The Product Pro-File | Werner Paddles ‘Strike’ Whitewater Paddle
Welcome to « The Product Pro-File » at Kayak Session! This new section is all about helping paddlers learn more about the latest products on the paddlesports market. By chatting with designers and experts within the brands, we uncover the design and function behind these products. Explore the stories, craftsmanship, and innovative features that make these products stand out. Join us as we bring you exclusive insights to help you to make the right decisions for your paddling sessions.
We got some time to chat with Marketing and Sales Director Taylor Robertson to ask a series of questions on the Werner Strike. The latest paddle to be brought to Werner’s line along with the Surge. The Strike is a heavily popular paddle within whitewater kayakers. Check it out as we uncover the new features of the Strike and what differs it from Werners previous paddles.
Taylor has been kayaking since 1989, growing up during the hay-day of freestyle in the mid-late nineties. Since that time he’s managed to bag many first descents and has paddled in over 20 countries! Taylor was a regular contributor to Kayak Session in the early days as both a photographer and athlete.
Today, Taylor works closely with the new product team at Werner Paddles, with over 30 years of experience working in the paddlesport industry, he’s contributed to the development and release of many cutting edge products as well as managing Sales and Marketing he always still finds plenty of time to get out on the water!
What makes the Strike different compared to the likes of the Surge?
The Strike shares many of the same elements as the Surge; however, the blade surface is smaller. The Surge is 725 cm2 and Strike is 685 cm2. The reduced surface area of the Strike allows for a higher cadence stroke rate and requires less effort to pull the paddle through the water when compared to the Surge. The Strike is available in a high visibility colour, exclusive to this model, our Gradient: Galaxy HD graphic.
What were the key steps considered in the design/testing process?
When we set out to design the Strike, our goal was to take some of the design features from our race paddle, the Odachi, and apply them to a fiberglass laminated model. We received many requests for such a design and our team was more than happy to take on the challenge as we are all paddlers and the concept made sense. By constructing this paddle out of fiberglass, we were able to deliver a highly impact resistant blade with some of the performance characteristics of the Odachi.
Are there any unique design elements incorporated into the Strike?
The Strike features a blade forward design with increased blade to shaft offset for more verticality through the power phase of the stroke. This promotes more power and efficiency as the paddler pulls themself through the water.
From complete beginners to advanced kayaker who is the Strike best suited for?
We intended the Strike to be used by advanced to expert paddlers. The paddle does require more muscle to move when compared to one of our straight blade designs like the Sherpa.
What was the biggest goal Werner aimed to achieve when designing the Strike?
Our goal is always to achieve Ultimate Paddle Performance. It’s what we strive for with any new design. Our goal with the Strike was to produce a high performance, blade forward paddle, that is impact resistant at an affordable price.
Are there any environmentally friendly materials in the Strike? Does this affect durability and weight if so?
Although there are no real redeeming environmentally friendly materials in the paddle itself, we do work to diligently to manufacture our products responsibly. We are committed to designing and building products that last and retain their value so they can be re sold, re used, or passed down. We do offer a paddle in our standard line called the Desperado. This paddle utilises recycled carbon to stiffen the blade, which results in a paddle that is made up of 20% recycled materials.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?
Our team bringing the award-winning designs like the Strike to life are a key component to our success. We are paddlers and adventurers with decades of industry experience. We are dedicated craftsmen and women who bring passion, commitment, and pride to work every single day.
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Check Out the Strike on Werners Website Here
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‘We are Werner’ Video
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Check out below some technical info on the Strike! Including the features, colours and much more.
Features;
- Increased blade to shaft offset for more verticality through the power phase.
- Design offers stroke versatility for everyday use.
- Legendary bomber reliability with high impact fiberglass blades.
- Optimised flex and strength. Designed for your body to feel strain free without giving up Bomber reliability.
- Choose our bomber fiberglass Straight shaft in Standard Diameter or Small Diameter.
- Dihedral allows for smooth and stable forward paddling, a core philosophy for Werner.
- Custom shaped, low profile, reinforcement spine allows for enhanced blade maneuverability when linking several strokes and provides blade stiffness and overall strength.
- Mid-sized blades are an ideal fit for the great majority of average size paddlers and women.
Specifications;
Shaft Option: Straight
Pieces: 1 Piece
Weight Grams: 985g, 34.75oz
Length Range: 158 to 230 in 1cm increments
Feather Angle: Fixed. L or R. 0 to 90 in 5 degree increments.
Blade Surface Area: 685 cm2
Blade Length x Width: 46.5cm x 19.5cm
Colours;
Gradient: Galaxy HD Graphic.
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