Kayak paddle

I am looking to get a new paddle other than the one that came with my Cobra Navigator.  Does anyone have any suggestions or favorites to give me a direction to go in?  Also,  I need to get a VHF radio and gps unit for my yak. brands and models?  I live in Danville and was wondering is there somewhere close to go and view these items?  New to town from Socal. 

Thanks,

Bill

Closest is probably Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore.  I picked up a used paddle there last year when they have their annual end of summer type sale.  Bought a Werner paddle for $99 ($170 new).  It's not sale time, but maybe their rental unit has something for sale.

Other than that, OUtback Adventures in Fremont is probably the closest...

If you're fishing Monterey area anytime soon, I stopped by there once and bought a used carbon paddle for $50.

Have you check out REI? During the summer, most location has a decent collection in stock. And its hard to beat their "100% customer satisfaction guaranteed".

Look at the Werner foam core carbon fiber paddles. They are kind of spendy, but a real pleasure to paddle. I got a good deal on the Kalista I use, otherwise I was going to get one of these aluminum/pvc jobs: http://www.pacificpaddles.com/

My Cuda S/Map sonar/gps has been fine, and I've been really happy with my Uniden radio. If I were to get one today it would probably be this one:http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0081865021351a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=2070106&cm_ite=0081865021351a

Ben

I will preface this by saying I paddle up to 14 miles a day so for me the paddle makes a huge difference. Like FishFarmer I have used a Werner Kalliste for the last 3 years and LOVE it. It was recommended to me by Jim Sammons and at first I thought there is no way I am going to spend $350 on a paddle. After some research, I ended up getting the Kalliste at REI on sale. The reason why the Kalliste is the best low angle touring paddle is the all carbon fiber construction and the foam floatation in the blades. The paddle literally pops up out of the water and paddling is effortless. If you are worried about it breaking, the paddle is pretty tough. I have pushed off of rocks and beaches with it and it has survived epic wipeouts. My buddy Sandman also has one but has the bent shaft. Some people think paddles aren't worth spending money on and this is true for short distances, but for longer distances a good paddle is a great investment. One last tip is the paddle is only as good as your conditioning and technique. Learning propper paddling techniques is just as important as the paddle. Many kayak anglers are lousy paddlers. Try not to be in that group. 

I use the Bending Branches Breeze Angler and love it not fancy but light tough plenty of power when you need it, ruler is nice also. They make a glass one for like 1/2 the price and I wish I had never sold mine.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1043/Bending-Branches-Breeze-Angler-Kayak-Paddle.html

I will preface this by saying I paddle up to 14 miles a day so for me the paddle makes a huge difference. Like FishFarmer I have used a Werner Kalliste for the last 3 years and LOVE it. It was recommended to me by Jim Sammons and at first I thought there is no way I am going to spend $350 on a paddle. After some research, I ended up getting the Kalliste at REI on sale. The reason why the Kalliste is the best low angle touring paddle is the all carbon fiber construction and the foam floatation in the blades. The paddle literally pops up out of the water and paddling is effortless. If you are worried about it breaking, the paddle is pretty tough. I have pushed off of rocks and beaches with it and it has survived epic wipeouts. My buddy Sandman also has one but has the bent shaft. Some people think paddles aren't worth spending money on and this is true for short distances, but for longer distances a good paddle is a great investment. One last tip is the paddle is only as good as your conditioning and technique. Learning propper paddling techniques is just as important as the paddle. Many kayak anglers are lousy paddlers. Try not to be in that group. 

Is that why they have peddles

Hi Bill,
    I don't have any suggestions about a paddle but I'm also a transplant from Socal to Danville.  My ride's a Hobie Revo, so a paddle has never been much of an issue for me.  I think there are now at least 4 of us from Danville on this board.  I look forward to meeting and fishing with you sometime.  I'm fishing Stillwater Cove (Pebble Beach) this Thursday.  We will be on channel 69 if you are able to join the group.

Martin

I bought a Werner Camano last year, and I'm probably one of the group that Scott is refering too, If the shoe fits I guess I gotta wear it,,,,,,

However,  I just love the paddle, this isn't the top of the line it's carbon shaft with the fiberglass blades.

Huge difference, over any plastic/aluminum paddle I ever used,

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish I would have spent the $ sooner.

Got it at REI on one of their super sales.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish I would have spent the $ sooner.

+1

It's your motor, after all. 

I picked up a Werner Shuna & just tried it out a couple of weekends ago up at Bear River Lake.  It was very nice - a huge step up from anything I've used before - and cheaper than some of the other Werner paddles I'd viewed.

http://www.campmor.com/werner-shuna-kayak-paddle.shtml?source=CI&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=74543

I cheaped out on paddles for years.  Then I got a gift certificate at one of the local sports dealers and bought the carbon Wave by Cannon for $100, marked down from $200.  It's been a great paddle and it has a big blade. 

There are lots of waterproof VHF's to choose from - I like my Uniden in a waterproof bag - double protection.

Many kayak anglers are lousy paddlers. Try not to be in that group.  

so true.....you'll know when they start complaining about their arms and shoulders or even their hands hurting at the end of the day. If you paddle properly, the only part of your body that SHOULD be sore is your core / stomach. Proper paddling is all about the torso. And never death grip your paddle. Hands should be very relaxed - I've seen some really good touring paddlers using their only their 3 fingers to paddle (the middle,pointer and the thumb).

As far as paddles, I highly recommend Lendal
http://www.lendal.com/

* a couple of things to consider with a Lendal paddle:

1) when your blade cracks or wears out, you can buy replacement blades instead of shelling out $$$ for an entire new paddle.
2) I have a carbon fiber blade BUT I also have a pair of cheap plastic ones that I use when I'm fishing the rivers.

...just my 2 cents.

Pete, the Shuna maxes out at 220... 

Anyone know how to determine the correct length???

240 sure seems better to me...

Pete, the Shuna maxes out at 220... 

Anyone know how to determine the correct length???

240 sure seems better to me...

I have short stubby arms...

Actually, I bought the Shuna figuring that my wife would be using it too...she likes to paddle more than peddle (my Outback).  So the 220 is on the short end of the range for me, but it works okay.  Of course, I'm probably paddling wrong! 

Werner has a fit guide... http://www.wernerpaddles.com/fit_guide/