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| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Paddling: Paddles and Suits
By Hooked Staff
2005 Jul (Vol. 7, No. 3)
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| Bending Branches |
Bending Branches Breeze Plus and Infusion Glass Plus
For touring, there’s nothing like being able to change the feather when facing a head- or tailwind. The Breeze PLUS and Infusion Glass PLUS are both two-part paddles blessed with a technology Bending Branches calls a telescoping ferrule, which makes them adjustable like a backcountry ski pole. Simply twist to your preferred angle and you’re ready to stroke. The Breeze PLUS ($250) weighs in at a feather-light 30 ounces while the Infusion Glass PLUS ($130) tips the scales at 36 ounces (less than a full Nalgene bottle). 866-755-3405; www.bendingbranches.com.
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| Werner Sherpa |
Werner Sherpa
The sturdy Sherpa led us through myriad paddling adventures. This classic design is ideal for river running, yet not too bulky, so you can still rip in the playhole. Werner recently started offering most of its paddles in a neutral bent shaft, and, for 50 bucks more, you can get the Sherpa with a playful bent grip. “I really like that you can get shafts in bent or straight,” commented one tester. “The medium blade is sweet too, so the whole package saves energy when you’re out on the water.” Most of our testers have used Werner blades before and agree that they are the most durable on the whitewater market. $225; 800-275-3311; www.wernerpaddles.com.
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| Lotus Designs Royal Flush Dry Top |
Lotus Designs Royal Flush Dry Top
Sometimes when you take a gamble on the river, you get flushed. That’s why it’s nice to have the security of a good dry top. The Royal Flush is just what you want on a cold day. Testers were impressed with the way Lotus has perfected its stretch material, evident in the panels across the upper back and down the arms. And better fitting latex gaskets meant we didn’t get hernias trying to pry it over our heads. $295; 800-638-6464; www.lotusdesigns.com.
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| Rapidstyle Core Combo Tee |
Rapidstyle Core Combo Tee
Nothing insulates a drytop like a good piece of fuzzy rubber. The Core Combo combines three materials to deliver warmth and ease of movement. “I liked this piece of gear because it could be used as an insulating layer for cold-weather paddling and then in late summer worn alone,” said one tester. Aquashell fabric covers the chest, torso and back, and lightweight Innova (90 percent polypropylene, 10 percent Lycra) covers the arms. And, of course, cozy fleece lining provides extra warmth next to the body. $83; 301-564-0459; www.rapidstyle.com.
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| Palm Stikine Canyon |
Palm Stikine Canyon
No matter how extreme the conditions, the Stikine will keep you warm and snug so you can concentrate on the task at hand instead of worrying about hypothermia. Constructed from three-ply, breathable Tactel and reinforced at the elbows, knees and seat with Cordura, the Stikine allows for impressive mobility. This isn’t the cheapest suit on the market, but the type of protection it provides is well worth the investment. $699; 781-340-5380; www.palmequipmentusa.com.
Pro Tips
Three things to remember from three-time freestyle world champ Eric Jackson:
1. Look Where You’re Going: “Get your eyes off your bow and see where you’re at on the wave. This will allow you to start using the entire feature to initiate your moves.”
2. Enter the Wave Correctly: “You can save energy by ferrying onto the wave smoothly. Enter too high or too low and you’re over-paddling and wasting energy.”
3. Learn to Back-Surf: “If you can front-surf a wave you can definitely back-surf it. Once you’re comfortable, work on your back-surf to improve overall control.”
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
© Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors
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