Carlisle Day Tripper - Score!

[treadhead1952]

Hi All,

Since I got paid the other day, it was time to add to my arsenal of Kayaker Gear. I have already scored my first PFD and gotten comfortable with it more or less so the next thing on my list was my first Kayak Paddle. Looking around at recommendations and suggestions from a few different sources, I decided on the Carlisle Day Tripper Model. It comes in three different basic sizes; 220CM, 230CM and 240CM; and one and two piece types. It is listed at $47.50 on the Carlisle Website for the two piece type, I scored mine at Bass Pro for $44.99 on sale. They only had the 220CM and 230 CM sizes available and since I am 6'3" I chose the 230CM version. If they had the 240CM model, I would have opted for it most likely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/treadhead1952/EmDT001.jpg

The basic reasoning behind this is as a first paddle, I wanted something that I could experiment with a bit. The two piece version has a nifty little button that you can depress to take it apart for transportation and storage but it also has three holes in the opposite side so that you can adjust it for a 60 degree offset for either right or left hand use. Being a newbie, I want to see what all the commotion about offset paddle blades is about for myself. I may like just a regular straight paddle or I may decide that the offset style is more to my liking. With this one I can figure that particular little conundrum out on my own time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/treadhead1952/EmDT002.jpg

It weighs in at 37 ounces, so it isn't really a heavy weight in my opinion, although at this point in my career as a Kayaker, that really isn't much of a consideration. Just getting out on the water with something to make it go is more of a concern for me. ;) The black plastic covered sections of the handle portions are flattened a bit to help in getting a grip and aiding in muscle memory so you can position your hands. It also features a pair of cupped rubber drip guards to help keep the water from draining down to your hands as you paddle. From what I have read, these may or may not be too functional in this regard. One of those things you have to find out for yourself I suppose.

I will be coming up with some sort of a paddle keeper line set up so that I don't lose it, although being mostly on the lake at this point with it, I should be able to keep track of it. And just in case I should have an issue with keeping company with it or have a problem in keeping both pieces together, I will also be packing my shortie wooden Canoe paddle as an emergency tool should it be required. Nothing like being prepared.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/treadhead1952/EmDT003.jpg

Jay
treadhead1952
Las Vegas, NV

[treadhead1952]

Hi All,

After a few weeks and a couple of trips with my Day Tripper Paddle, I am pretty well convinced that it was a very good purchase. It is set up so that you can use it as a straight paddle or rotate the blades to a 60 degree offset for right handed folks or left. Personally, I am working my way through the straight blade configuration at the moment, of course that may change later on. It is not unduly heavy, even after a full day of paddling, it doesn't seem to be like lifting a set of weights. The design of the blades is very efficient in moving you through the water. The oval shaped gripping areas are comfortable in the hand and lead to good muscle memory so you don't have to think about where your hands are. The plastic coating on the grip areas is also easy to grasp even with a buttering of Sunscreen on your hands. About the only complaint that I have is that I should have gotten the longer version, mine is the 230 Cm model, the larger of the two that the Bass Pro Shop had in stock when I was in buying mode.

To that end, I am thinking about adding a wooden center piece to join the halves to add some length to it. At 6'3" riding my sit on top I find my hands hitting my knees on occasion as I have to dip the blades to get them in the water completely to get a full stroke. But all in all, I think that it is a pretty decent and low priced paddle option. It is stiff enough to use as a staff to help in getting on and off the Kayak without flexing and the plastic the blades are made of seems to hold up pretty well.

Jay
treadhead1952
Las Vegas, NV

[rcurry]

Hey Treadhead1952 check your Personal Messages on a tip I sent you.

[treadhead1952]

Hi RC,

Thanks for the tip. If I can locate some appropriate sized aluminum tube I will give it a try.

Jay
treadhead1952
Las Vegas, NV