Werner Paddles Sherpa ($250, $350):
Anyone still need to be sold on the virtues of strong, lightweight carbon-fiber construction? In the world of watersports, the Sherpa paddle, a carbon masterpiece featuring an exceptionally smooth, responsive river-running design that also pulls playboat duty, will convert all doubters. As its name suggests, the Sherpa carries its weight well in each of two shaft designs. The 32-ounce straight-shaft Sherpa allows paddlers a good, light grip with a fit that helps reduce fatigue. For fans of bent shafts where predictable control is preferred, the 34-ouncer naturally aligns wrists to put less stress on joints. Each precision-balanced 680-square-centimeter blade slices cleanly and powerfully throughout the entire stroke, and with the stiffness of carbon fiber enhancing energy transfer, you won't lose any power. Contact 800-275-3311, www.wernerpaddles.com.
