G’day
I am trying to decide between the Werner Sherpa and Powerhouse paddles and I'd like some ideas/opinions. My first decent paddle and I’m going on the theory or buy once buy well. At the moment I’d mainly be using it for river running with dreams of creeking once my skill increases. Would the larger paddle (Powerhouse) be more likely to tire me out during a days paddling? Would the Sherpa be ok for creeking? Will the larger blade make things like rolling easier? As far as paddler condition goes I wouldn't say I'm an ultra fit strong paddler as I'm really still learning but I am paddling a boat of some form or other a couple of times a week and can go for a reasonable length paddle in the sea kayak at least without pulling up sore.

Cheers

I recently got a Werner Powerhouse in carbon. But that's as much as I can tell you. Haven't had to chance to even test it on flat water as I've stopped paddling now to rest some on going injuries!

Seeing as though you're a fit, strong dude, you probably will be fine. A larger blade is great when you need the power to make a move and in highly aerated water. I've always been a fan of bigger blades, but that's a personal preference. Just by looking at my Powerhouse, it doesn't seem abnormally large to me, compared to an H20-2 blade. Should work well for you. If you can, demo! Good luck. Great paddles and made really nicely.

Buy once and buy quality is a good mentality and can save you money in the long run. However, for a paddle I'd consider getting something a little cheaper first. Not because you may break an expensive paddle, but if you're new and may be having some swims, it's easy to lose your paddle! Also, you put a lot more support strokes etc. in when you're learning, and this can scratch up and significantly reduce the life of your blades if they are hitting a lot of rocks.

Also, paddles do end up breaking. If you get a cheap one first to learn a bit on, then upgrade, you'll always have a spare sitting at home!

This isn't to say you shouldn't spend more getting something good, I just want you to think about these points before you buy. If you are still happy to spend the money then go for it! You won't be disappointed.

As for what to buy, if you're keen to get a werner, there's a fitment calculator on their website. You fill in the answers and it recommends the type of paddle and the size. You mentioned sea kayaking. Generally in sea kayaking you're paddle will be a bit longer, and the blades will be offset near 90degrees. In whitewater kayaking the paddles are generally a bit shorter, I guess because you're more likely to hit a rock with the blade with a longer paddle. This can bring in issues like shoulder dislocations etc. Also if you're doing play boating especially, the length is smaller, and the feather on the blades is either 0, or close to 0 so that there is no resistance from the none power blade when you are upside down and both blades are in the water. The feather on creek boat paddles is usually around 45degree's.