So after over a week of looking at my new Lightning Freeride paddles, I decided that they needed to be tested. I had planned a slalom day on CT near Bala, so I put them in the van if I had time.
After a slalom session in the morning I met up with Kev Griffiths and Charles and decided to do a run down with them, in my slalom boat.
My initial thoughts on the blades were how strong the catch was. Being used to slalom blades, I imagined less power but the catch on these blades was solid.
On forward strokes, as previously said, the catch is very strong and you feel a nice connection between blade and water. It feels planted. As the stroke continues back it continues to stay very stable in the water, and provided nice resistance to pull the boat past. Overall this is a very powerful blade even being the smaller of the two lightning non buoyant blades.
The shaft is extremely ovaled, this gave me lots of control with my blade angle. This leads on to how I felt they were on rudders, they sliced surprisingly nicely for a creeking blade, and again the power and connection to the water felt very strong.
On our run down we eddy-hopped most of the way, playing at key features on the course. At the end I had a short go in Charles’s new freestyle boat and nailed a blunt on the cafe wave.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and can’t wait to get my blades on a bigger river in a plastic boat :D
David
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