The Corvette of Whitewater Paddles: Werner’s Bent Shaft Player

Kathy Imbriani August 14, 2008

We’ve all seen them, right? The shiny sports car that spins into the parking lot James Bond style, exhaust pipes humming, paint job shining. Then, the door opens and out steps Mr. Geek, complete with pocket protector, plastic rimmed glasses and white shirt. Aside from all the cliché jokes about male overcompensation, this is me and my Werner Player bent shaft paddle.

I wish I could say this was a carefully calculated and researched purchase, but in reality it wasn’t. My husband and I were looking for new bent shaft whitewater paddles and Great Outdoor Provision Company only had one Werner Sherpa bent shaft paddle, a classic downriver paddle and my husband’s choice. We were ready to buy and next to the Sherpa hung the Player, the Corvette of the Werner line. So, we came away with our paddles, my husband (the really good kayaker) with the Sherpa, and me with this little orange sporty job.

How that paddle has saved my butt. The midsize, downturned blades enter the water sooner and give you more initial power on the first stroke. As one who tends to hesitate, especially when the horizon line looks (to me at least) like Angel Falls, this great paddle digs in on that first stroke and gives you an instant response. The Player is a favorite of play boaters in the some of the biggest play spots on earth and the number one selling paddle for Werner.

The Player comes in a variety of options for a personalized fit including straight shaft for a more traditional feel versus bent shaft (my choice) with mucho ergonomic benefits. Available in a variety of lengths, it even comes in a narrow shaft for those of us with small hands and in carbon for added strength.

The Player is available from NRS for around $308.00. More information on Werner paddles and the Player can be found at Werner’s website.


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