Paddle Recs

After way too long of a wait, my Stealth Fisha 5.0 has arrived in the Port of Oakland! I'll have it in a week! What paddle should I pair it with? I brought this topic up 5-6 months ago, when I ordered the yak, but now it's here and I don't have a new paddle. I have used a Wagner Camo for close to 15 years, since I bought my current Ultra 4.7. Nothing at all wrong with that paddle, should I keep on using it? What else would you recommend? I am 5'6"

You are welcome to borrow my Bending Branches Navigator for a day if you visit the Mendocino area.  Or I can bring them with me on my trip to Monterey for some squid.

Paul

If your using a Camano paddle just recognize that it is a low angle touring paddle and the Stealth is typically used with a high angle paddle stroke. I run a low angle paddle with my Stealth and it works ok, not ideal in surf or when you want to sprint but it works. It's what I had been using before and I will eventually buy a shorter wider bladed paddle but will probably buy something used seeing as how what I'm interested in costs four to five hundred bucks.

Basically I have the same advice for a paddle as I had for the Stealth you should try it before you buy it unless you can get a deal.

I'm in a very similar learning situation, throwing stuff at the fan to see what's the most efficient and comfortable.

I was accustomed to having a really low angle paddle stroke since on my Ocean Kayak my legs were nearly flat and I sat on a cushion, and I had to switch it up to a higher angle stroke to clear my knees in the Stealth with its lower seating position.

The kayak came with a fixed legth BB angler pro and a Navigator that can adjust from 230 to 260cm (citation needed) and I just figured out how to adjust that danged versa- lock paddle so I could have a longer or shorter paddle. I'll play with it and report back on what's more comfortable. Bending Branches angler pros and Navigators are both decent quality but I'll need to compare what length, material, paddle shape etc works or doesn't for me. I also have this ratty old fiberglass 1 piece paddle I used with my Necky sit inside, it has a really skinny long paddle shape and a short shaft, and I may want to try that as well.

As important as paddles are, your technique. 
I watched many instructional videos and practiced using my paddle trainer.
My favorite is:
He has a 4-part serious and very simple stroke.

If your using a Camano paddle just recognize that it is a low angle touring paddle and the Stealth is typically used with a high angle paddle stroke. I run a low angle paddle with my Stealth and it works ok, not ideal in surf or when you want to sprint but it works. It's what I had been using before and I will eventually buy a shorter wider bladed paddle but will probably buy something used seeing as how what I'm interested in costs four to five hundred bucks.

Basically I have the same advice for a paddle as I had for the Stealth you should try it before you buy it unless you can get a deal.

Yes! Camano, that's the right name. I 100% picked it because it was camoflauged pattern and since I'm a veteran, that's the one I wanted. The sales person said nothing to me about angles. LOL. How do you determine how you paddle?

I was accustomed to having a really low angle paddle stroke since on my Ocean Kayak my legs were nearly flat

The kayak came with a fixed length BB angler pro and a Navigator that can adjust from 230 to 260cm (citation needed) I also have this ratty old fiberglass 1 piece paddle I used with my Necky sit inside, it has a really skinny long paddle shape and a short shaft, and I may want to try that as well.

I'm 6' my 240cm paddle worked fine on my Prowler and the Tarpon 160 but I have found it too long for the Stealth. Thinking 220 or so is going to be the sweet spot, if I was 5'- 6" (body type dependent) I would get something ~2" shorter per side so around a 210cm.

It's a good idea to try more and different paddles.

It's a good idea to try more and different paddles.
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Where can I do that? What shop can I test out different paddles?

I have 3 different style paddles you can try out if we fish together one day.

215-230 Bending Branches Navigator (low angle touring paddle, woodend blade/carbon shaft) I love this paddle for long day paddling

210 Aqua bound Whiskey (hi-angle paddle, fiberglass blade/carbon shaft)

215-230 Bending Branches Angler Pro (extra large blade that pushes a lot of water, fiberglass blade/carbon shaft)