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Hand paddles
#14184612
11/08/21 02:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
Now that I have a pedal kayak, I’m learning of the advantages and disadvantages of it. For longer runs across the lake, and for keeping the boat nosed into the wind, I’m thrilled with my boat. Yesterday, I marked some brush piles and was able to stay very close to my buoy while I kept my jig in the water. The down side is being able to turn the boat on a dime like you can do with a boat paddle.
I am thinking of getting a hand paddle to supplement the rudder when I want to turn more sharply. What are your thoughts?
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14184680
11/08/21 03:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111
Dougfresh
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111 |
I think there’s one called the backwater hand paddle. Should be getting my pedal kayak this month so I might be picking up one of those.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14184778
11/08/21 05:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,119
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,119 |
Half a paddle or an oar will generate much more force than a hand paddle.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14184804
11/08/21 06:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,154
Mike@972
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,154 |
I think you on thinking in the right direction Mudshark.
To expand, I think every pedal kayak should have a traditional kayak paddle as a back-up and every paddle kayal should collapsable oar as a back-up. Pedals break from time to time and paddles fall out of the kayak from time to time.
In my PA I keep half of a kayak paddle in arms reach at all times and the other half stowed in the hull. My son keeps a full kayak paddle at arms reach in his outback and often uses it to position himself while holding on a spot.
I am in a PA360 which turns on a dime... even still, I often grab the half paddle to push off the bank when I get blown into the bank while tying a lure or while unhooking a fish. I also use it every time when launching or approaching a ramp.
In short, I think you need a paddle of some type (either a kayak paddle or a small oar). Personally, I thread the needle by using a split Kayal paddle with a T-handle on one end. I use half for day-to-day functions and have the other half available in case my drive fails.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14185084
11/08/21 11:35 PM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,651
PowerLizard
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,651 |
If you are going to get a hand paddle, the Backwater Assault Hand Paddle is the one to get. It doubles as a dull plastic machete. I originally tried using a ping pong paddle but it did not move enough water.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: PowerLizard]
#14185106
11/09/21 12:08 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
If you are going to get a hand paddle, the Backwater Assault Hand Paddle is the one to get. It doubles as a dull plastic machete. I originally tried using a ping pong paddle but it did not move enough water. Against your advice, I bought this. It will work fully collapsed to help me turn quicker, it extends to act as a back up paddle or to just get into deep enough after to drop my drive, and it has a hook on the handle to grab jug lines as they try to run away from me. Time will tell. I like the machete idea on the Assault paddle you mention, but I have a small shotgun to handle issues the boat paddle won’t take care of.
Last edited by Mudshark; 11/09/21 12:08 AM.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14185145
11/09/21 12:50 AM
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Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251
David Newton
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251 |
I like that short paddle. Might need to get one of those.
The Nucanoe peddle system has the prop at the rear of the kayak so turning radius is really good. I have a full length paddle that I store broken down under my seat for emergencies. But honestly I rarely use it. I might switch to something like this short paddle.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14185271
11/09/21 05:11 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,651
PowerLizard
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,651 |
If you are going to get a hand paddle, the Backwater Assault Hand Paddle is the one to get. It doubles as a dull plastic machete. I originally tried using a ping pong paddle but it did not move enough water. Against your advice, I bought this. It will work fully collapsed to help me turn quicker, it extends to act as a back up paddle or to just get into deep enough after to drop my drive, and it has a hook on the handle to grab jug lines as they try to run away from me. Time will tell. I like the machete idea on the Assault paddle you mention, but I have a small shotgun to handle issues the boat paddle won’t take care of. I had that Atwood paddle as backup on a Pelican Bass Raider that was primarily powered by a trolling motor. The paddle got hard to twist to allow it to go full length. I gave it away to the guy who bought the Bass Raider. I hope you have better luck with your telescoping Attwood paddle.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14185302
11/09/21 10:59 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582 |
I had a hand paddle at one time, it seemed like a good idea when they first came out. As mentioned earlier, they don't move enough water. If I had a pedal kayak, I would still carry a good, full sized paddle. If you ever come across something in the water that you might not want in your boat, longer is better. Would you rather use a hand paddle as a machete or a full sized paddle as a helicopter blade?
Last edited by lconn4; 11/09/21 11:19 AM.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14185424
11/09/21 01:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,234
Jerry713
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,234 |
OP it's what works best for you. Yeah you'll be able to turn better with less force using a full size paddle but if the benefits of a hand paddle out way the full size paddle for you roll with it. As Mike said you should still carry a full size paddle on the side of your kayak in addition to your hand paddle.
Let us know how it works for you.
You get out of it what you put into it!
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14187460
11/11/21 02:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418
Dan90210 ☮
Jr Deputy Dan
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Jr Deputy Dan
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418 |
Danny listen close now buddy. These old salty yakkers saying you should always carry a full size paddle are dead on. They been down this road and made those mistakes like in the 80s. No need to try them again. Pedal systems can fail for a number of reasons. Also you can get too shallow to use them. If you make that long run across the lake and then break your prop or something... good luck getting back with that one handed oar. Get a full size paddle. Does not have to be a high end fiber carbon one and all that, just get one. And leash it to the yak. Very important.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Dan90210 ☮]
#14187747
11/11/21 07:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
Danny listen close now buddy. These old salty yakkers saying you should always carry a full size paddle are dead on. They been down this road and made those mistakes like in the 80s. No need to try them again. Pedal systems can fail for a number of reasons. Also you can get too shallow to use them. If you make that long run across the lake and then break your prop or something... good luck getting back with that one handed oar. Get a full size paddle. Does not have to be a high end fiber carbon one and all that, just get one. And leash it to the yak. Very important. I’m still going to keep a full sized paddle leashed to the boat, I was just asking if anyone used them to help augment the turn radius of their pedal yak. I’m going to try it on m next trip. Just wondering if I was the only one who can’t turn sharp enough. Maybe I need to be looking at rudder improvements?
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14187820
11/11/21 08:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418
Dan90210 ☮
Jr Deputy Dan
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Jr Deputy Dan
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418 |
Danny listen close now buddy. These old salty yakkers saying you should always carry a full size paddle are dead on. They been down this road and made those mistakes like in the 80s. No need to try them again. Pedal systems can fail for a number of reasons. Also you can get too shallow to use them. If you make that long run across the lake and then break your prop or something... good luck getting back with that one handed oar. Get a full size paddle. Does not have to be a high end fiber carbon one and all that, just get one. And leash it to the yak. Very important. I’m still going to keep a full sized paddle leashed to the boat, I was just asking if anyone used them to help augment the turn radius of their pedal yak. I’m going to try it on m next trip. Just wondering if I was the only one who can’t turn sharp enough. Maybe I need to be looking at rudder improvements? Oh. Ok yes. Good! I missed that bit. The OT has made me a poor reader. I know guys who carry a hand oar inside the hull "just in case". As a last resort but none who use it to turn over their full sized one. You can get the full size down deeper, or out farther, or whatever you need to effect the turn you want. You have mentioned a few times adjustments on the rudder. Fact is they dont turn real tight. I have the Predator PDL and its one of the better ones out there for turning for its size but it still... its not going to turn on dime. One thing I did when working around thick log jams was to work the yak like a car in a tight spot using the peddles. Back it up a bit, cut it the other way, go forward a bit, back it up again cutting the other way, then back forward and so on. Worked as well as the paddle in real tight spots. Not sure yours has instant reverse though? If I recall yours is a 13 footer? Those are not going to turn like those little ones you see smaller guys in. Not as fast either. But lots of room and stable enough for a guy who is full sized and nimble as he once was. Nothing wrong with trying the oar and letting us know!
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14187822
11/11/21 08:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418
Dan90210 ☮
Jr Deputy Dan
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Jr Deputy Dan
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39,418 |
AND I keep spelling "peddle" as in to sell rather than "pedal" as in to pedal a bike.
CCTX will be along shortly to scold me for that.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14188714
11/12/21 05:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550
porta
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550 |
Danny listen close now buddy. These old salty yakkers saying you should always carry a full size paddle are dead on. They been down this road and made those mistakes like in the 80s. No need to try them again. Pedal systems can fail for a number of reasons. Also you can get too shallow to use them. If you make that long run across the lake and then break your prop or something... good luck getting back with that one handed oar. Get a full size paddle. Does not have to be a high end fiber carbon one and all that, just get one. And leash it to the yak. Very important. I’m still going to keep a full sized paddle leashed to the boat, I was just asking if anyone used them to help augment the turn radius of their pedal yak. I’m going to try it on m next trip. Just wondering if I was the only one who can’t turn sharp enough. Maybe I need to be looking at rudder improvements? PC- a paddle should work better than a rudder for Sharp turns , especially if you are in a stopped position trying to turn. That is because a Rudder needs water to be rushing by in order to exert a strong force causing the bote to turn. The time it takes to turn sharply wile holding position increases with the submerged length and decreases with the amount of rocker of your kayak. Hope this helps.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14190032
11/14/21 03:53 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582 |
I found my old Backwater Predator. Put the pen in picture to give idea of how small the blade was.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: lconn4]
#14190197
11/14/21 01:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
I found my old Backwater Predator. Put the pen in picture to give idea of how small the blade was. I bet it worked just fine! I’m going to throw our some jug lines this afternoon. I will be very interested to see how mine helps
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: lconn4]
#14190201
11/14/21 02:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550
porta
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550 |
Here's some more Backwater type and unusual paddles, with some videos on how to use them. Some are useful where typical kayak paddles may not work like close-quarters tight sea caves and canyoneering in close wall Canyon Waters. They claim to be more efficient because both paddles spend more time in the water than a typical kayak paddle where are you alternate sides. Not sure about the claims, as I've never used them. https://armfins.com/
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14190284
11/14/21 03:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22,582 |
Different strokes for different folks on the arm oars... I'm out!
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14190626
11/14/21 09:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
I floated some jug lines for about 3 hours. The hand paddle served two purposes, making sharp turns and hooking swim noodles that don’t want to be caught. It made a real difference. I fully extended it and paddled a while. On short trips, it would work just fine as a back up in case the pedal drive broke.
This particular trip, I packed way to much gear. I should have known better. If you are catfishing, just go catfishing. Instead, I took 4 rods, a bucket of jug lines, bait bucket, big landing net……dumb move.
As an aside on the pedal drive boat. It cover ground well, but it limits the available room you have at your feet on a paddle boat. The next time I throw out jug lines, I will take the old boat.
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14190793
11/15/21 02:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523
Mudshark
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45,523 |
I bet I could build a mount where my pedal drive sits and jam a trolling motor in that hole! The pedal drive takes up all the space by my feet. A trolling motor would be perfect!
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14197889
11/21/21 09:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 810
K. Loomis
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 810 |
i use a stand up paddle board paddle that i cut down to size. it works really well on either side of the yak.
Lemme see dem fish tiddies
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Re: Hand paddles
[Re: Mudshark]
#14201300
11/24/21 05:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,154
Mike@972
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,154 |
I bet I could build a mount where my pedal drive sits and jam a trolling motor in that hole! The pedal drive takes up all the space by my feet. A trolling motor would be perfect!
Yep... there are a lot of youtube videos on chopping down a Watersnake trolling motor for kayaks.
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