Werner Blog

Werner Paddles, supporting the Deception Pass Dash. Come say hello in our Wa backyard.

Look for the Werner Paddles van and flags flying at this weekend's 6th Annual Deception Pass Dash.  We are so proud to be supporting the Ruby Creek Boathouse in our own backyard, this is a great event.  Stop by and see us and get some stickers.  Dress warm, race fast, cheer loud!

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2012 Youth Paddling Team, “empower youth to create a healthy future in paddlesports.”

The relationship between Werner Paddles and the Nantahala Outdoor Center not only goes back years and years, but is one we are very proud of.  None more so than South East rep, and NOC's account manager, Mette Mosquera.  Read below the great NOC press release Mette brought us for the blog.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2012 Youth Paddling Team Application Released 

WESSER, NC (October 26, 2011) – Nantahala Outdoor Center announced the release of the 2012 Youth Paddling Team application process.  The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) began the Youth Paddling Team (YPT) with an eight member team in 2011 consisting of youth ages 12-17 from across the Southeast. Through training, coaching and group leadership activities, YPT members gain the skills necessary to become role models of the sport as well as provide leadership for the growth of paddlesports for generations to come.  The 2011 YPT members participated throughout the year in wilderness medicine, swiftwater rescue and whitewater training sessions, freestyle competitions, leadership conferences and group river trips.

 NOC’s Paddling School Director Jon Clark is YPT’s visionary and leader.  Jon first envisioned a team in 2009 to “empower youth to create a healthy future in paddlesports.”  Winter of 2010 this became a reality with the first NOC YPT.  The goal was simple: to give developing youth paddlers the tools, direction and motivation to become first-rate ambassadors of the sport of whitewater paddling.  In his first season, the team had twelve podium finishes, thirty individual entries in freestyle events and even won a $2500 grant through the Outdoor Industry Association for their “Youth Paddlers Video Series” project at Outdoor Nation’s Youth Summit in Atlanta.  Jon’s focus to develop leaders in the sport is now a reality and he is determined to open more doors for youth, beginning with a larger team in 2012.

 With the many successes in its first year, YPT is broadening the opportunities to increase youth participation.  The 2012 YPT offers two unique paths for members, an Elite Team that consisting of 20 members and an unlimited number of spots on the Junior Team. The Elite YPT will be subdivided into three sections to allow participants to focus their skills on their preferred discipline: freestyle, river racing and instruction.  The Junior YPT is open to all interests and is a great starting point for those that are new to the sport, advancing their skills, just want to have fun and meet other paddlers while doing so.  Applicants age 6-17 of all skill levels and disciplines are encouraged to apply. Elite Team applications are due November 30, 2011 with enrollment to the Junior Team ongoing and open throughout the year.  Applications are available online at www.nocypt.com.

Thanks to the NOC for their great work in growing the youth of our sport.  Here is a great short VIDEO the YPT put together for your enjoyment.

Werner customer Kirk Victor shares how he and his "Sherpa" survived.

Thanks to Werner customer Kirk Victor for sharing this amazing story, we are so happy to hear you are okay and wish you a quick recovery.  Stories like this really give our design and production people, handcrafting all our paddles in Sultan, Wa, a real pat on the back. 

Photo and words by Kirk Victor

"Recently I was involved in a vehicle accident. I was heading to the beach to do some surf kayaking here in San Diego when I was hit from behind from another pickup going at 70-75 mph. My truck and surf kayak were totalled, but my Sherpa survived. After my truck came to a stop against the concrete divider, I looked out the window and saw my busted kayak laying behind me and my paddle in the center lane. I couldn't get out of my truck, doors were wedged, and saw cars driving over my Sherpa. I guess getting to work is more important than driving around a paddle. I told the CHP officer to get my paddle out of traffic before getting me out of the truck. At least 20 cars drove over it before it was rescued. After I was released from the ER, I went to the tow yard to gather my belongings. I was surprised to see my paddle in one piece! No cracking, just some minor road rash. Can't wait to get healthy enough to get my Sherpa wet again. Thank you for making a stout product, another satisfied customer."

Happy Thanksgiving from the Werner Paddles family.

From the home of Werner Paddles, Sultan Washington, from our family to your's we wish you a Happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.  We hope it is enjoyed with lots of laughter amongst close ones.

Werner Team Paddler Ross Herr, stoked he "made the switch." Read on...

Thanks to our friend and Team paddler Ross Herr on this BLOG POST update on his 2011 travels and why switching to Werner early this season has given his boating a boost. 

Werner Paddles Teams Up With Kimberly Whitewater Women

Werner is proud to be a part of a great expedition... 9 brave females will embark on a world first expedition, facing Western Australia’s cyclone season to help SAVE the Kimberley.

In 2008, Tanya Faux became the Australian Adventurer of the Year for successfully leading an 18 day expedition into the remote Kimberley Ranges, paddling two uncharted river systems known as the Moran and Mitchell. This time, Tanya has assembled a team of WOMEN to embark on a 30 day unsupported expedition in the remote and pristine wilderness of the Kimberley’s. THIS IS A WORLD FIRST FOR FEMALE EXPLORATION - THE LONGEST UNSUPPORTED, UNCHARTED RIVER EXPLORATION EVER ATTEMPTED BY A TEAM OF WOMEN. Be sure to check back here or follow along on their own site.

Werner Paddles Player Reviewed by Charles Wilkes

Charles Wilkes from Desperate Measures in the UK wrote a nice review of the Werner Player.  You can check it out here on their Blog.

Healthy Waters Supports Paddle Canada

I wanted to take a minute to highlight Werner's Healthy Waters partnership with Paddle Canada. 

Paddle Canada does great work promoting all forms of recreational paddling to Canadians.  Their mission includes promoting paddling safety, education, environmental awareness and heritage.  To learn more check out their web site.

Werner's Healthy Waters partners with several non profits.  When you purchase a new Werner Paddle, jump on the site fill out a little information and then choose from among our non-profit partners and we will make a donation in your name.

"That fish got 'butterface.' " Let Rob Choi, Werner Paddles kayak angler, explain.

Check out Werner Paddle's kayak angler, Rob Choi's, blog post on the Angling Addict as he hunts down some James River gar in Virginia.  I think Rob make a great point in here about the freedom kayaking gives us, the ability to stay close to home and find a quiet place when the stress of life clamps down.  Thanks for sharing Rob. 

Photo of the Day. Lindsey Tucci shoots the SUP first decent of the Cowanshannock Creek.

Thanks goes out to Lindsey Tucci for this great shot of Werner Paddles dealer and SUP enthusiast, Ian Smith as he and his partner Rob Mazzetti bag the first decent of PA's Cowanshannock Creek.  Ian owns and runs Surf SUP Adventures so be sure to check them out if you are looking for some river tripping, flat water workouts or white water action SUP style.  Want to see your pic on the Photo of the Day? Send it over.   Here are some bonus shots from Lindsey.