Kayaking on Lake Winnipesaukee

ApS · 06-04-2005, 05:45 AM

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"?

06-04-2005, 05:45 AM	#10
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,938 Thanks: 2,205 Thanked 776 Times in 553 Posts	Kayaking's "Yuppification" 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"? __________________ Is it "Common Sense" isn't. Last edited by ApS; 12-21-2005 at 09:59 AM.