Wing Paddle Comparisons 2022
When the lock on my more-than-four-year-old Gara Odin became so loose that even periodic tightening with an allen wrench did not prevent the screw from popping out somewhere in the abysmal recess between the car seat and the console in my car, I had to finally let go (physically and psychologically) of my treasured first-ever wing paddle. Harsh reality forced me to try and buy new wing paddles but I still had the illusion that my Gara Odin was irreplaceable in the family of racing kayak paddles.
Before I describe my new choices, I should explain why I was (and still am) committed to the Gara brand. I initially bought the Gara Odin S second-hand from a classified ad on surskiracing.org after researching that the customized short length (196cm-208cm), the “skinny” diameter and light weight shaft (60% carbon to 40% glass), and the tear-drop blade just 700cm2 in surface area would be the right formula for a petite female paddling long distances. I ended up giving myself an A for my homework: from sprint sessions to 20+ mile paddles, the small Gara Odin never made me feel unreasonably tired. Given that my hands are small (ring size less than 4), I love the skinny, flexible shaft that allows me a light, loose grip, and the ability to grab the gunnel and shaft with one hand during a remount, a feat which is otherwise impossible for me with a regular size diameter shaft. I also sought a lightweight wing blade concave enough to allow a powerful catch but not so much that the catch could easily overpower me (or threaten my balance). The light weight and sufficient scoop are also fundamental to me as I struggle with cervical radiculopathy: no matter the gentleness of any paddle, my nerves tend to flare with overuse/ intense training. Moreover, since Austin Kieffer seemed to be just as pleased with his Gara Odin in the medium size blade, I was content with the fantasy of never needing to switch wing paddle brands.
Princeton Boathouse, Carnegie Lake, Fall 2021
I already knew that Jantex was not an option for me as much as I like the Jantex “concept,” which, according to my definition, is a very stiff construction that enables a more efficient stroke without requiring a higher cadence for optimal performance. Much thanks to Vadim Lishchuk for letting me try his wife’s paddle, I had the opportunity to experience a flexi soft Gamma. But within the first couple of miles I started to feel the familiar pain running down my arm through my hand: the flexi soft shaft (70% carbon to 30% Kevlar) was apparently much too stiff for my upper body. Although the Jantex Gamma blade is very similar in shape to the Gara, I realized that Jantex makes shafts only out of carbon and Kevlar, with no option of having a blend of the more forgiving fiberglass. I suspect that even the superflex shaft for children would still be stiffer and less gentle on my neck, shoulder, and elbow than a fiberglass/carbon construction, (though I would seize the occasion to test my hypothesis).
With my Gara Odin S in need of a lock repair, I took Michèle Eray’s recommendation and, I immediately bought a Knysna Racing Delta S. Michèle assured me that the KR Delta was within the same family of tear-drop blades as the Odin and Gamma. When standing the blades together, the Odin S is indeed very similar to the Delta S in size and shape. Michèle in fact confirmed that the manufacturers must comply with at least a 12% or so difference in blade shapes to maintain their patent. While Knysna does not offer a “skinny” diameter option, the Delta shaft is made of a similar ratio of carbon-to-glass as the Odin. After paddling with the KR Delta S in the flat and upwind, I did not notice a difference in my stroke or a sense of an increase in stress to my upper body during or after sessions. But perceptions can be deceiving …
Round Valley Reservoir, Lebanon, NJ, Spring Training Session 2022
I still wanted to try the brand that has clearly been trending in the U.S. and whose paddles I see at every race: Braca Sport Paddles. I was already dealing with a bad ulnar nerve flare and was afraid of aggravating a worse strain when I registered for the 2022 Narrow River Race in Rhode Island. But Chris Chappell, founder and owner of Fast Paddler, premier vendor of Braca paddles on the east coast, had agreed to meet me at the race so that I could try what he recommended would be the most forgiving paddle in the Braca line: the XI Van Deusen ’92 with a skinny shaft in the new extra small blade size (675 cm2) on a 2.1k shaft. With the Braca XI having a twisted tear-drop shaped blade and a shaft made entirely of carbon, I envisioned a steep learning curve transitioning to a differently shaped blade and my nerves screaming at me for throwing water with pure carbon in my palms. After ending the 9-mile race at the 5-mile mark with the KR Delta in an attempt to avoid overburdening my joints, I then picked up Chris’s paddle, at first gingerly, half-expecting to tip over while fumbling with the new blade. To my astonishment, however, nothing seemed more natural than taking my first strokes with the Braca XI: the negative difference in weight of the Braca from the Knysna brought instant physical relief to my neck and arms and the longer scooped blade with smaller overall surface area of any of the blades I’ve tried did not compromise my catch but instead delivered on its promise of a crisp, clean exit. Further, I realized that despite my first impression of the regular size diameter of the KR shaft being negligeable to my stroke, the Braca’s skinny shaft relaxed my fingers and wrist far more, since my need to “grip” the paddle vanished. I was glad that I finally made a comparison by using the familiar paddle for a few miles before switching: the difference in the paddles was starker, which in turn made my perception much clearer.
Shark River, Neptune City, NJ April 2022
The Quaboag River Race, West Brookfield, MA April 2022
I didn’t have to paddle very far to tell Chris that I was ready to buy his paddle. Since then, I used the Braca XI at the 7-mile Quaboag Race, and was very pleased with my performance. Chris enlightened me that a smaller blade does not compromise speed or efficiency. Naturally, this review is from the perspective of petite female; a 200+-pound male would certainly benefit from a larger blade. But what is essential to know is that an approximate difference of 25 square centimeters will probably not make or break one’s performance. The Braca measuring scale of shaft stiffness (2.1-3.4mm) is still a mystery to me, though Chris explained that it’s not the material that makes the Braca shaft flexible or stiff but the way the carbon is woven: in bright light, one can see a shiny weave on the shaft (see pictures) and in stronger arms, one can feel a slight “give” in the 2.1k shaft against one’s abdomen. Evidently, every shaft has a unique weave corresponding to its point on the measuring scale. Braca’s strong competitive edge on the paddle market is no doubt due to its innovation, and in the case of its line of XI’s, its license to manufacture the original Ted Van Deusen design.
You can see from the pictures the difference among the KR Delta S, the Gara Odin S, and the Braca XI: the paddle blades (in this order) get narrower and longer. I suspect that this difference in shape is in itself an important factor for an efficient stroke. Weight, construction, design, and blade surface area are all components that will continue to influence my opinion based on personal need for a paddle that reduces stress on the upper body.
Although I would buy another Gara, I am now a Braca believer. And I highly recommend speaking to Chris Chappell, who is not only a seasoned paddler and top seller of Braca, but also a trustworthy expert.
