Sprite Bent Shaft Paddle

Sprite Bent Shaft Paddle Description

Bass and butternut construction with a scroll grip and urethane plastic tip. An industry standard for 25 years. Excellent as a lightweight training or entry-level paddle.  This paddle is recommended for general touring, wilderness tripping and marathon training.

Features: 

• Grip:  3 ply laminated basswood, scroll style
• Shaft:   8 ply laminated basswood, oval 1 ¼” x 1 1⁄16”, 14° angle
• Blade:  7 ply laminated basswood and butternut
• Blade Cross Section Style:  flat power face, cambered back face
• Tip Material & Style:  casting epoxy, straight
• Finish:  high gloss exterior polyurethane with UV block

 

Sizing Your Bent Shaft Paddle

Regardless of the model of straight or bent shaft paddle, you have selected, the overall length should be determined by the shaft length from the top of the grip to the throat of the paddle.

The following formula applies: the shaft length should equal the distance from one shoulder to the water line of the canoe. This will allow you to paddle below your eyes with your upper hand while keeping your lower hand close to the throat.

To determine the approximate length, sit erect on a flat hard chair or the floor and measure the distance from the surface to your chin. Add 6” for the approximate distance the canoe seat would be from the waterline. Thus, a person whose chin-to-chair measurement is 26” would add 6” to arrive at a 32” shaft length. Looking at the specifications of our various models, you will find that you would probably use a 50” Touring Bent Shaft, a 54” Voyageur, or a 56” Chieftain. A one- or two-inch variation would not have much effect on usage, so try to find the closest shaft length for the model chosen. Remember to consider that canoe seat heights vary, as might a ‘comfort range’ that you might feel more suited to.