Tag Archives: Accent paddles

New Ergonomic Energy Kayak Paddles from Accent Paddles

Accent Paddles of Minneapolis, MN recently released details of their new Accent Energy Line of kayak paddles. The Energy Line features a soft rubber grip – the Advantage Grip – which simulates the ergonomic benefits of a bent shaft paddle at a more economical price.

At first glance, bent shaft paddles may seem unintuitive.Despite the appearance, bent shaft technology is considered to be an ergonomic, user-friendly design, reducing stress and grip pressure by offsetting the paddler’s wrist angle. Bent shafts also guide the paddler’s hand placement, reducing stress on forearms and shoulders.
While bent shaft paddles can typically retail for hundreds of dollars, the Accent Energy series ranges in price from $99 to $199.

Accent Paddle spent two years creating a “bent shaft paddle” design without the high costs. They accomplished this by taking a standard, non-bent paddle, and simulating the design via a soft rubber grip. The Accent Advantage Grip technology features an ergonomic 7° wrist offset angle which lessens forearm, wrist and shoulder fatigue. The rubber grip material is vibration dampening, and has a soft feel that – when held – reduces wrist, forearm and shoulder strain as well as providing minimal fluctuation in shaft temperature. The placement of the grip forces proper hand placement, ensuring longer more enjoyable outings.
The Energy Advantage comes in three models – the Energy Aluminum, Energy Hybrid and Energy Carbon.

At $99, the Energy Aluminum paddle features an aircraft-grade aluminum shaft with a simple push-button ferrule for three blade angle settings. The fiberglass-reinforced blade is the perfect size blade for most kayaking situations and a great entry-level paddle.

The Energy Hybrid is a step up, featuring an all-carbon shaft providing a high strength to weight ratio. The fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade is durable, and the perfect sized blend for both high and low angle paddling. A Kingpin ferrule connection system provides 12 paddling angles. MSRP $159.

The top-of-the-line Energy Carbon is constructed with premium materials for the kayaking enthusiast. A carbon shaft, paired with Accent’s proprietary carbon-reinforced APX polymer blades, provides the highest strength to weight ratio. The blade design is a perfect blend for both low and high angle paddling, delivering efficiency with each stroke. A Kingpin ferrule connection system provides 12 paddling angles. MSRP $199.

All three paddles at AirKayaks feature 4pc breakdown construction for portability in a 230cm length.
For more details or to purchase, visit the Accent Paddles product pages at AirKayaks.com. You can also watch Accent’s video on the Energy paddle line, below.

 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Indy Tour 780 Carbon Breakdown SUP Paddle from Accent

Accent Paddles of Minneapolis, Minnesota, recently announced the latest in their series of performance SUP paddles – the Indy Tour 780 adjustable, carbon, breakdown paddle.

Stuart Lee, Jr, President of Accent and Cannon Paddles, explained their focus points in designing the Indy Tour, which included advanced design and construction elements at a price more affordable than similar high-performance paddles.
According to Stuart, “We wanted a paddle that would make our customers feel their investment in us was a very worthwhile one.  We realize most people are not looking for a $400 paddle.  But we also know that people appreciate good quality and great features. So, we focused on a foam-core construction to create a weight equal to that of paddles priced higher. We then added our custom Accent LeverLock system for 16” of adjustment – all with appealing and eye-catching graphics. At $229, the Indy Tour provides a quality paddling experience at a fraction of the price.”

The Indy Tour 780 features a Medium Stroke Rate (MSR) design. With 98 square inches of blade surface, the medium-size blade of the Indy Tour 780 makes it a versatile paddle for those needing more power while the carbon blend shaft transfers more of your paddling power to the water for a more efficient stroke. It’s great for all around paddling and a wide range of paddler sizes.

To keep the paddles strong yet light, the blades include a foam core construction with a durable ABS outer edge reinforcement – or rail. According to Lee, “The edge of a paddle hits many things in its lifetime, from rocks to sand to sides of sup boards.  It takes the most abuse and we wanted a strong material. We chose ABS for its toughness, high impact strength and ability to take a hit.”
 
New with the Indy Tour is Accent’s custom LeverLock system. The Indy Tour has an adjustable range of 16 inches with no buttons or clips; the paddle length is quickly lengthened or shortened by pulling up the LeverLock, adjusting the paddle size, and locking shut. The Indy also features Accent’s custom, ergonomic grip for a comfortable feel.

The Indy Tour was designed by Lee Bonfiglio, Accent’s Director of Research and Development. As a World Champion Whitewater paddler as well as C1 paddler and avid Stand Up, Lee is a recognized leader in design and paddle technology.

The Indy Tour paddle was recently featured on Nikki Gregg’s Facing Waves – a TV series that showcases top paddling destinations. Well-known for her pioneering work developing SUP fitness programs, Nikki is considered a leader in the Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) industry.  A recent episode found Nikki exploring the Crystal Coast of North Carolina with guest host, Luke Hopkins, and an Indy

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Choosing a Portable Breakdown Paddle for Inflatable Kayaks

So you’ve made the decision on an inflatable kayak. You’ve researched yourself to death, and have finally narrowed it down to the one that’s perfect for you. A sigh of relief – the hard part is over – until you find there are just as many choices, styles and incomprehensible terminologies for breakdown paddles.

Paddle lengths, materials, paddling styles, techniques – where to start?
Assuming that portability is the highest priority, AirKayaks has partnered with Accent and Cannon Paddles to help demystify the process of choosing a breakdown (or take-down) kayak paddle.
First of all, what is a breakdown kayak paddle?
Unlike a canoe paddle, which has one blade, shaft and handle grip, a kayak paddle features two blade heads (left hand and right hand) and a shaft.

The paddler grips the shaft with both hands, and dips one blade into the water and pulls, then dips the other side into the water and pulls. This is a more efficient method of paddling when sitting lower in the water.

While there are 2-pc breakdown paddles on the market, the most portable paddles are the 4-pc breakdown paddles consisting of two shaft lengths that connect into one, and two blades – a left hand and right hand – that attach onto the shaft. 4-pc breakdown paddles for inflatables typically have a longest shaft length of 25 to 30 inches in length, making them easily storable, often in the kayak carrying case.
What length should I look for?
Since inflatable kayaks are typically wider than hardshell kayaks, a 230 or 240cm paddle is considered a good length. For those confused with the measurement system, a 230cm paddle is 90.55 inches in length while a 240cm paddle is 94.5 inches in length (2.54 cm per inch).
The choice of either is a personal preference, but you should consider your height, paddling style and typical paddling conditions. In general, 230cm is good for persons under 6 feet, high-angle paddlers, and those in fast moving paddling conditions. Paddlers over 6 feet, low-angle paddlers and those in calmer touring conditions may be more comfortable with a 240cm, though our largest-selling paddle for inflatable kayaks is the 230cm size.
What is low and high angle paddling?
Low angle paddling keeps the blade more horizontal and can be less fatiguing.

It is often used for long-range touring, to save energy, in calmer waters and in wider kayaks.
With high angle paddling, the kayaker is lifting the blade up more perpendicular to the kayak.

This uses up more energy, but there is more power in each stroke, propelling one faster, making one more maneuverable and getting a solid workout. It is more aggressive but much more fatiguing.
Which material should I choose?
Our breakdown paddles are typically constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon or a carbon

Original Source: AirKayaks >>