Stand Up Paddling is one of the fastest growing paddlesports in the world. Part of the allure of SUP’ing is that the sport offers the combination of the simplicity of surfing, and the versatility of being able to travel on any type of water (rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans, swimming pools, etc). There are 2 essential items that you need for Stand Up paddling; a board and a paddle. Werner makes a  paddle for SUP’ers of all shapes, sizes and ability levels. Here is a review on three popular models of SUP paddles, which are all 10% off at CKS!

The Werner Carve

Specs:

Surface Area: 101 sq in
Blade Length x Width: 19 x 7.3 in
Weight: 907g/32oz
Adjustable Length: 74-78.5″, 78-82.5″, 82-86.5″, 86-90.5″

Besides being a great all around SUP paddle, the Carve is also a favored fitness and race paddle because the blade shape allows you to paddle with the blade partially submerged for quick, small resistance strokes. These quick strokes are what make the Carve a pleasure to paddle with because you actually realize how much quicker your moving in virtually every situation. So weather its big guys or small women, waves or distance, racing or fitness the Carve will work for anything and everything.

The Werner Carve

The Werner Advantage

Specs:

Surface Area:111 sq in
Blade Length x Width:19 x 8.75 in
Weight:936g/33oz
Adjustable Length:74-78.5″, 78-82.5″, 82-86.5″, 86-90.5″

The Advantage at 111 sq inches is Werner Paddles largest SUP blade option. For the bigger paddlers who enjoy the deeper strokes and bigger bracing area, The Advantage offers maximum power and maximum durability. Your not going to find another adjustable length paddle on the market for $259 that even the largest of paddlers can rely on in heavy surf. The Advantage is also a great option for the down wind or down river enthusiast with a longer board and more efficient stroke-the larger blade will generate more speed while at the top end.

The Werner Advantage

The Werner Spanker

Specs:

Surface Area:106 sq in
Blade Length x Width: 19.5 x 9.25 cm
Weight:680g/24oz
Adjustable Length:74″-78.5″, 78″-82.5″, 82″-86.5″, 86″-90.5″

Light weight and full power. The Spanker gives you the best of both worlds. Foam Core blade with deep dihedral shape snatches the power right from the catch and the release has a sensation of jumping right out of the water. Picking up the pace with this stick is effortless and just like their
whitewater paddles these things are “BOMBER”!

Here’s a video on everything you’d ever want to know about the Spanker and Werner Paddles:

General Paddle Information

Adjustable Length Shaft:

CKS is currently stocking adjustable length paddles. If you would like to order a  1 or 2 piece paddle, give us a call. Werner can make just about any paddle in a 1 piece or breakdown version.

Sizing:

Features:
Advanced river running design is stable and balanced.
Premium fiberglass shaft has Werner’s legendary bomber strength.

Blade Specs:
Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon Blades
Size: 41 cm x 19.5cm, 16.4″ x 7.8″
655sq cm Asymmetrical

Shaft Specs:
Premium Fiberglass
Straight 2 Piece Shaft
30 degree Feather
Right Hand Control

Paddle Weight:
1077g (38oz) at 197cm

Paddle Length:
210 or 220 cm

We reviewed the Werner Rio in the CKS whitewater blog, as a paddle to be used with whitewater kayaks. The Rio is also built in 210cm and 220cm 2-Piece versions as well. These are great paddles for use with inflatable kayaks. The shafts are a bit longer, which helps get the blade into the water when paddling a boat with big inflatable tubes.

Pros:
The Werner Rio is a very economical paddle. It costs $139 MSRP, which is a great value for a 220cm 2-piece paddle, that will last forever. With fiberglass reinforced nylon blades and a fiberglass/carbon shaft, this is a paddle that can take some abuse.  Whether it’s dragging it across the ground at the boat ramp, banging it on rocks going down the river, and then using it as a really tall tent pole at camp at the end of the day-The Rio will last for a long time.  The yellow blades are great for beginners and recreational boaters as well. They are highly visible, thus decreasing the chances of losing it in a “yard sale”. Offering The Rio in a 210/220cm length was a great idea on Werner’s part.  There are plenty of worthwhile recreational whitewater paddles on the market, but not too many in this length.  Because the paddle is 220cm long, the 2-piece break down idea is a necessity.

Cons:
The Rio is durable, but definitely not the lightest paddle of the bunch.  The main drawback to using nylon in the blades is that it adds a significant amount of weight. Also, The Rio is only available in a straight shaft. Paddlers that are used to a bent shaft will not be able to order one with The Rio.  If you’re looking for a similar paddle, but with a lighter swing weight and a bent shaft the Werner Tybee would make a great option. It costs more, but……You get what you pay for.

The Verdict:
This is a great entry level paddle suitable for use with IK’s. The 210/220cm length’s in particular are nice, and the 2-piece option is great too.Transportation is easy. The Rio is a little heavy, and only available in a straight shaft, but then again it only costs $139. There are lighter bent shaft paddles available , but be ready to spend at least $100 extra.

Overall, The Rio’s got a really durable blade, and paddles smoothly. If you’re looking for an inexpensive paddle to go along with your IK (Bandit or Tomcat), The Rio is worth every penny.