New Paddle info?

[ruge13]

Hello all, I am getting a new boat this weekend if all goes well and I was wondering what people thought baout new paddles...any suggestions. Its a perception Carolina, touring with rudder. 14'10" and 25 1/4" wide. I like the offset paddles better than flat blades but I don;lt have much experience useing different lengths and blade types. Any help would be great....I would be using it for fishing (as if I had to say) and some touring so I want a paddle that will be good for distance padling. I tend to be an aggressive paddler, I don;t let the boat do the work....anyway..thanks in advance,...

[kayaker]

Offset blades, which you seem to prefer, may help you achieve a more natural paddling rhythm with a minimum of shaft rotation. This is a subjective area, however, and paddle styles and shapes can inspire quite a bit of passion. Length of the paddle is more objective, having to do with your size and reach and, perhaps, the width of your kayak. Buy the best, which usually means the lightest, paddle you can afford. That is advice my wife and I took when we got into kayaking, and we have never regretted it.

[bluewatr]

I am on 2nd season of yak fishing but here is what I was told.

Never skimp on a paddle. It is your direct interface with the water and the wrong paddle will make you miserable. Definately go offset. Will help in the wind. Length should be determined by your build and yak width (don't want to be scraping the side of the yak with your strokes. Lighter is better and more expensive. Plan on spending at least 100 bucks. Any dealer will be able to advise on this....

-mike

[ruge13]

Thaks alot for the info...