He's called it the "Catch 22"?
Doesn't he know that a catch 22 is NOT a good thing?
If you're not gonna have any angle on your blade shouldn't you be finishing your stroke way before the guy in the video is?
Yes, I thought that too.
The paddle also looks too long for him IMO.
It is more difficult to get your weight onto a paddle with zero, or very little, blade angle. I find. And they tend to be harder on the body.
But paddle technique is a very personal thing, so I guess it's nice that we have a new zero blade angle option for those who want to try it. It might suit some. Or maybe for short sprints.
Whatever, I hope a greater depth of thought went into the design than the name. Catch-22 refers to a particular type of absurd situation where forward progress is not possible. Absurdity isn't really something that I'm seeking in a paddle, and I usually use my paddle to go forward not stay stationary.
Johnny's been around a long time having designed very fast 1 man outriggers and 6 man canoes. his paddles are off a quality build and knowing him his done a lot of RND on this paddle. also knowing Danny his a winner and he wouldn't paddle a craft if he didn't think it was good. just my views..
I'd be really interested to see how this paddle felt and performed testing it out against what else is out there.
I like the theory behind the idea.
Everything you guys have said about John Puakea is true except Danny doesn't paddle these paddles. He has his own brand.
So until someone can give a report after trying these and comparing them to whats around the jury is out.
It's interesting that these paddles have less angle on the blade when Dave Chun from Kialoa paddles is putting more angle on their blades..
There has just been a new Methane II and Pipes II released and after all these years they have increased the blade angle from about 12 deg to about 14 deg..
Dave says this has come about after heaps of testing different angles and his teams feedback saying that more angle works better..
I think it has something to do with paddles now getting much shorter and more angle offering not only more reach but more power..
Interesting stuff..
Never said Danny C used his paddles, merely that he had faith in Johnny Puakea (as a coach) and others at the pinnacle of their sport believe in his ideas so maybe we should too.
I agree ultimately the jury is out until someone can test them.
These paddles with be at Harry's paddle this weekend. PM me if you want to try them.
For a long time people believed and thought the earth was flat, until someone discovered a better way...human ingenuity needs encouragement, then tested and experienced before an idea can be dismissed. Who would have thought you could surf a door a few years ago..
For example, the submersible nose on ocean boards is a point of difference between brands at the moment.. me , I'll stick with my SIC bullet until further notice...
www.paddlemonster.com/2015/03/18/puakea-paddles-a-first-look-at-the-catch-22-8-blade/
First report in.
Too late to convince me as I just bought the new SIC paddle - did someone say light??
There are some seriously nice (but expensive) paddles out now, but paddles are a personal choice so choose wisely.
