I've got two vintage kayaks: one has a wood frame, and the other frame is aluminum.
When I encounter other kayakers and, in the course of the usual gabfest, they nearly all assume that mine are those very expensive
Klepper models -- quite a compliment!
I recall paying $75 at a boating auction for my second kayak, which included four (!) wood paddles plus a sailing kit; however, it was the paddles to which I was drawn.
They were finely varnished, nicely-curved paddles with blades of very thin, five-ply plywood -- and nearly new. They are very lightweight and were hand-made in the Black Forest of Germany. (And apparently no longer available).
But it was yesterday, while perusing my latest copy of
Canoe & Kayak magazine, that kayak paddles caught my eye
again. It's been just three years since last reading
Canoe & Kayak magazine, and kayak paddles have undergone some transformation! Check out
the variety available today.
You can spend $425 --
for one paddle!
If you're
really fussy about your selection, you can buy an adjustable paddle. Check out the vernier-style indicator.
How many more gizmos can be added to a "paddle sport"?
