Werner Blog

Werner Paddles Defines SUP Paddling Styles

In the fast moving category of Stand Up Paddling, Werner Paddles has redefined paddling styles to make it easier for both dealers and end customers to understand which paddle is the best fit.  Just as Werner pioneered the widely accepted terms “Low Angle” and “High Angle” in touring kayaking, they are now leading the way in defining paddling styles in SUP.

“Previously we used “Surfing” and “Touring” to define the blade style that best fit the a stand up paddler, but it turned out that is not how people were actually using the paddles.  This did not account for a surfer who like to take off with one powerful stroke or an inland paddler who wants a great work out while being easy on their body,” says Jim Miller Werner’s Marketing Manager.  Werner has introduced new language that more accurately fits paddling styles as they see explosive growth from coastal regions to inland water ways. The two styles are “Low Cadence” and “High Cadence.”

Low Cadence: (Formally Touring)
Low cadence paddling is popular with stronger, well conditioned paddlers who like power and responsiveness in each stroke.  The larger blade surface area of low cadence paddles is ideal for cruising and maintaining a higher top end speed by providing greater resistance to each stroke. Low Cadence paddles from Werner include the Spanker and the Advantage.

High Cadence: (Formally Surfing)
High cadence designs have a smaller blades allowing for a higher repetition of strokes. This higher stroke count allows for quicker acceleration and gives you ample forward propulsion while being easier on your body. Many people prefer high cadence blades for dynamic surfing, turning and maneuvering.  They are also favored by smaller paddlers who want to be easy on their joints. High Cadence paddles from Werner include the Nitro and the Carve.

Werner invites everyone to visit their on line Paddle Fit Guide and explore which paddle is best for them. This new language will appear across all Werner marketing materials including web sites, point of purchase materials and in their innovative retail training program - G.U.I.D.E.

Werner Paddles supports the 2010 White Water Symposium. Read the Press Release

Save the Date! ~ 2010 Whitewater Symposium slated for Oct. 8–10

  
The 2010 Whitewater Symposium is now gearing up for Oct. 8 – 10 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC.

This year’s event planning for providing top-notch educational classroom and on-water sessions is being driven by an expanded organizing group that includes some of the Symposium's foremost presenters and ambassadors.

The symposium commitee is bringing great creative energy and ideas to the table, dedicated to crafting a broader-based event with more specific topics of interest for whitewater aficionados, product manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, educators, and all types of paddling industry providers.”

The mission of the Whitewater Symposium is to advance the spirit of whitewater paddling through bringing leaders of the sport together. The upcoming event’s theme entitled, “Whitewater 2010 – The Next Rapid Evolution” will focus on the people, products, services, and ideas that will evolve the sport into tomorrow.

Visit http://www.wwsymposium.com for registration information and program updates as they become available.  (new information will be loading daily, so keep checking back for updates.)

Spring just could not start without Jersey Paddler's-Paddlesport.

Once again the incredible...Paddlesport!  The East Coast's largest paddle sports show returns to the Garden State Exhibit Center March 26th-28th.

Be sure to stop by and check all the seminars, including Werner Team paddlers Ben Lawry, Danny Mongno and many more.  In the booth the Doctors of Paddleology will be prescribing the Perfect Fitting kayak, canoe and stand up paddles, all at a great sale price.  So stop by and meet Kerry, Doug, Ben, Craig and Danny as we welcome you to Werner Paddles and Paddlesport.
 

Canoecopia 2010. Rutabaga Paddle Sports and Werner Paddles, ready for the big one!

Next weekend, Madison Wisconsin, the biggest paddle sports show is back as Rutabaga Paddle Sports presents the 2010 edition of Canoecopia. 

Werner Paddles will be focused on not only fitting paddlers with custom paddles but educating and entertaining guests with the greatest team in paddle sports.  Our in booth instruction and paddle fitting will be going on all three days by the Doctors of Paddleology.  Stop by and learn why you can't make your boat go straight, why you are always stuck in a hole, why you are always last in the group or maybe learn more about stand up paddling.  Your Doctors will include, 2009 Ladies of the Lake headliner Suzanne Hutchinson. 

 
2009 Mexico expeditioner Carla Volkman. 

 
New editions to the Werner Paddles World Team, Ben Lawry

and Kelly Blades.  Team leader Doug Ragan

and fresh out of their first ever Puerto Rico stand up paddle surf trip, Jim Miller

and Danny Mongno.  If the stroke knowledge Ben, Suzanne, Danny or the rest of the team provides is just not enough to top off your tanks, be sure to hit the speaker rooms (Schedule) for even more detailed info.  Ben's Dry Land Rolling, Danny's Paddles and Paddling, a huge group of Werner team members like Shawna and Leon of Body Boat Blade and of course, allowed by Madison City Police for another year, "The Big Show" presented by Kelly Blades and Danny Mongno. (Pool Schedule-these fill up fast!)

We can't wait to see you all there.  All Werner Paddles will be 15% off with some special, "First Come First Serve," deals to boot.  Stop by, get a paddle, get some instruction and certainly share a few laughs.  See you there.

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters Serves Their Paddling Community

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  They have been serving Arkansas’ outdoor enthusiasts for over a decade with more than 50 product lines to equip you on your next outdoor adventure. 

They recently posted to their blog about Werner's Healthy Waters initative.  You can read the post here.  It is this type of engangement with the local outdoor and paddling community that will continue to draw customers to their door.  They are the real deal!  Thanks Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters for letting as many people as possible know about our commitment to helping with access, education and water quality issues. Keep up the great work!

Reel Paddling Film Festival Kicks Off In Toronto

The 5th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival premiered last night at the Bloor Cinema downtown Toronto, hosted by The Complete Paddler. The largest premiere audience in festival history was treated to the first screening of this year’s award winning films. it is not supprising that many of the winners are sponsored by Werner Paddles. Check it out... 

1. Best Sea Kayaking Film: In Paddle to Seattle, J.J. Kelly and Josh Thomas use their homemade wooden boats to kayak the 1,300-mile Inside Passage from Alaska to Seattle.
2. Best Canoeing Film: This is Canoeing is a celebration of canoeing, showcasing some of the single blade’s most talented paddlers, wilderness explorers and whitewater adventures.
3. Best Whitewater Film: In Into Perpetual Ice five kayakers visit Greenland to explore the whitewater of this remote island.
4. Best Kayak Fishing Film: Kayak Fishing: Game On 2 follows big game kayaker Jim Sammons on a three-hour battle with a 120-pound tuna.
5. Best Adventure Travel Film: Finding Farley, in which Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison, along with their two-year old son, set out on a 5,000-kilometre trip from the Prairies to the Maritimes to retrace the literary footsteps of legendary author Farley Mowat.
6. Best Environmental Paddling Film: Facing East is the final descent of the mighty Yangtze River before it is completely underwater and transformed into massive reservoirs.
7. Best Paddling Documentary:  Kent Ford’s Call of the River traces whitewater’s history with as many twists and turns as the canyons its pioneers explored.
8. Best Amateur/Short Paddling Film: Falling is a thrill ride and a poetic meditation about harmonizing with the awesome forces of nature featuring the waterfalls of Agua Azul in Chiapas, Mexico.
9. Best Instructional Paddling Film: Sea Kayak with Gordon Brown offers exciting, practical instruction while on a four-day expedition around the Isle of Skye.
 
“Never before has the Festival seen so many amazing films,” said Scott MacGregor, RPFF producer and last night’s red carpet emcee. “There is truly something for everyone in this year’s World Tour.”

The premiere kicks off the Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour, an international paddling film tour with 37 short-listed films screening in 75 cities hosted by paddling shops, clubs and events. For a list of all World Tour films, the World Tour schedule, and hosting information visit, www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com.

Icebergs strike twice for the SUP crew at The Outpost of Holland

Any one remember this photo?

Well we are stoked if you do!  I can remind the rest of you, check out the February 10th 2009 post, on the Werner Paddles blog, sent in from Jim Misiewicz and the hard core SUP crew at The Outpost of Holland in Holland Michigan.  Well this was no circus stunt to drive up interest in stand up paddling, for these guys and gals SUP has become part of their souls and the ice is as much a part of their paddling as sand on your feet.  Almost a year to the day Jim sent us some more pics of their 2010 winter stand up paddling trips.

If you are in the Holland area, looking for a day trip or just a reason to get out of the house and try something new, be sure to check out the SUP pool demos The Outpost has going on all winter and spring. If this looks nuts you need to give it a try, the stability of the boards is just amazing and you are about as likely to get soaked as you are cross country skiing.  Thanks again to Jim and his paddling buddies for the post.  

 

Collinsville Canoe and Kayak's, "Paddle University" kicks off Werner's NE Events

 
There was a time when scenes like this, photo of Trish Walter, taken on the "T-Ville" section of the Farmington River, CT, were shared by "Experts Only."  However with advancements in gear and better instruction more readily available, paddling earlier or deeper into the shoulder seasons, or all winter long for that matter, is becoming more and more accesible to the everyday paddler.  It is the love of the peace and quiet, the solitude of off season paddling that spawned Collinsville Canoe and Kayak's, "Paddle University."  Join the staff of CCK, paddling instructors and industry experts as they kick off their 20 Year Anniversary on March 6th with this great new event. 

 
Throughout the day attend classes on the challenges associated with cold water paddling and how to dress and plan for it, on land stroke and skill work, choosing the best gear for you and individual segments looking at canoeing, white water boating, kayak fishing, recreational and touring kayaking and the exciting new sport of stand up paddling.   In between classes get your first look at all the new 2010 boats and gear as they continue to roll off the trucks and onto the shelves.  Werner Paddles will be represented by paddling instructor Danny Mongno, taking you through a variety of topics through out the day including  more efficient paddling by using the proper fitting paddle and better stroke work.  Be sure to call the shop (860) 693-6977 for more details or check out the web site for a class schedule.  Centrally located to so many paddlers, set in the beautiful Famington River valley, Paddle University is a must attend event for north east paddlers looking to meet up with friends, take some classes, check out some gear and kick off the spring paddling season.  See you there!

ARE YOU READY!! Werner Paddles announces it's 2010 Event schedule.

Stand Up Paddlers sea kayakers, White Water boaters, Canoeists, Recreational Paddlers, Rafters and KayakFisher People, this is your call to action.  On behalf of the entire team at Werner Paddles we invite you to join us around the world at the multitude of great paddling events we are supporting in 2010. 

 
 Check out our Events page at Go Paddling for a complete list of all the events we will be attending in 2010.  Getting it kicked off on February 8th will be our South East rep, Mette Mosquera, as the guest of honor at the Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers "Paddle Prescription Party," hosted by Bill Jacksons in Florida. 

Along with Go Paddling, keep up with the Werner Paddles Blog as we give you information and updates on events coming to your town each week.  We have a highly respected group of paddlers on our staff, whether it be our reps, tech reps, or team paddlers you will be sure to have a great time and learn something new when you stop by the Werner booth to say hello. 

So no matter what you paddle or where you paddle it, we look forward to seeing you on the water in 2010.
 

Part Two. 3 Werner-migos Stand Up in Puerto Rico

It has been a crazy two weeks for the team at Werner Paddles and it created a slow down in getting all the photos from the 3 Werner-migos stand up trip to Puerto Rico.  Fresh off the plane we met up with the crew for the Surf Expo show in Orlando and it has just been go, go, go.  Here are some more pics we just pulled together from Bruce's camera.

Jobos is reef break but plenty deep with plenty of  sand mixed in, real mellow.  There are so many places to take off you can leave the main point the "heavies" and still get tons of waves.  Hard to tell from the deck but it was chest to head high this day, you can see how clean it was!

 This rental car was SO bad!  So we just beat it down, the roof was just a bit tweaked.  (If any of you work for a rental car place keep it zipped!)

Jim was so afraid we were gonna ditch his ass , he stayed close to the boards at all times.

Jet Blue was so SICK!  Best airline I ever flew, way easy and cheap to fly with boards.  Thanks to Dakine for making killer SUP bags. 

It's hard to shoot surf unless you have the killer lens, plus we were having to much fun to even take the cameras out.  One of two shots of us paddling, Danny heading back out at Little Malibus.  The board is a Surftech, Gerry Lopex "Surf Music" and it was the goods!  78" Werner Nitro paddle.

Hope you all enjoyed, now get out there and have your own tropical stand up adventure.