Based solely upon my…
Submitted by:
paddler770696
on 5/4/2020
Based solely upon my experience, my kayaking ability and inabilities, and physical limitations, I shall review this paddle as best as I can.
Starters, I just past an entry level playboater, I decided it was time to upgrade to a better fitting paddle to my body size and dedicated kayaking discipline, as I wanted to run bigger rivers, and just "stepping up" my game by dropping into bigger waves.
For starters, I liked how much easier, Eddying in/out had become with the downturn blade shape. Additionally, bow-correction-strokes became MUCH easier and found (Still find myself) over-correcting! What...? Mainly based upon the the old boat I had started in and former paddle (Seven2) with very dinky child-sized blades. I'm 5'11" 220 lbs and the former paddle was no way sized for an adult. Ferrying across currents now became fun!!! Rolls have become over-rolls. The paddle is incredibly light for being fiberglass it feels to me like I'm not carrying a paddle anymore (that old paddle was just gawd awful heavy too).
However, as I did find the blade shape offering so much power, it likewise took to "grabbing" current to be sometimes violent when I didn't expect it to ... someone coming off rotator-cuff surgery, like myself, and never being a person with much upper body strength, I found it concerning to the health of my shoulder. This forced me to keep my elbows down in proper form, and I'm always reminded to do so first current I catch each day. It is instilling good form, and making less work of me, because how well the shape and design are.
Only complaint, as there always will be, is this 1 minor issue with the fiberglass shaft durability. First day out I got in a sticky flip on our local river where I was pushed upside down to a rock wall "corner" and couldn't maneuver out to roll. I pulled and it was shallow. I must have pushed the shaft downward and hit a sharp rock. I didn't realize it until I was unloading the truck that evening and saw it took a chip out bigger than I had thought couldn't been possible with that situation. I learned quickly why people "tape" their paddle shafts with electrical tape ... it also provided the missing grip that I was looking for. Who would have thought!
4 out of 5 - only downside it the "concern" of fiberglass shaft durability - easy and cheap solution to that!
Have fun paddling, be safe!
My first paddle was an Aqua…
Submitted by:
paddler234388
on 9/20/2010
My first paddle was an Aqua Bound - inexpensive and a great beginners paddle (will keep), but on my strong side the paddle blade began to bend where it attached to the shaft. After trying another paddle from another kayaker and how it felt stronger, I decided to do some research. Started researching different companies and size of blades/paddles. Putting cost and what paddlers where saying, I ended up purchasing a Werner Sidekick. The blades are big. It made doing double pumps much easier. Another kayaker said when I did the double pump using the new paddle I made it look easy and effortless. When rolling (once I got used to the 0 degree's - I've always wanted one - from the 30 degree's I was used too) it felt like I was gripping a rock and it helped make rolling even easier. This blade is big, if you have good upper body strength this is your paddle. If not, get a smaller blade like the Werner Player is. This paddle is 34 ounces very few paddles are lighter than this one.
This is a follow up to my…
Submitted by:
paddler229644
on 10/22/2002
This is a follow up to my review of the Werner Player WW paddle. I recently sold my straightshaft Player to a friend, and turned around and bought a bentshaft Sidekick. Paddled with it for 3 hours this weekend. Although the difference in dimension between the Player and the Sidekick is not much to the naked eye, in the water the performance is noticeably different. The Sidekick is definitely for stronger paddlers or a paddler seeking a paddle that makes things happen. The bite is quick on entry, and the force generated is substantial. If you want to move your boat, the Sidekick lives up to its name! Takes a little getting used to, and if your strokes are not well-honed, this paddle magnifies each error. But when it comes to response and performance, this is a mighty powerful paddle. I think the insinuation that this paddle can overpower you is valid. If you have good, strong strokes, the Sidekick will perform for you. If you are not too strong, or are seeking more finesse than raw power, you might be smart to drop down one rung and get a Player. Personally, I prefer the Sidekick, and think its an awesome paddle for big moves.
