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Paddles

The best paddles, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on November 14, 2023. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

Recent Paddle Reviews

rated 5 of 5 stars
Werner Shuna

I borrowed my wife’s Shuna and found it a blessed relief after the Coryvreckan. It flowed, perfect balance, exactly right in every way, might have been custom made for me. More than light enough. Not that expensive really. You might think one paddle is much like another, but I assure you this is not so - ideally your technique is good, but even then each paddler is different, with different requirements. I liked it so much I ordered a one-piece version in citrus fade. I doubt I’ll ever use anything… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq

An ancient design with a modern flare, this Greenland style paddle combines Inuit experience and traditions with modern materials and manufacturing. What is a Greenland Style Paddle So far as we know, what we call the Greenland style paddle today was originally developed and used by the Inuit, Aleut, and Yup'ik, peoples between 2000 and 5000 years ago. Among the many myths about these paddles is that the skinny blade, called a pautik by its creators, was a compromise due to living in an environment… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Aqua Bound Whiskey Fiberglass

The super lightweight paddle for flatwater paddling enthusiasts—with exceptional quality, look, and feel. For some people it’ll be psychologically difficult to take this paddle to hardcore adventures, because the blade material is fragile, and the gorgeous look will be lost quickly. It’s definitely not for whitewater use, where the blades will degrade inevitably. With a massive 40% discount for the “cosmetic second” label, this paddle offered incredible price-to-weight value to me. Background… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid

The 4-piece Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Hybrid combines the sub-1 kg (32.4 oz) weight with multi-angle ferrule in a travel-friendly package. This carbon/plastic paddle is a great rational choice for packrafting on flat and moving water. It hits the middle ground between strong whitewater-ready paddles and ultralight high-end models—at an attractive price. After a 15-km (9 mi) trip below freezing temperature   Introduction to Aqua-Bound ‘Ray’ paddles My paddle belongs to the Aqua-Bound ‘Ray’… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Werner Cyprus

The greatest paddles I have ever owned—Cyprus and Kalliste Werner Paddles. Werner paddles are by far lighter than any other kayak paddles I have ever tested. These buoyant paddles allow even me to be able to paddle hours longer than with heavier / non buoyant paddles. About the Author: Michael is an outdoorsman and refers to himself as a Survivalist with 40+ years of outdoor experience. He is a camper, hiker, paddler, off road cycler, and enjoys shooting and archery at outdoor ranges. Michael… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
ZJ Sport Epic Medium Wing Paddle

Amazing build quality at any price and cheap to boot...   The Z&J Sport Small Mid-Wing Paddle—a work of art. I recently purchased a Stellar S18S from a Florida shop and the owner wouldn't take no for an answer on a wing paddle, since I didn't already have one. I told him I have a very nice Werner Cyprus paddle that I'm quite fond of, and I'd maybe check out and purchase a wing paddle at a later date, but he'd have nothing to do with it. He sent the paddle along with the boat (I live in California)… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Werner Cyprus

Light, stiff, and just a little picky... you just might paddle further and faster than you ever thought possible.   These are a few of my favorite things... Werner started out in the family garage making paddles and kayaks for their own personal use. Now located in Washington State, they are committed to handcrafting the very best paddles available. Their stated mission is to obtain the Ultimate Paddle Performance through attention to detail and by building to a higher standard. Visit their website… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Werner Ikelos

It's my go-to paddle when I paddle rough water and in surf conditions. The big blade doesn't slip when you crank on it, and it's super-light. The Ikelos is one of my favorite kayak paddles. The weight might make you think it's a potato chip, but I use it for tough conditions and it has held up great. The ferrule system is the best one in the kayak paddle market, period. It's almost like it becomes a one-piece, the lock is so positive. The only downsides? It's a very big blade, so it'll kill your… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Bending Branches Sunrise Glass

This paddle has proven to be durable, efficient, and reliable over two full seasons of paddling 100+ days per year. It is a reasonably priced recreational paddle, with options for feathering. I would definitely recommend it for paddlers of canoes and kayaks, who are looking for a good basic paddle with positive performance and durability. My Bending Branches Sunrise Glass kayak paddle will soon be put away for the winter, but I have no plans or need to replace it for next year's paddling. In my… Full review

Other Types of Paddling Gear

Find more paddling gear reviewed in these related categories:

Canoes

Kayaks

Rafts

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