Werner Blog

New Race Specific SUP From Werner

 
Werner Paddles has developed the first Stand Up Paddle designed from the ground up specifically for training and racing.

The Grand Prix utilizes Werner’s proprietary Performance Core technology to create the lightest weight SUP on the market.  Paddlers can choose between three blade sizes allowing them to match their power and board glide. (S1000: 91 sq. in 18.75 x 7.25 in.) (M1000: 98 sq. in. 19 x 7.75 in.) (F1000: 105 sq. in. 19.25 x 8.5 in.) 

The narrow blade profile allows the blade to travel close to the board for an efficient forward stroke.  The blade to shaft offset has been optimized at 12 degrees which allows for more power at the beginning of the stroke and less lifting of water at the exit.

The Grand Prix will be offed in both Straight Shaft (15.5 oz. $389) and Bent Shaft (18.5 oz. $465).  The Bent Shaft, which is unique to Werner, allows for even greater reach at the catch phase of the stroke and aligns the paddlers wrist to limit fatigue.

A carbon Palm-grip finishes the paddle off for additional weight savings.

“Dealers first got a peak of the Grand Prix Series of paddles at last summer’s Outdoor Retailer trade show and have been clamoring for it since that time.  After further development and testing, the paddles are finally ready.  We are stoked to be shipping the Grand Prix paddles to our dealers begining March 19, 2012,” says Jim Miller, Werner Paddles Marketing Manager. 

Werner Paddles 2.0: Web Site Gets Overhaul To Support Growth

Werner Paddles has launched a completely redesigned web site to better support their dealers and consumers.

The paddles remain the stars of the site, with improvements to navigation functions and the introduction of WernerTV Product Videos which allow visitors to experience the paddles in a whole new way.

There are several new features that are aimed at creating transparency into the company and reach out to customers by providing them rich content. The “Go Paddling” section, as an example, lists events, schools, trips and tips. “We want to support outfitters and schools and introduce more paddlers to the sport and our paddle offerings.  This new section links to our blog which features regular updates.  We invite our dealers, outfitters and schools to submit posting to our blog as a way to extend their reach.  The blog is about making paddling more accessible to the average person, while highlighting fun places to paddle and offering tips to make your time on the water more enjoyable,” says Jim Miller Werner’s Marketing Manger.

Another area for consumers to interact with the site is the very popular “Paddle Fit Guide,” an interactive paddle chooser; where a consumer answers few questions and get results for a custom fit Werner Paddle.

Big improvements have been made with “Find A Store,” a dealer locator that features intuitive search either geographically or by zip code with filters for distance and paddling discipline. “More improvements are planned for this tool as we move towards the New Year to better support and differentiate our dealers,” says Miller.

The site also features the “Healthy Waters Initiative.”  This, first of its kind program in paddle sports, allows a Werner customer to give back to the environment.  The consumer, post purchase, goes to wernerpaddles.com and chooses the Healthy Waters button.  This takes them to a short questionnaire about their demographics and purchasing decision.  At the end of the questionnaire they can choose from a list of non profits and Werner will make a donation in their name.  “We are very proud of our commitment to the natural world.  Healthy Waters is a great program for differentiating our product from the competition while giving the customer the ability to support a non-profit whose focus is paddling access, water quality or education. This is a win for our customers, our dealers, our non-profit partners and for Werner Paddles,” says Miller.

Werner Expands Stand Up Paddle Offerings

Werner Paddles has announced the introduction of two new Stand Up Paddles:  The Werner Advantage and the Werner Carve. Both paddles will be available to ship beginning September 01, 2008.

As participation explodes in the Stand Up Paddle category, Werner is responding with new paddle designs that focus on the two aspects of the sport, touring and surfing.

The Advantage is a Premium fiberglass laminate construction blade with a modified tear drop shape designed to optimize straight ahead efficiency for touring.

The Carve consists of the same construction as the Advantage but the shape is smaller, longer and more slender, specifically designed for dynamic surfing and turning.

Both the Advantage and the Carve come with a fiberglass oval indexed shaft and ABS Palm-grip.  Werner offers three shaft configurations. The 1-piece is the lightest weight option and is least expensive ($219).  The 2–piece is perfect for paddlers who travel with their paddle ($234).  The Adjustable length telescopes with four settings, each 1.5 inches apart; perfect for those individuals who move between touring and surfing ($259).

“Stand Up Paddling is a real growth opportunity for surf and paddle sports dealers. We are excited to expand our Stand Up Paddle offerings to respond to the specific demands of the market,” says Jim Miller, Werner’s Marketing Manger. 

Werner Paddles Rounds Up Rio 4 Piece Break-Down Paddles

Werner Paddles is halting shipping and production of the Werner Rio 4-Piece paddle. In field conditions where the paddle is exposed to extreme heat and humidity it may swell, causing an imperfect fit between the blades and the shaft.  Although such incidents are extremely rare, the Rio 4 piece is intended to be used as a back-up paddle which functions perfectly every time. “We are requesting that dealers immediately discontinue selling the Rio 4-Piece and pull the stock from their shelves.  We will accept their entire inventory of Rio 4-Piece paddles, including any demos, for a full refund credit,” says Jim Miller, Marketing Manger for Werner. Consumers who have purchased the Rio 4-Piece should contact Werner Paddles directly for replacement and shipping information.  Werner will be replacing consumer’s Rio 4-piece paddle blades with Premium Sherpa blades and covering all freight costs. The Rio 4-Piece Roundup does not impact any Werner Premium 4-Piece paddles since the production process and material are completely different.  Additionally, this does not impact the Rio Straight Shaft paddle. “We are sorry for any inconvenience that this causes our dealers or end customers and want to make sure that we continue to have the best performing paddles on the market. Please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service team at or 1.800.275.3311 if you have any questions,” says Jim Miller.