Good job on the honest review Wade! After reading a couple other comments I realize that this could be a wonderful asset for a person with a physical condition that doesn't allow them to move in the way that many of us take for granted. Definitely not a tool for helping you push your limits though. It's literally a crutch to lean on.
I personally know the creator behind this and have paddled on occasion with the dad who also uses this. I agree with everything the reviewer commented on but also see this as being a great crutch for older paddlers who have lost their roll and confidence over the years. Too many of my paddling friends have mailed it in because they got tired of swimming as they aged. I’ve suggested this tool to them… since they all are solid at reading water, bracing, and have paddling skills, I figured this would be a perfect cure. Almost all are quick to say what the reviewer stated several times… “I’ll look like an idiot.” Personally, I’d rather look like an idiot and stay safely in my boat, rather than sideline myself from a sport that I love in my older age but that’s just me. Nice review.
Maybe inflatable version, would knock off the weight. I run a chapter of Team River Runner, we work with veterans that are handicap and getting them into kayaks, we had 3 blind Kayakers do Grand Canyon, got manufacturers contact information?
I paddle with a geezer group in Santa Fe. Once you get to a “certain age” maintaining flexibility, and therefore that effortless roll you used to have, is a definite issue. One of the group, who is now 74, who was also a very accomplished paddler back in the day, did a swim last week on our first outing of the Spring, primarily because it was cold and he just wasn’t moving as well as he was at the end of last Fall. Honestly I think a modular version of this would be pretty sweet for the senior set who, like us, is not ready to hang up their Werner, but could use some sort of aid to compensate for lack of flexibility or even a suspect roll at times. It’s easy to be in your 20’s, 30’s, or even 40’s and think you’re always gonna be as athletic and able as you are right now, and therefore inclined to make fun of those in another place in their lives. Take it from someone who is now well into his sixties, getting older can be a real b####, and it comes a lot fastr than you think. Thanks again, Wade, for another of your no B.S. reviews. P.S….love the yellow grip tape. Never was a fan of surf wax.
@@ChristopherMarshburn so true Christopher and also when you start a RUclips channel you have to have thick skin when people laugh and make fun of you trust me I know
@@ChristopherMarshburn Unfortunately, the "cool kids" from middle school are still around as adults. I kayak to have fun, not be "cool" or increase my social status.
Wade 😂 I can imagine it does exactly as intended, my issue is less with the product, despite how silly it is but more with the attitude and marketing strategy of the owner/creator. I think he’s made this clear thru his own RUclips comments and the dialog on the cascades. “No one running class 4 or 5 should be out there without it” His willingness to shift the burden of safety to a random group while obviously not having the skills to safely do sections is concerning. I’d be hard pressed to believe the dude can actually roll without it based on any of his videos. Seems to promote bad habits and technique. 🤷♂️
Appreciate the fair review tho. I think there could definitely be a use for some handicapped people. If in whitewater, learn whitewater techniques. Laying on the paddle or pushing on the float doesn’t strike me as one. Cheers
I agree that Cascade video was not a good idea I think I would have done more like what I did and just a detail review of the product that's why I did most of it in the flat water pool and the first set of rapids I would not feel right loading up and taking this thing down the green Narrows or like something class 5 I feel I easily could have but don't really want to promote it as such I think class 2 beginners this has somewhat a purpose and did note at the end of the video that I think it would actually hinder learning paddling and rolling technique so I agree with you on that
What would you think about using this as a teaching tool for someone who’s never rolled before? As in, starting them off with this so they can get used to the feeling of being upside down in the water and the hip snap? And then transitioning off of it as soon as the person is comfortable. For that I’m mostly thinking of cool sessions. I was also thinking, would this be helpful for a person learning how to surf that doesn’t have a great roll? A lot of times when I go out, we will take a raft and a bunch of kayaks. So I’m thinking like to keep this in the raft and when someone wants to work on something specific give it to them so they don’t have to worry about Rolling in addition to learning something else. Thoughts?
Yes that’s really the only way I could see this being useful possibly make new paddlers better faster and with less beatering is it necessary no you would be fine without it but if I had someone that was on day one and very scared of rolling I would go over with them with it on how to use it and take off on easy class 2 and feel pretty confident they be fine and after few trips let them go without it
I knew what the hate this thing got on social media and just around the paddling scene and I really wanted to be as fair and honest like I do with all my reviews
Nice review Wade. I had read about this some yrs back when the maker 1st put it out on the web. I promptly went to Walmart, got a foam roller, cut it down the middle and jammed it around my paddle. It was winter here in the Northeast so I could only use it in the pool.The basic premise of it supporting the paddle whilst rolling worked fine, but trying to actually paddle with it on was a real pain, so it just died a natural death. The next iteration would be something inflatable but how do you trigger it during a capsize or do you just keep it inflated all the time?
Great review thanks for your thoughts. I think there are too many instructors that are just old school and refuse to recognize it as a possible training tool for some students. So many people leave the sport due to lack of progression and fun. I could see this being one way to give some people a way to stick with boating longer while their skillet improves.
That’s why I was very interested in using this for myself all I was hearing what a joke it is and when I ask when they used it always the same thing I don’t need to it’s to dumb and a joke and I’m like probably is but I’m not afraid to use it still don’t know if I would recommend it but i do see a purpose for it
Long time, part time, seasonal hardshell boater here... my biggest problem is rolling in shallow swiftly moving white water. In the eddys and pools, my roll is legit. The hardest part of my roll is getting the paddle high enough in the rapid. I think this could help my sweep roll by getting that paddle up high, but might slow down the sweep motion. Overall, I think it would be a plus. And my bracing is not very good, need to practice that more.
oh yeah FYI I would never recommend using this on any serious whitewater or promote it as such the owner disagrees with me and that's OK but I see this as a pool or easy whitewater training aid ONLY or kinda like getting started then slowly start paddling without it and building up technical paddle strokes and roll and keep it for brand new paddlers just wanting to paddle easy Whitewater a day here and there
What if it were smaller in diameter? Would it still interfere with your stroke? Would you never miss a brace, guarantee a roll in the mank, and never lose your paddle?
At last!! you won’t ever have to swim again Wade! We can finally invite you on those hard runs you’ve been sad we wouldn’t invite you on due to your poor roll!! I would have paid good money to see you on the ocoee with your new high N dry. Please bring it to cheoah soon!!! 🤣😁🤣
hahah yeah you cant miss this thing when someone has it on the paddle OMG you see them coming from a mile away and I would totally bring it and you spot it cheoah
Seriously- you gave the (infamous) high n dry a legit review which I am sure many folks will appreciate. Plus now it will be easier to spot you on the river. 🤠
Love that you gave this a fair shake, but I can only think of two situations this would be a proper choice. Someone w a disability, as others have mentioned, or someone who wants to get out but DOES NOT intend to progress (one off experience). And especially for the one off, it would probably be better to just use an IK instead of a hard shell. It's true it could help learning the Hip Snap, but it seems it would hinder all other proper rolling technique. I think it's a Bad Habit Maker. Very early on while trying to learn to roll my wife and I attached a small piece of pool noodle to the sweeping blade of our paddles. It provided just enough float to help, but still required proper technique (vs floatation in center of paddle).
Yeah In my final thoughts I agree with hindering progression and I didn’t really think about someone with some sort of disabilities but yes I agree that it would help there also
I think this would be a great tool to help beginners establish a reliable hip snap when first learning a roll. I know this might've helped me out instead of using a beach ball. Like you said no need to use the paddle to roll up. What do you think. I will say that it does need to be a bit smaller.
It definitely helps on the back deck roll but it actually removed the paddle blade out the roll so it would help get the motion down but you will still have to take it off and figure out the blade motion
Sounds like it would be great for a kayaker just getting started that doesn't have a roll yet and help them avoid too many swims. Thumbs up for using "literature" in reference to the instructions!
It can move around on the paddle but in sea kayaking it would add a lot of weight to the paddle and you would be getting annoyed on your shoulders getting tired
I agree the older AT paddles were some of the best ever made If I could find few more superlites I would buy them up But yeah confluence killed the line few years back I will look into where the tooling ended up...
I don’t think it’s needed 99% of the waterfalls where paddlers are throwing their paddles its usually has a big pool at the bottom so not really a issue plus the extra weight on the shaft really effects the blade to current feel which you really need when your running something difficult
Nice job Wade, as always. I may have missed this piece of info in the review, so if I did I apologize.....but if this is recommended for beginners who've never been on whitewater, will it over time lead to poor paddling posture and incorrect stroke form? And if it is used over time by a beginner, how would they react to removing it after developing a foundation of skills?
Yes to everything you said and I think it would be ok after they went down few runs and then slowly started getting use to not having it after learning basic strokes and River running
Bahaha great video! I'm glad you found some positives. I can definitely see where is does not promote good technique at all, in any aspect. But it is most definitely entertaining!
Really enjoyed the video. As said by others different sizes may be a good idea for progression or kids. This might also be something to consider on expedition or lake / sea kayaking trips when you really don't want to swim. Looks like it would also make a great pillow.
It could be good for someone for disabilities, like a bi ski helps people ski with disabilities but, for a normal person I just want to roll the kayak the right way, I learned to ride a bike the right way without training wheels, as training wheels actually hurt more than they help.
@@WadeHarrison I'm gonna be taking a rolling lesson this summer in a river where with an instructor that actually might teach it the right way, I feel convinced that I might be able to roll it this time. I almost rolled last time 7 years ago but I have chance after years to give it another try. the last instructor had me use one of those aids too, it actually made it harder, of course that kayak shop that hired that instructor went out of business, I heard reviews saying that a guy tried to buy a whitewater kayak, they offered him a sit on top lake kayak and tried to pass it off as a whitewater kayak.
@@WadeHarrison It would have helped me not lose a $250 Werner bent shaft and could help in a swim. My son did laugh when he saw me use it with my short arms.
the beauty and use of this thing is that it does not let you to roll under the boat if you don't want that. this is how that guy survived the cascades. and rolling in a shallow place at speed is outright dangerous no matter how good your roll is. the secret is not to flip.
Yes you are correct the thing was made as a alternative to rolling and it works as advertised for that. Would I recommend it as something to help you get down/survive class 5 "HELL NO" your key word in your comment "Survived" if you have the skill and are ready to do difficult runs sure if you want to run this thing on your paddle go ahead it will stop you from rolling. But from my experience 99% of things that go wrong and that cause swims injury's/deaths on "class five" is not from rolls. Only good river reading skills and solid paddling technique will improve your chances on class five and this thing will not help at all with either of those. That's something that is acquired over time with experience or teaching. But flat water, swimming pools class 1 2 and some easy 3 runs go for it hi N dry all day. Just my Opinion.... Thanks for watching
Seems to me like this would be a great adaptive aid, but not a skills development aid. If someone has strength or flexibility limitations, I think this could be a great tool. As far as teaching a new boater proper strokes, bracing and rolling it seems like it would teach bad techniques and be a barrier to progression.
totally agree I don't know if you watched all the video until the end and listened to my final thoughts but I pretty much said exactly what you said thanks for watching Jason
I like the product and it seems nice, but I am not sure at 135 that I would be in for it. I would rather work on my roll technique and make that bulletproof.
Honestly, the biggest problem with this was how the guy marketed it and especially him arguing with every single comment. It was funny, i actually saw a post on reddit asking if he was still around, sure enough he popped up in the replies. Seen a few people say hes a really good guy, but he definitely needs to learn to not argue with everyone. Really would be great for older and handicap paddlers like other comments stated with a few tweaks.
@@WadeHarrison he seems like he's calmed down in reddit comments lol. Hopefully he can get ahold of some of the people working with elderly and handicap paddlers.
I wonder how much they could decrease the volume while still allowing it to function as intended (maybe a “pro” version for more experienced paddlers?).
Yes I heard that also he didn't officially meet up and show him down he told me the whole story also lol little did he know what was coming his way when that video dropped
@@WadeHarrison man I know the guy means well - maybe a sleeker / smaller design would be helpful for kids but an adult using this on any type of water - even with my little experience - know they don’t need to be there ! But thanks for the laugh 😂😂😂
I'm thinking it might get your kid who's nervous to go down the river to feel confident to give rivers a try, and get a taste of river running, maybe help start the spark.
I could see some sense in this thing if it was modular and you could gradually remove layers of foam to cut down on the volume. Then it could be utilized as training wheels for rolling. However, the way you were using it, in dropping the blade down vertically and then relying on the flotation in the middle to keep yourself upright seems like it would be very likely to get the blade pinned in-between some rocks on the river bed, which would either snap the paddle blade, or rip it out of your hands, on any rapid with a significant flow. With a 197 cm paddle you've got 3' / 1 m of paddle extending straight down, inviting impact with rocks.
Wade, I could not not comment on this. I know the guy who makes it, his dad is a close friend, they both use it, and a I did get fair amount of jokes, because they used to be on my videos quite often. I'm completely against this thing, but lets be fair - it has a right to exist. Another friend who is 74 instead of hanging his paddle started using the thing, and he is still in his boat. Isn't it great? If it can give someone extra years in sport - why the hell not? When I'm in my 70s (if I make it) I will use it my self. I disagree with you on "impossible to lose the paddle part". In gnarly water one still can swim. If you swim I can grab your paddle, and paddle with two. If there is high and dry on your paddle, nobody will be able to grab it, just because you cannot hold it with your own paddle. At the same time, if owner of the paddle didn't let it go, it is a great flotation why swimming. If it is does go away others will be just looking at it, or maybe throw it out of the water. Also it handicaps paddling a lot. You get used to it, and try to lay on it, and go back up instead of bracing. As a result, when you hit the rock, you lay on the thing away from the rock, and we all know what happens when you are against the rock and lay away. I did see people pinned few times, just laying on the thing, not knowing what to do. Also, in order to build confidence on the water one must go though some carnage, swims, etc. Because if you haven't, and keep progressing using high and dry, one day you will swim on some serious stuff and will not know how to deal with it. Another point. If I swim, 95% of me boater get back in the boat. I don't lose much of my confidence, because at some point I swam a lot, just like everyone else. If you have not done your portion of swimming, and take a swim somewhere in the middle of upper yough - the rest of your day probably will not be fun. Thing does work. I tried it. It is durable and good quality. Good tool for older paddler or beginner in the pool. But imagine if you one does let it go on the river and has to paddle out with breakdown without high and dry on some very remote section? There is no question it works. Question is if it is a good habit to develop, good thing to get used to it. If you intent to paddle class IV and above off course. Otherwise it does not matter.
Tell him try an inflatable version, would have same effect and cut weight, I get butt of many a joke since I went to sit on top boat, age and injuries have caught up to me, butt it is all good, I am still kayaking and they don't pay my bills or sign my paycheck. If you could have maker contact me, I work with a national Charity that works with Veterans, many missing body parts and blind kayakers, getting them on water, Team RiverRunners, Pineland Chapter
I'm sure your fine I never cared if anyone thinks I'm a dork there's a haters all over internet and some spill out into the rivers at times thanks for watching...
Yup that’s exactly what I was getting at in the final thoughts on this product but I see a use for it on like day one or someone that just wants to paddle class 1 or 2 whitewater and there’s nothing wrong with that
Good job on the honest review Wade!
After reading a couple other comments I realize that this could be a wonderful asset for a person with a physical condition that doesn't allow them to move in the way that many of us take for granted.
Definitely not a tool for helping you push your limits though. It's literally a crutch to lean on.
Yes I didn't think about that...
I personally know the creator behind this and have paddled on occasion with the dad who also uses this. I agree with everything the reviewer commented on but also see this as being a great crutch for older paddlers who have lost their roll and confidence over the years. Too many of my paddling friends have mailed it in because they got tired of swimming as they aged. I’ve suggested this tool to them… since they all are solid at reading water, bracing, and have paddling skills, I figured this would be a perfect cure. Almost all are quick to say what the reviewer stated several times… “I’ll look like an idiot.” Personally, I’d rather look like an idiot and stay safely in my boat, rather than sideline myself from a sport that I love in my older age but that’s just me. Nice review.
Nice feedback Robert totally agree with do whatever you can to take care yourself and be safe and keep on paddling buddy
Maybe inflatable version, would knock off the weight. I run a chapter of Team River Runner, we work with veterans that are handicap and getting them into kayaks, we had 3 blind Kayakers do Grand Canyon, got manufacturers contact information?
wow that actually would be a use I did not think of paddlers with disabilities. I put the info in the video description.
Just read the book No Barriers on the 2 blind paddlers who ran the Grand Canyon. Inspiring.
I had the same thoughts about a vet in our TRR chapter!
Checking in from CO
@@08ss750 yeah Seth that’s probably one of the best uses for this thing is someone with disabilities or injuries
I paddle with a geezer group in Santa Fe. Once you get to a “certain age” maintaining flexibility, and therefore that effortless roll you used to have, is a definite issue. One of the group, who is now 74, who was also a very accomplished paddler back in the day, did a swim last week on our first outing of the Spring, primarily because it was cold and he just wasn’t moving as well as he was at the end of last Fall. Honestly I think a modular version of this would be pretty sweet for the senior set who, like us, is not ready to hang up their Werner, but could use some sort of aid to compensate for lack of flexibility or even a suspect roll at times. It’s easy to be in your 20’s, 30’s, or even 40’s and think you’re always gonna be as athletic and able as you are right now, and therefore inclined to make fun of those in another place in their lives. Take it from someone who is now well into his sixties, getting older can be a real b####, and it comes a lot fastr than you think. Thanks again, Wade, for another of your no B.S. reviews. P.S….love the yellow grip tape. Never was a fan of surf wax.
I can see the usages for that and thanks for the feedback
Another thing is that once you get to a “certain age” you stop giving AF about what other people think and do what works for you.
@@ChristopherMarshburn so true Christopher and also when you start a RUclips channel you have to have thick skin when people laugh and make fun of you trust me I know
@@ChristopherMarshburn Unfortunately, the "cool kids" from middle school are still around as adults. I kayak to have fun, not be "cool" or increase my social status.
Wade 😂
I can imagine it does exactly as intended, my issue is less with the product, despite how silly it is but more with the attitude and marketing strategy of the owner/creator. I think he’s made this clear thru his own RUclips comments and the dialog on the cascades.
“No one running class 4 or 5 should be out there without it”
His willingness to shift the burden of safety to a random group while obviously not having the skills to safely do sections is concerning.
I’d be hard pressed to believe the dude can actually roll without it based on any of his videos. Seems to promote bad habits and technique. 🤷♂️
Appreciate the fair review tho. I think there could definitely be a use for some handicapped people.
If in whitewater, learn whitewater techniques. Laying on the paddle or pushing on the float doesn’t strike me as one. Cheers
I agree that Cascade video was not a good idea I think I would have done more like what I did and just a detail review of the product that's why I did most of it in the flat water pool and the first set of rapids I would not feel right loading up and taking this thing down the green Narrows or like something class 5 I feel I easily could have but don't really want to promote it as such
I think class 2 beginners this has somewhat a purpose and did note at the end of the video that I think it would actually hinder learning paddling and rolling technique so I agree with you on that
@@WadeHarrison for sure man, I watched your whole vid and I think you wrapped it up well at the end.
@@blakesommers77 thanks for watching Blake and the feedback
Up until now I thought this product didn't exist and it was just a masterclass in trolling
hahhaha yeah lots do that's why I was so interested in seeing this dam thing in person
I have seen one in real life lol.
@@wilmafistfit9355 me too
What would you think about using this as a teaching tool for someone who’s never rolled before? As in, starting them off with this so they can get used to the feeling of being upside down in the water and the hip snap? And then transitioning off of it as soon as the person is comfortable. For that I’m mostly thinking of cool sessions.
I was also thinking, would this be helpful for a person learning how to surf that doesn’t have a great roll? A lot of times when I go out, we will take a raft and a bunch of kayaks. So I’m thinking like to keep this in the raft and when someone wants to work on something specific give it to them so they don’t have to worry about Rolling in addition to learning something else.
Thoughts?
Yes that’s really the only way I could see this being useful possibly make new paddlers better faster and with less beatering is it necessary no you would be fine without it but if I had someone that was on day one and very scared of rolling I would go over with them with it on how to use it and take off on easy class 2 and feel pretty confident they be fine and after few trips let them go without it
Props for coming at this from a attempted neutral point of view!
I knew what the hate this thing got on social media and just around the paddling scene and I really wanted to be as fair and honest like I do with all my reviews
Nice review Wade.
I had read about this some yrs back when the maker 1st put it out on the web. I promptly went to Walmart, got a foam roller, cut it down the middle and jammed it around my paddle. It was winter here in the Northeast so I could only use it in the pool.The basic premise of it supporting the paddle whilst rolling worked fine, but trying to actually paddle with it on was a real pain, so it just died a natural death. The next iteration would be something inflatable but how do you trigger it during a capsize or do you just keep it inflated all the time?
hey whatever works for you Is a good thing
Great review thanks for your thoughts. I think there are too many instructors that are just old school and refuse to recognize it as a possible training tool for some students. So many people leave the sport due to lack of progression and fun. I could see this being one way to give some people a way to stick with boating longer while their skillet improves.
That’s why I was very interested in using this for myself all I was hearing what a joke it is and when I ask when they used it always the same thing I don’t need to it’s to dumb and a joke and I’m like probably is but I’m not afraid to use it still don’t know if I would recommend it but i do see a purpose for it
Long time, part time, seasonal hardshell boater here... my biggest problem is rolling in shallow swiftly moving white water. In the eddys and pools, my roll is legit. The hardest part of my roll is getting the paddle high enough in the rapid. I think this could help my sweep roll by getting that paddle up high, but might slow down the sweep motion. Overall, I think it would be a plus. And my bracing is not very good, need to practice that more.
Yes it will help from tipping completely over
Yes, Wade! Giving the people what they want!!
It all started when someone ask about it on the Scorch on water 🤔🤫
@@WadeHarrison ;P
It's officially time for you to bang down the Cascades backwards with that thing
oh yeah FYI I would never recommend using this on any serious whitewater or promote it as such the owner disagrees with me and that's OK but I see this as a pool or easy whitewater training aid ONLY or kinda like getting started then slowly start paddling without it and building up technical paddle strokes and roll and keep it for brand new paddlers just wanting to paddle easy Whitewater a day here and there
What if it were smaller in diameter? Would it still interfere with your stroke? Would you never miss a brace, guarantee a roll in the mank, and never lose your paddle?
It would probably help if it was smaller I could see that
At last!! you won’t ever have to swim again Wade! We can finally invite you on those hard runs you’ve been sad we wouldn’t invite you on due to your poor roll!! I would have paid good money to see you on the ocoee with your new high N dry. Please bring it to cheoah soon!!! 🤣😁🤣
hahah yeah you cant miss this thing when someone has it on the paddle OMG you see them coming from a mile away and I would totally bring it and you spot it cheoah
Seriously- you gave the (infamous) high n dry a legit review which I am sure many folks will appreciate. Plus now it will be easier to spot you on the river. 🤠
Love that you gave this a fair shake, but I can only think of two situations this would be a proper choice. Someone w a disability, as others have mentioned, or someone who wants to get out but DOES NOT intend to progress (one off experience). And especially for the one off, it would probably be better to just use an IK instead of a hard shell. It's true it could help learning the Hip Snap, but it seems it would hinder all other proper rolling technique. I think it's a Bad Habit Maker. Very early on while trying to learn to roll my wife and I attached a small piece of pool noodle to the sweeping blade of our paddles. It provided just enough float to help, but still required proper technique (vs floatation in center of paddle).
Yeah In my final thoughts I agree with hindering progression and I didn’t really think about someone with some sort of disabilities but yes I agree that it would help there also
I think this would be a great tool to help beginners establish a reliable hip snap when first learning a roll. I know this might've helped me out instead of using a beach ball. Like you said no need to use the paddle to roll up. What do you think.
I will say that it does need to be a bit smaller.
the beach ball isn't 160 bucks LOL
Very true
Would it be a useful tool to teach a roll or bracing? Obviously not for paddle technique but for teaching a hip snap?
I want to say yes I really want to try to get a complete newbie and give them this thing and see what happens?
Your fun attitude made this review truly enjoyable
Thanks Pop I try to just have fun with all this glad you liked it
Do you think this thing would be useful in learning the motion of the back deck roll?
It definitely helps on the back deck roll but it actually removed the paddle blade out the roll so it would help get the motion down but you will still have to take it off and figure out the blade motion
I saw back deck rolls, but if you had this and got upside down. What does it do with Sweep or C to C rolls?
It works fine with C to C and sweep I don't think I got it on video
Sounds like it would be great for a kayaker just getting started that doesn't have a roll yet and help them avoid too many swims.
Thumbs up for using "literature" in reference to the instructions!
Hahah thanks and that one slipped up
This thing could be something for my father because he is still lerning to roll. Thank you for reviewing this. Other way I wouldn't realisied it.
Thanks for watching Fritz and yes that’s exactly where I see a use for it
This is legit, probably the funniest kayaking video I’ve seen. Nice work!
😂 thanks
Funnier than shaftfloat?
Always loved your reviews, but this is the best. You win the internet in my judgment.
hahah glad you liked it John I try to be pretty much be as strait forward as possible with all the reviews
Would you recommend this with someone struggling to learn how to roll or would it teach bad habits?
No it’s designed to replace the kayak roll not help it so if your trying to learn this would hinder that…
I would like to know if you could push it down to one end of the paddle and use it as a paddle float to re enter a sea kayak.
It can move around on the paddle but in sea kayaking it would add a lot of weight to the paddle and you would be getting annoyed on your shoulders getting tired
It would be a great tool for the adapted crowd, those with enough disability a roll will be very difficult to acquire, but wants to paddle.
Agree that's where I could see this thing being useful
Nice paddle..We need to restart AT..any beta on the tooling??..lets bring the best back!...oh yea..interesting learning tool..Thanks Wade!
I agree the older AT paddles were some of the best ever made If I could find few more superlites I would buy them up But yeah confluence killed the line few years back I will look into where the tooling ended up...
Yaaaasssss! Geriatric paddling doors have opened. Now you'll be posting videos well into your 80s!
hhaha Matt If I have to rely on this thing in my 80s to get down a river I don't think I would never ever go back to the river again
How do you think this would work on running big waterfalls for paddle recovery?
I don’t think it’s needed 99% of the waterfalls where paddlers are throwing their paddles its usually has a big pool at the bottom so not really a issue plus the extra weight on the shaft really effects the blade to current feel which you really need when your running something difficult
Nice job Wade, as always. I may have missed this piece of info in the review, so if I did I apologize.....but if this is recommended for beginners who've never been on whitewater, will it over time lead to poor paddling posture and incorrect stroke form? And if it is used over time by a beginner, how would they react to removing it after developing a foundation of skills?
Yes to everything you said and I think it would be ok after they went down few runs and then slowly started getting use to not having it after learning basic strokes and River running
When we’re you at the ocoee with no crowd? Looked quite nice. Never seen it without an abundance of people.
yeah, I did a noon lap and this lap was 15 mins before the water shut off, I was definitely trying to minimize the eyes with this thing on my paddle
The best review, good thinking, this will hit a million!
Hahha that’s a stretch million but it was fun to do this one I like stuff that’s different
Bahaha great video! I'm glad you found some positives. I can definitely see where is does not promote good technique at all, in any aspect. But it is most definitely entertaining!
oh its entertaining you for sure stand out with this thing thanks for watching
LOL...They used to roast these things on Boatertalk.
oh I am aware
Really enjoyed the video. As said by others different sizes may be a good idea for progression or kids. This might also be something to consider on expedition or lake / sea kayaking trips when you really don't want to swim. Looks like it would also make a great pillow.
It’s extremely dense foam you be better off using your vest as a pillow
The paddle looks really funny keep up the good videos been missing them x
yeah you can see this thing a mile away coming down the river and you need some think skin to rock this beast on a blade
Seems like it might be useful to help learning stern stalls?
Its possible but not likely I did not like the way it would not let my paddle go under to load the tail.
That would complement your salvaged half dagger nicely.
Hahaha that’s so true
So would you consider putting a pool noodle in the meddle of your paddle to get some of those benefits?
I don't know if a pool noodle would have the floatation
It could be good for someone for disabilities, like a bi ski helps people ski with disabilities but, for a normal person I just want to roll the kayak the right way, I learned to ride a bike the right way without training wheels, as training wheels actually hurt more than they help.
Totally agree with that
@@WadeHarrison I'm gonna be taking a rolling lesson this summer in a river where with an instructor that actually might teach it the right way, I feel convinced that I might be able to roll it this time. I almost rolled last time 7 years ago but I have chance after years to give it another try. the last instructor had me use one of those aids too, it actually made it harder, of course that kayak shop that hired that instructor went out of business, I heard reviews saying that a guy tried to buy a whitewater kayak, they offered him a sit on top lake kayak and tried to pass it off as a whitewater kayak.
What about when you get stuck in a hole? Isn’t it harder to hold on to
It would help find you paddle after you swim 😆
I bought one. Very bulky when you paddle. Would hit side of boat and PFD. Perhaps useful as a pool teaching device. Donated to Goodwill.
I defiantly know what your talking about with hitting the sides of the boat you agree with the review? I noted that same thing you just pointed out...
@@WadeHarrison It would have helped me not lose a $250 Werner bent shaft and could help in a swim. My son did laugh when he saw me use it with my short arms.
the beauty and use of this thing is that it does not let you to roll under the boat if you don't want that. this is how that guy survived the cascades. and rolling in a shallow place at speed is outright dangerous no matter how good your roll is. the secret is not to flip.
Yes you are correct the thing was made as a alternative to rolling and it works as advertised for that.
Would I recommend it as something to help you get down/survive class 5 "HELL NO" your key word in your comment "Survived" if you have the skill and are ready to do difficult runs sure if you want to run this thing on your paddle go ahead it will stop you from rolling.
But from my experience 99% of things that go wrong and that cause swims injury's/deaths on "class five" is not from rolls.
Only good river reading skills and solid paddling technique will improve your chances on class five and this thing will not help at all with either of those. That's something that is acquired over time with experience or teaching. But flat water, swimming pools class 1 2 and some easy 3 runs go for it hi N dry all day. Just my Opinion....
Thanks for watching
Seems to me like this would be a great adaptive aid, but not a skills development aid. If someone has strength or flexibility limitations, I think this could be a great tool. As far as teaching a new boater proper strokes, bracing and rolling it seems like it would teach bad techniques and be a barrier to progression.
totally agree I don't know if you watched all the video until the end and listened to my final thoughts but I pretty much said exactly what you said
thanks for watching Jason
I like the product and it seems nice, but I am not sure at 135 that I would be in for it. I would rather work on my roll technique and make that bulletproof.
Yeah I definitely think it’s priced too high and agree bulletproof roll is the way to go
Would be a good training aid for learning to roll.
Possibly yes kinda like help tune in your hip snap and get you use to the river
@@WadeHarrison wish there were more people here to kayak with. Though trying to roll a 12' yak could be hard
Honestly, the biggest problem with this was how the guy marketed it and especially him arguing with every single comment. It was funny, i actually saw a post on reddit asking if he was still around, sure enough he popped up in the replies. Seen a few people say hes a really good guy, but he definitely needs to learn to not argue with everyone. Really would be great for older and handicap paddlers like other comments stated with a few tweaks.
Exactly
@@WadeHarrison he seems like he's calmed down in reddit comments lol. Hopefully he can get ahold of some of the people working with elderly and handicap paddlers.
What tape do you use as grip for your paddle?
Watch this ---- ruclips.net/video/yp3XmyQR1SE/видео.html
I wonder how much they could decrease the volume while still allowing it to function as intended (maybe a “pro” version for more experienced paddlers?).
Yeah it’s way to big and like one said should taper the ends to make it Little easier to do vert strokes
I'll take one of those , don't care how people look at me , never know it may save an life.
That’s so true it does work for what it was intended to
Perfect match for a fishing kayak! Once you pair it with a vert. ripper, not so much lol
Watch out for the AT suit being filed against you 😉
Hahha yeah I could see that
What is a AT suit you talking about the paddle?
The lawsuit...for putting that thing on their paddle
@@andrewnau433 hahahah yeah was one of the best paddles ever made I almost took my Werner
I can see this being a useful product for some but they definitely need to taper the ends so it doesn't hang up on the kayak.
That’s actually a really good point but I think the guy just makes these as a side gig and don’t really push them much
I heard from Eli he did not take the dude down... Eli found him struggling down and helped him out.
Yes I heard that also he didn't officially meet up and show him down he told me the whole story also lol little did he know what was coming his way when that video dropped
Man my little boys and myself laughed the whole video hahaha 😂😂
Hahha yeah I was laughing using it I wanted to try to stay serious but you look so funny with this thing on there it’s difficult to be serious
@@WadeHarrison man I know the guy means well - maybe a sleeker / smaller design would be helpful for kids but an adult using this on any type of water - even with my little experience - know they don’t need to be there ! But thanks for the laugh 😂😂😂
I'm thinking it might get your kid who's nervous to go down the river to feel confident to give rivers a try, and get a taste of river running, maybe help start the spark.
Not a bad idea
Amazing! fun and useful!
Fun and different
I think I could finally hold a bow stall with this thing
Let’s meet up and I would love to see if it actually does that
@@WadeHarrison Could you stern squirt and just lay back on it? :D
😂😂😂 y’all gotta check out the company owners beater vids on here.
oh BRDC I have its brutal to watch
Did you try rolling in bigger current?
I did in the flow few times and it works to really just keep you from going over
I see the possibility of a whole new genre of paddle tricks.
Maybe 🤔
You should get a commission for every one sold in the next year lol.
Hahah I still don’t know if I would recommend this thing I’m like 50/50 I stayed fair in the review I like seeing some new stuff outside the box
I could see some sense in this thing if it was modular and you could gradually remove layers of foam to cut down on the volume. Then it could be utilized as training wheels for rolling.
However, the way you were using it, in dropping the blade down vertically and then relying on the flotation in the middle to keep yourself upright seems like it would be very likely to get the blade pinned in-between some rocks on the river bed, which would either snap the paddle blade, or rip it out of your hands, on any rapid with a significant flow. With a 197 cm paddle you've got 3' / 1 m of paddle extending straight down, inviting impact with rocks.
that actually not a bad idea to make something adjustable
Wade, I could not not comment on this. I know the guy who makes it, his dad is a close friend, they both use it, and a I did get fair amount of jokes, because they used to be on my videos quite often. I'm completely against this thing, but lets be fair - it has a right to exist. Another friend who is 74 instead of hanging his paddle started using the thing, and he is still in his boat. Isn't it great? If it can give someone extra years in sport - why the hell not? When I'm in my 70s (if I make it) I will use it my self.
I disagree with you on "impossible to lose the paddle part". In gnarly water one still can swim. If you swim I can grab your paddle, and paddle with two. If there is high and dry on your paddle, nobody will be able to grab it, just because you cannot hold it with your own paddle. At the same time, if owner of the paddle didn't let it go, it is a great flotation why swimming. If it is does go away others will be just looking at it, or maybe throw it out of the water.
Also it handicaps paddling a lot. You get used to it, and try to lay on it, and go back up instead of bracing. As a result, when you hit the rock, you lay on the thing away from the rock, and we all know what happens when you are against the rock and lay away. I did see people pinned few times, just laying on the thing, not knowing what to do.
Also, in order to build confidence on the water one must go though some carnage, swims, etc. Because if you haven't, and keep progressing using high and dry, one day you will swim on some serious stuff and will not know how to deal with it. Another point. If I swim, 95% of me boater get back in the boat. I don't lose much of my confidence, because at some point I swam a lot, just like everyone else. If you have not done your portion of swimming, and take a swim somewhere in the middle of upper yough - the rest of your day probably will not be fun.
Thing does work. I tried it. It is durable and good quality. Good tool for older paddler or beginner in the pool. But imagine if you one does let it go on the river and has to paddle out with breakdown without high and dry on some very remote section? There is no question it works. Question is if it is a good habit to develop, good thing to get used to it. If you intent to paddle class IV and above off course. Otherwise it does not matter.
Tell him try an inflatable version, would have same effect and cut weight, I get butt of many a joke since I went to sit on top boat, age and injuries have caught up to me, butt it is all good, I am still kayaking and they don't pay my bills or sign my paycheck. If you could have maker contact me, I work with a national Charity that works with Veterans, many missing body parts and blind kayakers, getting them on water, Team RiverRunners, Pineland Chapter
thanks for the feedback and agree with you on what your saying there Sergey that last part of you comments nails it
The Inflatable version is a pretty good idea and way cheaper.
Need to double up on those like a jousting American Gladiator in order to make it look cool! 😂
Oh dam it does look like one of those things 😂
I actually pulled this out the other day I need to take it for a ride again
man i miss my at paddle. : (
Good news there’s a aquabond paddle that’s very similar
Thanks from a Dork that does not breathe well under water. Good fair review
I'm sure your fine I never cared if anyone thinks I'm a dork there's a haters all over internet and some spill out into the rivers at times thanks for watching...
Lol, that's awesome😂.... But now all the new paddlers are going to be like... I don't need to learn how to roll...
Yup that’s exactly what I was getting at in the final thoughts on this product but I see a use for it on like day one or someone that just wants to paddle class 1 or 2 whitewater and there’s nothing wrong with that
@@WadeHarrison
Think your right, will probaly keep new paddlers from getting frustrated and giving up....
Should have posted this video on April 1st
😎 just got it that week or trust me oh I would have
Nice video
Thanks buddy
Nice video wade
Thanks buddy
3:21 - That's what she said...
oh this guy lol👆🤓
@@WadeHarrison, sorry (not really). I could not stop myself and I knew you would get a good laugh out of it. ;-)
@@dangerousdraftingman you always come with the best stuff buddy...
Wade
Joe I got you one too buddy and its matching colors lol
Love it hahahahaha
thanks Kieran!
You know what really looks dumb and corny? A wet exit when you could have used a block of foam wrapped around your paddle to recover.
That’s so true buddy
keep your head down...this will build a bad habit
You sir are 100% correct and that’s exactly what was in my final thoughts...
:)
😎
Hahaha
exactly 😅
Just work on technique..
Agree 👌🏻
This thing could be something for my father because he is still lerning to roll. Thank you for reviewing this. Other way I wouldn't realisied it.
thanks for watching