First I should say I am not a big believer that there is a real need to spend so much on a paddle, a $300 paddle is just going to be a couple ounces lighter than a $150 paddle and I still think for most people who are kayak fishing the $100 to $150 is a good range and will get you enough performance on the water. That being said after trying the Bending Branches Navigator Wood paddle I might be a convert. I was looking for something that might help the tendinitus I have had for a long time in my elbow that only acts up when I paddle and makes paddling 2 days in a row almost impossible. After a couple days of paddling in the everglades I am happy to report that I have no pain (well some back pain but that is always there).

I had heard from other paddlers that wood paddles lessen the vibrations and fatigue while paddling so that is why I wanted to give this paddle a shot. It is made with a composite shaft and black willow wood that comes in about 28 oz, I also like that the it bullet proof with a built in rock guard for pushing off.

 

So if you are in the market for a paddle you might want to take at the Navigator wood paddle.