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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!

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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