I’ve just recently started paddling a new Werner Stealth paddle I got from the fine folks at Rocky Mountain Adventures. Werner’s latest performance design for racing and high whitewater. Before even getting it wet, the most noticeable attribute will demand your attention at first grip. The typical weight, strain, and force of gravity associated with most paddles cannot be sensed while wielding this magical stick reminiscent of Excalibur. Being the largest paddle in my quiver so far (203cm), it is by and large the lightest. With a full carbon composition, it just barely registers on the scale at 29.5 oz. Once you get used to the weightless stroking, you might start noticing seconds shaved off your Green Race lap time due to the modest girth of the shaft. Sleek but not slender enough to compromise grip or load capacity. The forward offset blade stems from a streamlined seam between the non-traditional female shaft accepting a male blade, forming a sturdy, smooth, and more hydro dynamic connection. Working closely with input from the most winningest kayak racer ever, the blade shape was conceived with one thing in mind, winning. The neck of the blade is long and narrow with a shallow angle, to avoid hitting your boat on a big vertical forward stroke and enable effortless gliding in and out of the water surface. The full width at mid blade is carried all the way out to a square end, ensuring you get full pull and power out of every stroke, without any timely slicing, twist, or deflection. The flat face of the blade offers huge grab and an even distribution of force. Looking at the profile of the blade, there’s a slight bulge from a pinch of foam for buoyancy, but it tapers down to a very thin edge, like the Surge. Overall, I am very pleased by the power and strength delivered through such lightweight material. It is very clear that this paddle was designed for winning races, big water, and transferring your energy through the river and into your boat as efficiently as possible. I’d be wary of busting it out on the mank though, it will not hold up to perpetual banging on rocks. Maybe, consider it your Saturday Night Special.

-RMA Team Athlete Heath Bradley

The Stealth is In-stock at Rocky Mountain Adventures