Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Travel paddle for smaller, intermediate paddler

« on: April 03, 2017, 09:23:06 PM »

Just wanted to say thanks to all for your thoughtful and detailed responses!  I ended up finding a 26 oz, 77 sq inch travel paddle on a really good sale--but now you all have thoroughly talked me into investing in a good light one once I've had a chance to save up a bit.  And to get one with a small surface area. (I'm glad I asked about that because, though I had the idea that smaller might be better for me, I had not realized how MUCH smaller.  The 77 sq inch blade was the smallest I could find in a travel paddle, and I didn't have the time or budget to go for the custom one at this time.  This one should be pretty good for now. Not the paddle I hope to own utimately, but was the best cost-weight ratio I came across at this time, in a 3-piece.)

Thank you so much for your input--I learned a lot!

2

Gear Talk / Travel paddle for smaller, intermediate paddler

« on: March 11, 2017, 11:12:35 PM »

Hi, Folks--

I'm going into my 3rd season of paddle boarding, and am about to travel by plane for the first time with my custom ULI. (It incorporates aspects of both touring and race designs. It's 12-6 long, 27 inches wide, 4 inches thick. I'm 5'5", 115 lbs., fit but have chronic rotator cuff issue. So far, I've mostly been flat-water paddling on the alpine lakes.)

What paddle would you recommend? (To date, I've been using a heavy, 2 pc adjustable--a Boardworks Kraken. It weighs in at 28 oz. Would hope to go lighter than that--even for a 3 pc.  Being somewhat new to the sport, and having used only one paddle, I'm not clear on what blade size would be best--maybe something on the smaller side, given the type of paddling I do, and the ongoing shoulder problem? As far as budget, definitely under $300.  All things equal, less is better, of course.... Opinions/thoughts/input would be most welcome!)

Thanks!

3

Gear Talk / Re: Boardworks Raven or Raven II for smallish adult?

« on: September 29, 2015, 03:34:41 PM »

Thanks, Robon, for recommending that I seek out Jill's opinion.  And thanks to Jill for volunteering, before I even had the chance!

I'm curious, Jill--what does that ULI weigh?  Also, is it okay to leave it blown up and treat it more or less like a hard board?  (I prefer the simplicity of not having to assemble the board each time.)

4

Gear Talk / Re: Boardworks Raven or Raven II for smallish adult?

« on: September 26, 2015, 09:10:08 AM »

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and informative replies!  I managed to find a Raven II in stock in my town, but they wouldn't let me demo it.  Just lifting it, however, has given me pause.  I would not be able to carry it on my own for very far at all (I think I forgot to mention that I have 6 screws and 2 rods in my back, that really don't bother me at all--unless I try and lift things that are too heavy :-) without resorting to using a caddy, which is a complication I'd rather avoid.

In other news, have found a Tahoe Bliss (only 24 lbs. !) for sale, used, that I am going to  check out.  I think there may be durability concerns with this board, but if I can get it used (i.e., for less $), then that's a trade-off I might be willing to make for the weight savings.

There aren't a lot of reviews of this board out there, but what I've been able to find seem positive--save for one on this forum where someone referred to it as a "pig."  Anyone have personal experience of it?

5

Gear Talk / Boardworks Raven or Raven II for smallish adult?

« on: September 23, 2015, 11:20:59 AM »

Hi--After trying a few rentals and loaners, I'm about to invest in my first board.  I live in Central Oregon, where there are lots of alpine lakes, and a fair amount of flat water sections of river. Although, since I'll only have one board, I'd like to try various kinds of paddling, I imagine that my primary use will be day trips and short tours on flat water.

I'm wondering about whether I'd be better off with the 12'6" board, or whether--at 5' 5" and 112 lbs--I should consider the 10' 6" board instead, to save weight and bulk.  I do like to go as fast as possible, though--so should I stick with the longer one?  (If so, the Raven ll is 12' 6" long, but an inch or two narrower, so I'm thinking that might be a good choice.)

Oh--one other thing: I have a 42 lb dog that I'd like to take with me sometimes.

Finally, this board (that is, all of the boards mentioned above) are heavier than I'd like, but it sounds like it performs wonderfully, and I also think it's the most beautiful board I've seen (which brings with it an additional level of enjoyment)--so those factors seem worth a little extra weight, maybe.  I'd also be interested in lighter-weight suggestions, though.

Would appreciate any and all input from more seasoned paddlers!

Many thanks,
Leslie