High Angle Double Blade Paddle

[EricH]

Just curious on anyone who has a High Angle (wide and short) double blade paddle, how do you like it compared to a standard double blade paddle, for short and long trips.

I have typically used a cheap plastic 230mm kayak (low angle) paddle with my kayaks and sometimes my tandem canoe (usually when solo)

I just got a solo canoe, and I want to get a new nicer lighter paddle. I see at this price point high angle (wider and shorter) paddles are a thing. Beneficially, when I need to paddle really hard into the wind or to make up speed, I do tend to keep my paddle dipped closer to the boat and straighter down. But I do not sustain this over a long time.

Does anyone else have one and like it for split canoes?

 

[Cruiser]

For a canoe, a low angle DB is the best choice IMO, different stroke, different beast.

Started with a 250 cm from GreyOwl, then built a 260 cm and then a 270 cm ... the 260 and 270 seem to work the best for me.

With the low angle blade and a low angle stroke, you don't get water in the boat and the actual stroke is more efficient IMO.

 

[Alan Gage]

I agree with cruiser. I used to use a high angle when I raced and trained in a surfski. For that it excels but it's often a wet paddling method. I tried it in a canoe once just for kicks and found it was not practical, at least for me.

Alan

 

[PortageW/Cerberus]

Did a few extended wilderness trips with a 220. Now have a 260 and much happier.

 

[EricH]

I’m looking at a 250mm as that’s the longest one available for the design I’m looking at. Using a 230mm now, it’s not terrible but could be better longer.

 

[GeoBoy]

I had a 230 and paddle low angle, but when I bought my Northstar Trillium pack canoe the cockpit is wider and I noticed the 230 wasn’t in the water very long. Switched to a 250 and the difference was night and day, much more speed.

 

[Idiot Savant]

On a recent overnight trip I used a Werner Shuna with my Esquif Echo. Shuna blade area is slightly less than the Camano. My thinking was that shorter, wider blade would be better for shallow water, but I'm not convinced that's true. I do think it's pretty fast on lakes. You can really make time with the Shuna.
I also have a Werner Corryvreckan, which has a larger blade area. My choice if I were running a rapid.
High angle is better in tight quarters, like side canyons and narrow creeks.
I think a taller person shouldn't have a problem with high angle. I think it's worth giving a try. A good "starter" paddle would be the Werner Tybee CF. At the worst, you'll have a good backup paddle that you can pull out if you run into more technical stuff.
In the long run, I'm a fan of the Werner paddles that have a carbon shaft with fiberglass blade. Very tuff while still being light and not horrendously expensive, at about $335..

 

[VA paddler]

The guys at Accent paddle built me a carbon/fiber double blade that is 9' long with big scooped blades and clipped corners. Great for moving a big loaded canoe over flats or in a headwind. Actually, it is pictured at screen left - that's me & a Duke, a 160lb Newfie, in a loaded Tripper running through Surprise rapid (III) on New River Gorge (WV). I continue to take it with me, but since I have lately been paddling with a partner who insists on only using a single blade - which is fine - I stick to my own single blade to keep from getting significantly ahead. Mohawk used to make a 9' double blade that was much more economical, if not as ergonomic.

 

[Idiot Savant]

I haven't found a need for really long paddles. My Werner Shuna, for instance, is 220 cm. My low angle paddles are more like 230 cm.
But I have long arms and my solo canoes are fairly narrow at the gunnels.
The shorter the shaft you can get by with, the more efficient you are going to be and the less cumbersome in limited space.
There are a few people, in my club, that don't have the strength to do trips anymore. I've considered offering to take them in my tandem and do most of the paddling for them. If I did, I was thinking I'd try using a kayak paddle, in the stern, so I could keep up with the group.. It that case, I'd probably need a fairly long shaft.

 

[eckilson]

I've considered offering to take them in my tandem and do most of the paddling for them. If I did, I was thinking I'd try using a kayak paddle, in the stern, so I could keep up with the group.. It that case, I'd probably need a fairly long shaft.

Friend of mine paddles from the stern of a tandem with a double blade.

https://flic.kr/p/2r624Wd

It's a pretty big paddle, and the stroke is higher than a typical kayak touring stroke, but he keeps up just fine,