Kayak paddles come in a variety of styles. One of the most popular types is a
two piece adjustable paddle. These paddles break down for storage and can be
easily assembled on site. They feature some method for adjusting paddle angles.
These allow kayakers to choose to offset paddles, or to align them together.
Offset (feathered) paddles can be important in windy situations. As the
kayaker digs in with an offset paddle, the opposite paddle is parallel to the
wind, causing less wind drag. On the next stroke, the kayaker rotates the paddle
slightly, aligning the blade with the water for maximum thrust. With feathered
paddles, the opposite paddle is now aligned correctly to slip thru the wind
easily.
For maximum comfort and efficiency, kayakers should always make sure the seat, foot pedals and paddles
are adjusted correctly. Taking a few moments to get comfortable with your
kayak can really pay off in the long run.
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