VE Paddles Vanda Carbon Fibre 2 piece Paddle has a narrow cruising blade shape with small surface area and increased neck-to-tip length. The Vanda suits lower-angle paddling, power is transferred gradually into the stroke as the blade submerges, reducing fatigue when used on long days. With VE’s unique Aircore spine adding strength and buoyancy and a carbon shaft increasing stiffness and further reducing weight. Blade Features Touring-lite construction Shaft Diameter: Ø 30.6 mm Weight: 784g (210 cms) Blade Surface Area: 633 cm² Blade Length x Width: 520 mm x 156 mm Touring-lite construction VE Paddles lite lay-up reduces blade weight by up to 30%, creating a lighter and more supple feel; suited for touring paddles. By reducing material weight and removing layers in the multi-step tip, the blade is 60% thinner at the end, making for a lower swing weight which helps reduce fatigue over distance. All VE paddles are made using pre-preg composites and the touring models use the same construction and resin systems in the spine as standard constructions – providing essential strength and rigidity in key areas. Shaft Features 2-piece carbon shaft for increased stiffness and reduced weight Ground grip finish Ovalised grip indexing Stiffer and lighter than glass for when reaction times really matter KajakSport adjustable ferrule – length Range: 10 cm Feather adjustability in 10° increments left or right-hand Drip rings fitted as standard Features Aircore blade Adjustable 10 cm length Adjustable 0–90° feather Corrosion resistant nylon split connector Drip rings Ovalised shaft index grip Materials prepreg carbon fibre blade Dimensions 633 cm² blade area • shaft Ø 30.6 mm Weight 756 g (210-220 carbon shaft) Made in United Kingdom The KajakSport ferrule provides any feather and up to 10 cm of length adjustment. Working instantly both right- and left-handed, it’s simple design provides reliable, hassle-free operation – fully corrosion-free thanks to robust nylon construction. Storing We strongly recommend that you store your paddle with the ferrule in an open position, not closed. Storing it in the open position ensures the ferrule is not under continuous stress and it will lengthen the service life multiple times. VE Paddles touring size guide Touring sea kayaks Sit-on-tops inflatables Height (cm) Height (cm) Paddle length 140 – 165 140 – 160 200 – 210 165 – 195 150 – 170 210 – 220 190 – 205 170 – 190 220 – 230 – 180 – 205 230 – 240 Blade sizes Choosing a touring kayak paddle What’s your style? You’ll see there’s a lot of overlap in the sizes we suggest, as your choice comes down to your unique style. You can order a custom length if you want something in between. The best way to find your style is to test out different combinations for yourself, through one of our retailers or demo events. Long distance or agile? Where will you use this paddle? If you plan to use this paddle in more dynamic environments like tidal races, rock hopping or gentle rivers you may want look to the shorter end of the range. Shorter paddles help you to be more reactive and increase your stroke rate when needed. Two-piece adjustable length and angle All VE touring paddles are adjustable two-piece. This makes them easier to carry on or in your kayak, it also means they are extendable in length up to 10 cm and can be adjusted to any blade angle. The angle (sometimes called ‘feather’) of your blades affects how much your wrists will flex to plant the blade, most people prefer a blade angle of thirty or fourty-five degrees. Boat size How wide is the kayak you normally use? A slightly longer paddle may make it easier to reach the water in a wide kayak with a high knee height. Conversely if your kayak is particularly narrow you may want a slightly shorter paddle. How long is the kayak you normally use? A long paddle will trace a longer arc in the water, slowing your cadence and giving you more leverage, good for long boats with high hull speed. You can reach the top speed of a short boat with a few quick, short power strokes, so no need for a long paddle. Paddle length and blade size are similar to gears in a car or bike: A longer paddle or bigger blade is like a higher gear, potentially a higher top speed but more effort and time needed to get to that speed. Blade size A bigger blade will ‘grip’ the water firmer than a smaller blade, which you may find fatiguing or overpowering. Touring blades are generally smaller in size, and you have the option of a narrow blade shape too. A narrow blade like the Vanda can decrease the strain even further. Sit-on-top and inflatables Sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks tend to be wider than closed cockpit touring kayaks for which we recommend a longer paddle. Kids’ paddles The size chart shows kids sizing for paddles for kids kayaks (narrower than a small adult kayak). If the kayak is too big for the paddler (it happens, buying kids kayaks that they will grow out of is a commitment) then a longer paddle will be useful so they can reach the water. The Wisp has a smaller blade, which also has a smaller diameter shaft, less fatiguing for smaller paddlers. If the Wisp is not for you then another model with a smaller blade size may be suitable and similarly a short paddle length.
