Bending Branches Whisper 2-Piece Snap-Button Kayak Paddle

I rated this 5 stars because: - This is a great introductory, beginner-level paddle. I bought a sit-on-top kayak for my dogs, cuz that's the kind of guy I am. But El Cheapo kayak didn't come with a paddle. So snagged this one. Didn't need anything fancy. It wasn't going to be here in time for a given outing, so I splurged and bought a Werner Skagit CF which would be here on time. I was planning to buy a nicer kayak for my own enjoyment and was going to need it anyway. Skagit became my immediate favorite (duh) and this one was relegated to being "back up" paddle. - It got pressed into duty when a friend bought an inflatable kayak that came with a four piece joke of a paddle and it was marginally usable. We pressed the Whisper into service. If the inflatable kayak had not been a nightmare in its own right, the paddle would have saved the day. But, alas, regardless of how good your paddle is, you cannot propell a giant marshmallow in the wind with it. Ask me how I know. - Whisper got used again and again as a temporary paddle for inflatable-kayak-friend who bought a different kayak that did not come with a paddle. She has since bought a Werner Skagit FG paddle (notice a trend here?), but used this one in the interim. It's been a solid paddle. There's a reason kayak rental places use them a lot. - It's reasonably light for being aluminum. As a beginner, it's been a good paddle. Obviously, as one gains experience, etc., you're going to want something lighter. But this is not like a lead boat anchor. I don't find it to be unwieldy or clunky. This is a nice beginner/intermediate paddle. Be great for kids who might need something a little more sturdy and up for abuse. Not sorry I bought it and I bring it with me as a backup to my Werner. I also got it for $69, instead of the typical $99 which made it a nice score.

Yes... it's a little heavy. But I haven't found a better one in this price bracket. I have a lighter paddle, but still prefer to use this one. Love it.

We purchased both the 230 and the 240 sizes of the Whisper paddles to use with our Advanced Elements hybrid kayaks. Read many, many reviews on various paddles along with recommendations on how to choose the correct size and type. For us, these fit the bill! For the recreational lake kayaking that we do, spending big dollars on carbon fiber paddles did not make good sense. We spent an 8 hour day on the lake recently, paddling pretty much the entire time (other than 2 quick bathroom breaks), and never felt like these paddles were too heavy. We like how durable they seem, and the break apart feature is a must for us. Since we are able to put both of our kayaks into a little Honda Fit to run to the lake, we needed paddles that would easily fit in there, also. When the two halves are snapped in place, it is a solid unit with no play noticeable to us. A fellow kayaker mentioned to me that she wished the blades on her paddle were contoured like ours. They offer a better bite with less effort on each stroke. As a comparison reference for anyone out there wondering about what length to purchase, here is what I can offer from our situation. Our kayaks are 32" wide. The 230 works very well for me with my torso length of 30" and the 240 is great for my husband whose torso length is 32". Some reviewers were unhappy that the paddle grips leave a bit of black residue on your hands; it washes right off, so we do not feel that it is an issue.

I can barely reach the water... unfortunately I bought it qell ahead of paddling season so when I finally tried it, it was too late for exchange.

I purchased the Bending Branches Whisper last year for use on our tandem sit on top kayak. This paddle is relatively light weight, I’ve had no problems using it and don’t find my arms feeling tired even when paddling against wind or current. Now granted, I’m lake and mellow river paddling, nothing aggressive, but I’ve used this paddle for six hours and have done just fine, and I am not athletic. The grip is pretty comfortable, too. This paddle has also proved to be durable thus far, breaks down to easily fit in your vehicle or for storage. I’m a little over 5’7” and find the 230 a great fit. My husband has the Carlisle Day Tripper, I’ve tried it and don’t find it quite as comfortable or as good, the Whisper just seems smoother. I recommend the Whisper for light recreational kayaking.