I now have a storm paddle for those of you who wish to have this unique beauty grace the deck of your kayak just in case.

• 66 inches (168 cm)

• 3-1/4 inch blades

• Round ends 

• 6-1/2 inch loom, oval profile – shouldered  

Many Greenland paddlers enjoy the hours of excitement learning the sliding stroke. Or is it actually many Greenland paddlers enjoy watching their friends learning the sliding stroke? It’s always fun to see the paddle leave the hands of the serious Greenland paddler and take off in a perpendicular trajectory landing in the water just out of reach; except when you’re the paddler it happens to – then it’s just a little embarasing. Nonetheless, if this is what you’ve been itching to get involved with then there’s no better tool to get you started on your way than the 66 inch storm paddle.

I recall a posting I read at Qajaq USA – or was it more of a debate? Whatever – but the topic at hand was something to do with the name “Storm Paddle.” There was some debate whether or not this was appropriate or accurately descriptive. Finally a post appeared which cut through the argument and got straight to the point. “Storm Paddle” is a misleading term. It implies that one would use this paddle to paddle in storms. Well, we all know how an angry sea and sky will give no quarter to any soul foolish or unfortunate enough to be in the midst of such conditions. Yet if we spend enough time on the water the time will come when a shorter paddle will be just the ticket to make the journey to safe harbor easier.

The fact is that the “storm” paddle is shorter and much less prone to catch the wind and waves. This attribute is what makes it a desirable tool. It is also a handy spare to carry with you which will go with the Greenland motif perfectly. Lastly, it will create an appropriate level of humility regarding your rolling technique. That is to say if you think you’ve reached perfection with your rolls – ditch the full size GP and starting working with this shorter stick. You’ll have a little explaining to do to your audience when that one roll you “never” bomb – just bombed. Hey this is all said with a light heart and the intent of being humorous.

In conclusion I think what we really have is a short paddle that got the nickname ” storm” somewhere along the way. I am in no way suggesting that this paddle is in any way any sort of defense against 3 meter waves or 30 knot winds. But for better or worse we’re going with “storm” here at Novorca because that’s what’s going to be going into the Google search box when potential customers go searching.

 It’s available in carbon or wood.