I have read many reviews by folks who get a new paddle, use it a few times and then tell us what they think. While these reviews are very useful, I thought people may want to check out a review that tells you how a paddle holds up over time. So here is a review that was four years in the making.
In 2012, I was in my third year of kayak fishing and I was very pleased with my boat. My paddle however was a different story. Like a lot of people I figured I would “save some bucks” so I got a cheap paddle. It was heavy, the ferrule wobbled, and when I was pushing hard the blade would chatter with every stroke. That spring I went to a local demo day where I met a representative from Werner Paddles who showed me the light.
I explained what I didn’t like about my current paddle and what I needed. I also told him that I had a couple shoulder surgeries and my shoulders would hurt after a long day on the water. He asked me a few questions and said “I have exactly what you need.” He reached over the rack and handed me a Camano Carbon Bent Shaft (230).
The first thing I noticed was the weight, it was really light. The ferrule (Smart View Adjustable Ferrule) felt solid and had a wide range of adjustment. The representative explained how the bent shaft offered multiple hand positions which should help my shoulders. I was very impressed, but to honest I wasn’t sure how it would hold up in a tough fishing environment.
Well four years and over 100 trips later, the Camano has proved to be a high quality and very durable paddle. I’ve banged it into pilings, pushed off jetties, and in general treated it tough and it is as good as the day I bought it. The ferrule system is still super tight and functions perfectly. If you are looking for a high quality, light weight, durable paddle you should give the Werner Camano Carbon a try.