PERFECT PADDLES The Classic
A RIVER RUNNING BLADE FOR EVERY BUDGET River Booty
Aqua-Bound Shred Carbon Straight shaft $184
For less than two hundred bucks it’s hard to beat Aqua-Bound’s Shred. It’s an entry-level price point paddle that’ll take you
well into your paddling career—we doubt there’s any blade out there that’s pulled more people into the sport than this one. The Shred’s shaft is made with Aqua-Bound’s T-700 carbon, which sits in the sweet spot between strength and weight. We love the optional four-piece breakdown ferrule to pack down small for travel, but if you value increased durability over ease of transport, choose the single-piece solid shaft.
Accent Performance Paddles Premier Rogue Straight shaft $250
The Powerful Falling in the middle of the price range for our lineup, and the
middle of Accent’s offerings, the Premier Rogue has a solid fiberglass shaft and compression molded blades that pack a serious punch.
This lightweight paddle has an ultra deep blade design that makes taking powerful strokes a breeze, and we love that they’re bright orange for extra visibility when we’re on the water. The tips of the blade are extra thick to withstand the abuse of creeking and river running. Also available with a carbon bent shaft.
Adventure Technology Hercules Glass Ergo shaft $300
The Unbreakable
The Hercules is made of AT’s Duraweave, a brand new composite material that takes reliability to the next level. Duraweave is an anti-break material with secondary strength, meaning if you hit
it hard enough to crack it—which will take some effort—AT says the shaft won’t snap. It can take another impact (and potentially another and another) before it’ll break in two. We love having our hands on a paddle that we can trust anywhere, especially
on remote rivers where a snapped paddle could be catastrophic. We prefer AT’s natural feeling bent shaft but the Hercules is also available with a straight shaft or with carbon blades.
Werner Paddles Sho-Gun Straight Shaft $350
The Elite
Werner’s Sho-Gun delivers a level of elegance rare amongst river dwellers. It’s incredibly light and buoyant and its smooth back face hushes each stroke to a quiet swoosh that will make any paddler feel like a master. The Sho-Gun’s huge blades move water with serious efficiency, making it an ideal choice for seasoned boaters
or those wanting to step up their river running game. Constructed with Dynel edges and reinforced with Kevlar, the Sho-Gun is a
paddle that’ll fight off rocks and waves without taking a beating. Also available with Werner’s neutral bent shaft. EMMA DRUDGE
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PHOTOS: KAYDI PYETTE
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