Submitted by Dan Arbuckle – Headwater Kayaks – Comments on Skookum Paddle
I really enjoy the feel of the shaft in my hand. Having the texture from the carbon makes the paddle feel less slippery in my hands as oppose to other paddles that I use. The thing I am most excited about on the new Skookum is the blade shape. Bravo Swift for seeing the need for a high performance, high angle paddle that excels not only in rock garden, and surfing situations, but also on an all day tour. The short squatty blade gives paddles like myself the ability to take short hard stokes to get up to speed when catching a wave, or shooting a slot. Three hard stokes and my boat is up to speed. Being shorter, it also allows me to slice it through the water when linking stokes and bracing. The power and grab is incredible when pulling out of an eddy and getting speed to catch a wave. You can lay hard on a low brace, and with the flick of the wrist you can spin the paddle around and grab a hard draw stoked to pull yourself across current. Once on a wave, the slight curvature of the blade shaft to tip gives you a nice feel in the water. During a stern rudder, you can easily angle the paddle to ether pry the stern away or draw the stern back towards the paddle. It is a very rewarding paddle for those learning boat control and advanced stokes, like draws and rudders. Although the Skookum excels in these dynamic environments, what really surprised me was how it felt on a long all day flat water paddle. The paddle is so light that you barely notice that you are holding anything at all. It pulls effortlessly though the water, and does not pick up much water on the exit. Even with my paddle being a 205cm I didn’t notice any issue with hitting my boat during my forward stoke. The paddle catch is solid and gives you nice purchase throughout the stroke. The dihedral on the paddle seems to really keep the paddle square in the water without the tendency to wander. I also like the overall size of the blade for touring. Although it is a shorter blade it is not overly large, in fact it has even less surface area then the Sea Swift. This allows me to paddle all day and not feel tired. It is not like some other high angle touring paddles that feel like a lightweight version of a white water paddle. Swift did an excellent job combining the most important elements of a high angle paddle – control, power, and efficiency. I feel like they are setting the bar high for other paddle companies to shoot for.
Submitted by: tsunamichuck 05-16-2008
I have been using Windswift paddles for the past 11 years. I have and use other paddles, but always pick up the Windswift for any paddles over 20 miles and most other times too. My current version is a 1 piece 210cm graphite. Very light and efficient. I find the Windswift to be the most versatile paddle. I can use it at high or low angles. Plenty of power to drive forward and brace in the soup. I have done 35 mile crossings with my my Windswifts and have bashed them against coral. They have held up fine. A friend of mine still uses the Windswift I gave him and it is 11 years old. Rating: 10 of 10
Russ Andersen, Staten Island, New York
I have used your paddle for a bit over a hundred miles, and I am happy to say that it paddles beautifully. The paddle tracks true through the water on every stroke, and very powerfully. It feels very comfortable and natural in the hand, and the locking mechanism is tight and true. The blade itself, being very close in size to a Bending Branches Day paddle, moves through the water with significantly less flutter than the Bending Branches model, and much more efficiently. My next paddle will be the Swift Graphite model. I still think if it was possible, that adding another layer of the design fabric on the back of the paddle, or coloring it would make it much more cosmetically appealing. I personally feel that it is light enough where as the slight weight increase would be a non factor. As a matter of fact, my paddle weighed in one and a half ounces lighter than it was stated the weight would be.
Submitted 11-06-2000, paddling.net
Swift makes a line of beautiful breakapart double-ended, adjustable, kayak paddles that have become my absolute favorites. If I ever lend it out for a quick demo/comparison, it is extremely hard to get back! The beautiful, jewel-like transparency of the paddle blades come in red, yellow and blue and even lots of different patterns. The blade design is a slightly spoon-curved “leaf shape” that is amazingly efficient. Got the first paddle in yellow and then loved it so much, splurged and bought a second paddle in graphite/carbon…it is wonderful for long distance touring and I have no problems when hitting major headwinds. Do not experience any flutter with this and the connection is nice and snug. Rating: 10 of 10
Submitted 11-15-2000, paddling.net
The Swift is very light and well balanced. My wife is the primary user. I bought it for the light weight and somewhat smaller blade area. After 3 years the joint is tight and the blue blades show a few scratches. The darker color does show more than white. The transparent blades may look fragile but are not, they do receive comment from others and are unique. Rating: 9 of 10
Robby V. Brown, paddling.net
I own every model Swift paddle. I also own about a 18 other paddles of various brands. The Swift paddles beat every other paddle hands down! My favorite is the “Sea Swift” (Thanks Joe!) My students get the opportunity to try all different brands: Werner, Lendall,etc. By far they choose Swift as their favorite too. I would give all my other paddles to have just 1 Sea Swift hands down. It is the finest paddle I have used in 20 years of paddling. Light, pleanty of power, and tough as nails.. With virtually a flutter-free design and light weight, they slice through the water with ease. I have broken several other name brand paddles, but never a Swift. Buy one! Rating: 10 of 10
h2okolor, paddling.net
WindSwift. WOW… Splurged for an early birthday/Christmas gift to self and am going to re-splurge and get another. AWESOME! Rating: 10 of 10
johnc_3001, paddling.net
Adopted a Translucent Mid Swift when i purchased a used kayak locally. Love the paddle. Lightweight and strong. Definitely has helped my carpal tunnel. Rating: 9 of 10
kcyooper, paddling.net
Purchased a Mid-Swift in yellow this past spring – the best paddle ever! Handles wind beautifully, and my shoulder fatigue is non-existent. Plan to get one for my husband. Would highly recommend!!! Rating: 10 of 10
Submitted 03-22-1999, paddling.net
We utilize top of the line swift fiberglass paddles for instruction and tours. while expensive, the best, strongest, lightest, highest quality,most durable paddle we have. spoils participants for anything less. Rating: 10 of 10
T. Hardy, paddling.net
I used Eddyline’s Swift paddles on my Nautiraid Expedition II on a solo trip among Maine islands in 1997. The foldable kayak is heavy (72 lbs unloaded) but with the ultra light weight Swift paddles I could maintain a comfrotable cruising speed for most of the day and when I lost one half of one paddle, I got a replacement half from the factory for around 100.00. A bit more than half of the original price. Replacement requires sending the half that you have to fit the new piece. may take time but worth it. Rating: 10 of 10
willo, paddling.net
I’ve got a Swift WindSwift and its a great paddle – light and strong. (I even slammed a car door on it once and it stayed perfectly intact.) It feathers well for both left and right handers (my wife’s Werner only feathers for righties). Not everyone may like the extremely low profile – but the difference is noticable in even a light wind. This will be my paddle for years and years. Rating: 9 of 10
Nick, paddling.net
I’ve been using a Swift paddle for about 4 months now and it continues to perform extremely well. Most of my outing take place on weekly basis for a relatively short durations (2 – 4 hrs).The paddle is lightweight and very durable, no signs of wear yet. After looking at and trying a number of different paddles, I don’t think you can make a better choice than a Swift paddle for the money. Rating: 10 of 10
garym053, paddling.net
Purchased two Mid Swift paddles this Spring and FINALLY got to try them out this weekend! They were wonderful to paddle! My wife felt they were less tiring and she even stopped mentioning the price!!! Nice solid feel for such a light paddle. Didn’t notice any flutter in the paddle. Rating: 10 of 10
BigJockJoe, paddling.net
My paddling buddy bought a Swift narrow blade fiberglass paddle this spring and I was foolish enough to try it. Now I am smitten. This has to be one of the best if not THE BEST, lightest, most comfortable sea kayak paddle there is. It comes in some really swift colors, and feels like holding a feather. There seems to be no weight to it. Beautiful finish and nearly seamless ferrule. Expensive yes, but will spoil you for life. Rating: 10 of 10
Tara, paddling.net
I love my Wind Swift paddle. It’s light, strong, and very comfortable to paddle with. Love the designer fabrics as well! I haven’t noticed any flutter, and I really like the feel of the graphite shaft. Rating: 10 of 10
Submitted 07-30-2001, paddling.net
I recently bought a Swift paddle and I love it! My father bought a Werner paddle the week before me and as soon as he used my swift paddle he immediately went and bought one for himself. His Werner paddle is now a spare!! Rating: 10 of 10
Submitted 10-30-2001, paddling.net
I bought a midswift paddle at the beginning of this season and it improved my kayaking experience at least 100%. Unfortunately my wife kept asking to borrow it, so I had to buy her one also. I modified my paddle by adding “cork-ribbon” to create padded handles. Cork-ribbon is normally used by touring bicyclists on their handlebars, but I found that it works great on kayak paddles also. It is extremely light and does not absorb water. It makes paddling a lot more enjoyable without having to wear gloves. Rating: 10 of 10
Rick D, paddling.net
My first paddle was a Mid Swift. When I purchased my second boat and needed another paddle I went straight for the Mid Swift. A true pleasure to paddle. Strong enough to push off with but light enough for an all day paddle. Try a $100 paddle weighing a ton or two and you won’t mind the cost of this 1.25 pound pleasure! My wife even bought one!!!!! ;-) Rating: 10 of 10
Submitted 10-07-2002, paddling.net
Rated a 9 simply because, hell there might be a better paddle…I just haven’t found it yet. I tried a Mid Swift at a demo-day and was ruined from that point. I was a bit short on cash and wound up getting a Bending Branches Day Breeze in fiberglass in a package deal. The Bending Branches isn’t a bad paddle, but it just felt soft in the water and definitely didn’t have enough catch to it to be fast enough for my boat. I could outsprint the paddle’s grip and it was pretty irritating to force the paddle along. I just got a Mid Swift in 240cm, what a difference. One of those things, when a boat or gear feels right…just buy them. I finished about a 10-12 miler today in stiff wind and chop and this paddle with it’s knife edge catch and very firm ‘grip’ on the water performed beautifully. I can finally sprint up to hull speed with a paddle up to the task. Rating: 9 of 10
chango2, paddling.net
Wife bought a Swift paddle with a fabric design and I had to have one. Light, great quality, very stiff and efficient. Beautifully made. Boat moves right along and I feel much less fatigue. Be sure to use a paddle leash so you don’t lose such a beautiful paddle. I keep a “bigger” paddle in the hatch for a spare and for those occasions when I feel particularly strong and have a race face on. Rating: 9 of 10
Submitted 01-21-2004, paddling.net
A joy to look at and a joy to use ….. wow …. it doesn’t get better than that. I have owned several paddles during the 8 years I have been enjoying the sport, but I can’t imagine topping this one. I have the Swift mid-sized model with yellow translucent blades …. 230. Really exquisite, very light, the configuration of the blade allows the blade to bite the water and move it almost effortlessly. Pricey and worth every cent. One thing I have added to my onboard gear is a stout mop handle to push off any oyster beds I might come up on ….. not about to subject my beautiful paddle to abuse ….. Rating: 10 of 10
dmacy, paddling.net, 05-03-2004
Wind. Fantastic. Had it for a year now, it been in creeks, streams, Lake Ontario when it’s not so pretty, and off the coast of Maine in trying weather. I’ve swapped out with other kayakers to give their paddles a whirl and am always glad to have ol’ Red back. Now if they added a slight bent shaft to this design… hmmmmm. The only time I have ever wanted another blade is on some faster flowing creeks. There it’s just a simple matter of power per stroke, so more area would be nice. Looks like I need a Mid Swift! Rating: 9 of 10
Submitted 04-18-2005, paddling.net
The more I try out other paddles, the more I realize what a gem my Mid Swift is. There are others that are very nice, mind you, but I haven’t found one yet I like better. It’s super-light yet (so far) amazingly durable. Picking up a moderately-priced aluminum or glass paddle feels like picking up crowbar compared to my Swift. I suppose the best thing I can say about it is that I never think about my paddle when I’m using it. It doesn’t flutter, doesn’t get heavy in my hands, and is just completely transparent in use. I tried a bent-shaft model that I liked quite a lot, but enough to abandon my Swift. Expensive but worth every penny. Rating: 10 of 10
Bill Weeks, paddling.net
My wife and I both use Sea Swifts and have left our Werners in the garage to gather dust. She was warned by a salesman that the paddle might be too powerful for her – but they are so light that the extra size is not an issue. They make a huge difference on a long paddle! Highly recommended — well worth the cost! Rating: 10 of 10
Mobyr, paddling.net
My paddle of choice is the “Wind Swift”. We often paddle in windy and stormy conditions. After trying a friends wind on a stormy day I rushed and bought one. I’ve used it on multi-day trips in a fully loaded boat and found it exceeded my expectations as well as those paddling with me. If you want a paddle thats easy on the body but preforms well, this may be the paddle you are looking for. Rating: 10 of 10
Ayornamut, paddling.net
Mid-Swift Graphite 2-piece w/ new Feather-lock new ferrule system, 240cm. One cool thing about Eddyline/Swift is that you don’t hear a lot of hype about their products. But if you did, you could believe it all when it comes to this paddle! This paddle is light (very light!), strong, has exceptional balance and swing weight, the ferrule lock system is solid, easy to use and easy to keep clean. The ability to set feather at 0, 45, 60, or 75 degrees is a great feature from a user friendly perspective, however most experienced paddlers will usually set it at their one preferred angle. I was glad to be able to duplicate the 45 degree angle of my Lightning. Eddyline reportedly redesigned the Swift’s blade shape in 2004. They really got it right. The carbon fiber blade is quite stiff, showing no flutter and a very solid “hold” feel in the water, even if you’re not paying attention and hit it off angle. Exit is clean and low drag/no vibration, with very little drip. The shaft is very stiff, slightly ovalled, has just enough surface texture to provide a good tactile grip feel, even if you got your hands all greasy from putting sunscreen on your girlfriend’s back. This paddle is very light, but its design and stiffness left me with no fatigue or wrist/elbow shock after my initial 3 hr paddle with it. And you gotta love the cool holographic thread design!! I think it actually attracted a school of curious rays out on the Chesapeake. It certainly provides an extra measure of visibility over plain black graphite models. I have been using a Lightning Expedition weight paddle for many years now. Anyone who knows Lightning paddles appreciates them for their quality and regrets they are no longer in production. This new Swift Graphite will give it a much deserved rest. Rating: 10 of 10
Alica Leppanen
I love the paddle and will be getting a second one as a spare. Thanks, Alica Leppanen, La Conner, WA
Marlene Mchugh
Thank you for the color in our life along with the ease of use of the paddle. My first paddle was a Werner purchased for me by my spouse. I only needed to touch it and immediately new it wasn’t what I wanted. I returned the gift and got the swift I wanted (the red and green chilli peppers). He was not happy till he stopped talking long enough to try my new paddle. He found out what I saw in it. The shaft was shaped different than all others. Its like it was designed for smaller hands. Then when it was put into the water it was amazing how smooth it was. Now he is hooked. We own 6 of them now, all different prints and different types. Great job guys and gals.
Diane
I received a beautiful, tropical Swift paddle for a gift from my son quite a few years ago. Wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Besides being the perfect paddle, the tropical colored blades makes it quite the conversation piece when I go on the club paddling trips.
