Getting your choice of paddle right is a time consuming and sometimes pricey exercise. A surf specific paddle wouldn’t therefore be high on the list for most sit on kayakers – most tend to do more all round paddling. If they did opt for something like this it would most likely be a secondary piece of gear. And let’s not forget you CAN use your regular carbon touring paddle for surfing, it just might not offer optimum efficiency in this environment. When Adventure Technology passed us their Hercules weapon (which is actually a white water paddle with wave dimensions) we couldn’t resist delving a little deeper.

Surf V touring One of the biggest differences between surf and touring paddles, and one that appeals to the more relaxed approach of sit on top kayakers, is blade angle. Touring paddles are generally supplied with low angle blades which gives a more comfortable experience if used for prolonged periods of time. This is great when covering distance is more of a thing.

Surfing is a different matter. Paddlers require an initial burst of power to punch out through white water and broken waves – but this is still only a short distance. Once ‘out back’ surfers will then be ‘waiting at the bus stop’ for their set to arrive. At this stage, other than a few positional strokes to remain on the peak, there’s not really much happening. Spotting their chosen wave paddlers will need that quick burst of power to boost into the drop. Once on the wave, however, it’s mostly about brace strokes, quick power pulls to out run sections and perform manoeuvres – if you’re of that level.

A high blade angle will cover these bases – in conjunction with a shorter paddle shaft. Touring paddles, in contrast, allow riders to accomplish all of the above, just not in as an efficient a manner. If you’re super serious about your kayaking, and want the best of all worlds, then this could be an argument for owning a quiver of blades for specific jobs. Carbon V fibreglass In general carbon is perceived as the best performing paddle material across the spectrum. We ourselves have promoted the benefits of carbon paddles in the past (check out our ‘why go carbon article?’ here – www.sitons.com/articles/why-go-carbon-benefits-carbon-kayaking-paddles/). There are certain situations where other materials may be more applicable, however. Surfing is one of those scenarios. Powerful high angled blades, coupled with stiff paddle shafts, may simply be too much for most kayakers. When we say too much we’re talking specifically about the toll this kind of kit will impact on bodies. OK, if you’re a power hungry kayaker then you may relish the instant feedback a carbon shaft and high angle surf specific power blade will give – most won’t though.

There’s also a technique argument here. A softer flexing shaft will allow paddlers not as refined with skills to experience the same as advanced riders. And then there’s feel which transfers directly from style. A paddler may have the best technique in the world but their way of doing things may be better suited to fibreglass or material mix paddles. For the majority, however, a fibreglass surf specific paddle will be better suited.

Adventure Technology Hercules paddle As we’ve already established the AT Hercules white water paddle is pretty close to a surf specific weapon. Its fibreglass shaft, high angle glass blades and compact shape are perfect for some wave action. It also boasts a soft flexing shaft which is more forgiving and better suited to the powerful blade. During sessions the soft flex also provides a degree of ‘snap back’ which if timed correctly can enhance paddle strokes and give a little more boost. This is great for getting into waves early or milking the most out of smaller swells. Bracing through the bottom turn is also more comfortable and doesn’t result in too much swell ‘push back’. The short shaft length allows for high stroke cadence, again, delivering a lot of acceleration. Getting out of sticky situations and making it back to the take of is super-efficient. It’d be a common assumption that short paddles would increase knuckle scraping along boat gunnels. This, however, isn’t the case.  The Hercules doesn’t really do lazy paddling because of its high angle blades. But as we’ve already established surfers don’t tend to cover as much distance so there should be plenty of chance to catch breath in between waves.

Conclusion We were surprised how comfortable AT’s Hercules white water paddle is to use in waves. Considering the short flexible shaft and powerful blades we didn’t expect to like it as much as we did. Delivering a hefty amount of propulsion it zooms kayakers onto waves early and delivers throw about performance for chucking surf inspired moves. Even if you’re still getting to grips with waves a paddle such as the Hercules will reward and allow progression.

It’s not really designed for touring and covering distance. In fact, after paddling out to the local offshore bank at Sitons HQ (nearly a mile), we were puffed. But in a surfing environment, paired with an every day tourer, you can’t beat it. And don’t discount fibreglass – in wave situations it really works.

Recommended price: Hercules Glass Straight Shaft – £199.00, Hercules Glass Bent Shaft – £250.00, Hercules Carbon Straight Shaft – £250.00, Hercules Carbon Bent Shaft – £299.00

Ainsworth Paddles UK have been around for 35 years and are based close to the Thames in Twickenham – so know a thing or two about paddle sports. The brand manufactures an affordable and performance orientated range of kayak ‘engines’ that will suit all types of paddler – sit on top kayakers included. We got hold of their entry level SEA (ABS Plastic) blades to put through their paces.

FIRST LOOK

Ainsworth’s SEA is a striking looking beast with bright yellow scoops affixed to either end of an alloy shaft. If nothing else you’ll stand out on the water, which is no bad thing when battling against the elements to a backdrop of gun metal grey skies. The SEA is lightweight with narrow blades suggesting efficiency from catch to recovery. The PC/ABS plastic blade is super tough and will take a lot of abuse while the shaft is made of anti-corrosive Titanium enriched alloy easily standing the test of time.

One of the main things to consider when you’re in the market for a new paddle is shaft length relative to your height. Ainsworth give the following guide but also state that personal preference plays a huge part. Under 5’ 205cm 5’ – 5’3” 210cm 5’4 – 5’7” 215cm 5’8 – 5’9” 220cm 5’10 – 6’ 225cm Over 6’1” 230cm The blade’s feather, or angle, is 45* which is pretty common for general paddle types. Also worth noting is the Ainsworth SEA comes in either fixed or two part split, making it easier for boaters with storage issues.

OUT FOR A FLOAT

The SEA’s 28.5mm shaft diameter feels instantly comfortable in the hands – smaller grip paddlers will love it. Punching forwards the Ainsworth cuts easily through the air making even blustery sessions a more enjoyable affair.

With its narrow blades (16cm wide), quick strokes when you feel like smashing out some miles or having a workout is made all the more easy. Mellower sessions feel pleasant without unnecessary weight that some entry level sit on kayak paddles suffer from. Ainsworth gear has a very distinct feel and the SEA is no exception. The stiff nature of the paddle shaft transfers directly to forward thrust without energy wasted. Covering distance or getting out back in surf is extremely effective with plenty of propulsion – you can tell the SEA is designed by real paddlers.

When used in moderate waves swift rail to rail changes are possible while stuffing the SEA into a liquid face initiates a snappy slingshot turn. Or simply stick a stern rudder in and cruise to the beach. Over distance the Ainsworth is easy going on limbs as long as you don’t push it too hard. If you do fancy red lining then be aware aching muscles will be the result the following day – unless you’re super fit.

SUMMING UP

The Ainsworth SEA paddle is a great entry level choice for paddlers getting into sit on top kayaking. For the more experienced it’s a good back up, especially in two part split form that you can stash in your boat on touring trips. Even if the SEA is your only paddling buddy you won’t be let down, such is the performance level.

You may not have heard of Stuart Morris before, especially if you’re not a follower of what our sit in white water brethren get up to. Stuart, however, while being an ex-champion white water paddler is also owner/designer/manufacturer of VE Paddles. He’s spent an incredible amount of time researching the mechanics of paddles and paddling. So much so that he has a PHD in the subject and was the Olympic Boat designer for the GB Canoe Slalom Team during the last two Olympic Games.

Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not about to get into giro metrics and all that stuff – it’s above us. What his background does suggest, however, is that VE paddles should be top notch. First look We’ve been banging on about paddles for a while – you may have already seen our ultimate paddles guide. Stu’s VE Aircore carbon touring offering is another tool we’ve been keen to get hold of for a while, so we were stoked to finally receive one. Straight out of the packaging you can tell it’s a nifty piece of equipment. Feeling lightweight and featuring a well thought out shaft/feather adjustment system, the Aircore touring paddle screams quality. We opted to test the VE Aircore carbon touring paddle because of its smaller sized blade, carbon shaft, 10cm of length and infinite angle adjustments for both left and right handed paddlers) – it should be a good fit for SOTs. There are other constructions available and VE’s offerings are custom made to order – whatever configuration you’re after can be accommodated.

The carbon weave and overall finish of the VE is extremely high and it’s as much a paddle you’d be happy hanging on your wall as using it on the water. To the touch the VE is ergonomic and comfortable to grip.

On the water The VE straight carbon shaft has a fairly stiff flex and therefore delivers a firm and efficient stroke. The low angle delivery is forgiving – which is great news for sit on top kayakers. Put the hammer down and you power up your sled instantly, covering ground with ease and making short work of distance sessions.

If there’s a little bump knocking about then have no fear, the VE touring blade is apt enough (even without being surf specific) to slingshot you into drops and take on some liquid walls. Being able to adjust the shaft length by up to 10cm (and feather to whatever you want) also helps with transferring from cruising to wave riding – especially on the fly when afloat. One of the main things with bad paddles is the level of stress they place on joints and muscles. This unnecessary effort can be damaging – a point we’ve laboured. Although the VE touring paddle is stiff in its shaft flex there’s enough forgiveness to not wear you down. For those that like more flex in the shaft VE offer a glass option.

Pulling the blade through the brine is a joy – the face scooping water and transferring all that power into forward momentum. The deep dihedral stops paddle flutter and allows for slight short corrective strokes without losing too much forward glide. High end paddles can certainly help iron out kinks in paddling technique – in a user friendly manner – and the VE does just that. Low grade paddles simply don’t cut the mustard and although you’ll shell out a few more quid for a decent ‘scoop’ it’s definitely worth it.

Conclusion We’ve tried a number of high grade carbon paddles in the last few months and VE’s Aircore touring version is another diamond tool that will enhance your paddling. The VE will help you develop a good technique, last longer on the water and eliminate those nagging aches you can develop from using poorly manufactured equipment. The shaft/feather adjustment system is well thought out and the paddle’s light weight makes it a joy to hold. From a home grown brand, with a product made in Britain, VE paddles offer a super-efficient blade that can be used for riding mellow waves, paddling distance or simply cruising around. As such the VE Aircore tourer is another worthy consideration for your kit box.