Firstly i am paddling a Kee 15 Solo, am a smaller stature guy at only stocky 5'3". My 2 go to paddles are a 48 Java II Bent (soon to be a black pearl) and a 52 Sunburst Straight. I paddle probably 50/50 between Sit and Kneel based on conditions and if i am in a "get there" mode or just out enjoying the day. I am beginning to thing my straight is actually a bit long for the way i paddle and the cadence i am comfortable with. The Sunburst Straight is a shorter /wider blade and when i am in my boat sitting with the blade submerged the grip falls smack in the middle of my forehead. It also just seems slow cadence wise (for me), and the blade seems to far aft when i finish at my hip. It also feels unwieldy to do a cross stroke and i'm banging things there! So i am considering shortening it.
My bent feels right! . I can cruise along at a good 4+, gives me the shorter quicker cadence i and my body like,and the switch feels right (quick and crisp) so i'm happy with that paddle.
What verdict might i get from the jury here? Am i on the right track with my on the water evaluation and the Grip as high as it is? Depending on how far the grip projects into the carbon tube i am thinking try 2" shorter and tape the handle after i shorten it and test it out. If i feel i need shorter yet, go 3" which brings me to nose height with the blade submerged.
Keep the Round side down!
Ken
My bent feels right! . I can cruise along at a good 4+, gives me the shorter quicker cadence i and my body like,and the switch feels right (quick and crisp) so i'm happy with that paddle.
What verdict might i get from the jury here? Am i on the right track with my on the water evaluation and the Grip as high as it is? Depending on how far the grip projects into the carbon tube i am thinking try 2" shorter and tape the handle after i shorten it and test it out. If i feel i need shorter yet, go 3" which brings me to nose height with the blade submerged.
Keep the Round side down!
Ken