The Best Paddles of 2019
An assortment of oars to take you where you want to go
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Carlisle Predator Angler ($110)
A snagged hook befalls even the most skilled angler on occasion. Instead of yarding on your rod or risking a plunge into the drink, use the hook-retrieval cutout on the Predator Angler’s blade to gently free your line. It can also help land a catch or grab an anchor.
Werner Zen 85 Coral SUP ($229)
For those who frequently spend all day on the water, this lightweight yet stiff paddle is gentle on the body. The blade is offset from the shaft by ten degrees to aid your forward stroke, while the 85-square-inch surface lets you increase your cadence without tiring you out.
Sanborn SUP ($285)
This made-to-order wooden SUP paddle is durable and will turn heads with its artisanal good looks. The generous eight-inch fiberglass-reinforced blade and ten-degree bend in the shaft will help you move serious water with every stroke.
Shaw and Tenney Curly Maple Penobscot ($229)
In canoe country, nothing beats the feel of traditional wood. Handcrafted from a single piece of rough-sawn lumber, the one-of-a-kind Penobscot is true performance art both on and off the water. Take good care of this paddle and your grandkids will be fighting over it long after you’re gone.
Perception Hi Life ($75)
Try your hand at both paddleboarding and kayaking without shelling out for two different paddles. The three-piece design converts from kayak to SUP mode, and four length settings accommodate everyone in the family.
Mitchell Horizon ($120)
The long, thin blades of this Greenland-style paddle may be less powerful than others, but with reduced arm stress you’ll be able to stay out longer. The beautiful hardwood lamination will earn you style points and prevent warping over time.