarpon 120 and was very happy with how well it handled on the rivers and estuaries especially when the headwinds picked up to over 15 mph. The entry and exit of the strokes were clean and almost totally silent letting me sneak up close on wildlife for some awesome photographs. I think the biggest plus is I didn't have nearly the amount of fatigue that I had with some less expensive paddles that are now my backups. The finish is kind of soft though, it tends to scar fairly easily but that might be the way I handle it too. The shaft seems solidly connected with a spline fitting letting you select the amount of offset you prefer. The blades seem to be almost seamlessly connected to the shaft. Remember to take the shaft apart and rinse with fresh water, especially if you have been in salt or silty water. If you are a high position paddler you might want to replace the drip guards with a deeper cupped style but that may just be me, I'm 6'5" with a 38" sleeve length.

Another fine addition to the Werner family of performance light weight paddles. I own the chubby brother to this and loved its weight and the feel of the off round shaft so much that when I needed a paddle for long range touring I didn't hesitate when I found this. After a one week tour up the Lost Coast of California I as very happy that I bought this.I found that the performance is great, low cavitation, easy no flutter strokes and very low wind resistance. The offset mechanism is easy to use and the graphics are easy to read and alignment is simple with the join between the two shafts is solid and secure. The blades are almost seamlessly joined to the shaft to lessen the drag too. The blades made from recycled materials is slightly on the grey side. I'm not osure if this will increase faster than my other Skaget paddle but so far it still looks blacker than the two year old one. Its not a distraction at all and I like the idea of the recycle program. I would recommend this paddle for anyone looking for a mid range priced high performance touring paddle. I own both of the Skaget paddles, a Carlisle carbon reinforced at about the. same price range and three lower end ones. This is my go to for any long ocean trips.

Nice and light, moves the kayak well and it's length is just right.

I love this paddle.It is light, of course. It is very adjustable. (I like a feathered paddle.)And it just feels great.I [lan to order another one for the vacation cottage where I keep a second kayak.