With Werner’s recent release of its new Stealth and Covert paddles, designed and tested by some of the best paddlers in the world, Werner continues to up its game in the world of whitewater paddles. PL checks in with Werner’s own Taylor Robertson on the design and release of the two new game-changing blades.
PL: How excited are you about this new line?
We couldn’t be more excited to bring these new models to life, adding to our lineup of proven bomber and reliable whitewater paddles, which are designed and handcrafted here in Washington State, USA.
PL: What makes them different from Werner’s other whitewater paddles?
Rather than simply bring a new shape, to add to our offering, we wanted to do something entirely new. We listened to our fan base and determined that some paddlers like the buoyant profile of our ultimate performance lineup (Shogun, Stikine, Double Diamond) but many prefer our Premium Paddles such as the Surge, Powerhouse, Sherpa, and Player. The Stealth and Covert were designed by combining the successful, proven, design features of our premium and ultimate performance paddles into one paddle. You’ll also notice a seamless design at the throat of the paddle. The blade is inserted into the shaft, eliminating the collar, for a one-piece look and feel.
PL: How do they differ from each other?
The Covert is slightly smaller in surface area. The Stealth is 700 cm2 and the Covert is 650 cm2 and slightly shorter in blade length.
PL: What marquee paddlers are using them?
We are fortunate to work alongside some of the best athletes in the industry. They have provided feedback on many of our designs over the years and they’re a key component to the success of our brand. With the Stealth we worked closely with Dane Jackson on the overall blade shape and feel. Ben Stookesberry was tasked with the durability testing in the field. He took his prototype on a six-month tour through Patagonia and Ecuador, testing the paddle rigorously in river canyons littered with lava rock. Nouria Newman provided some valuable feedback with her testing of the Covert.
PL: How popular are they?
Time will tell, those who have tried it have provided very positive reviews, instantly asking “how long until they go into production and when can I get one.”
PL: Are they offered with the same light carbon straight shaft as the Odachi?
Currently they’re offered in the same carbon shaft we use on the Odachi. hey’re available in a standard diameter carbon straight shaft and standard and small bent shaft.
PL: The blade looks thinner towards the edges and has volume in the middle…. What does this design provide?
The blade design combines the buoyant profile Ultimate Paddle lineup with the slender edge found on our legendary laminate paddles. The result is a paddle unlike anything we have brought to market. The buoyant center profile provides a stable platform, and the slender blade edge reduces resistance during entry and exit.
PL: We heard there was a lot of input from Dane…what feedback did he provide that influenced the design?
I spoke with Dane regularly to get his input and feedback through the development state. Dane provided feedback concerning blade size, shape, swing weight, and overall feel. His request was to have the highest performing whitewater paddle for everyday river running and racing.
PL: What is the longest length offered in straight and bent shaft in cm?
We offer a 203cm bent shaft and up to a 206cm straight.
PL: What is the total weight of the straight shaft and bent in 197cm?
Stealth Straight: 29.5oz
Stealth Bent: 34.5oz
Covert Straight: 29oz
Covert Bent: 34oz
PL: Dane used this blade on the most recent Green race and got a blistering time of just over four minutes…. What are the advantages/disadvantages over the odachi? (Read Dane’s Review HERE):
Although the Stealth and Covert are similar in shape to the Odachi, they’re different. The Stealth and Covert are more aggressive in shape and the overall swing weight is lighter. The Odachi does provide more buoyancy as the profile is thicker from edge to edge. Deciding on the advantages or disadvantages of either model will be to the paddler as they both perform quite well. Those who tested the Stealth have reported a faster stroke rate and lighter swing weight in favor of the Stealth.
PL: Where can folks get one?
Both of these models are available to purchase now at: https://wernerpaddles.com/collections/whitewater-race
They will be available at our dealer partners in 2024.