Read About Different Blade Types
We have a large variety of blades available, to suit different needs. River and Sea/Touring blades are significantly different to one-another. River blades are shorter, with a spoon-like shape, whereas Sea/Touring blades are longer, with a narrower outline. There are significant differences in terms of weight and strength, with river blades being heavier and stronger, able to accept the impacts and abuse that would be expected from river use. Within the River and Sea categories, the main options are of Blade shape and Blade material.
- Blade Material
The material that the blade is constructed from will either be Glassfibre or Carbon. While both are strong and relatively lightweight, there are significant differences. Glassfibre blades are generally thicker, with more material used in the blade. These blades are usually a little heavier and more flexible than carbon blades. Carbon Blades offer the best strength to weight ratio and offer better stiffness and performance in the water.
- Blade Shape
For both river and sea blades we offer three different blade shapes, to suit different paddlers needs. The different blade shapes are different sizes and offer a varied contact with the water. Smaller or younger paddlers may be best suited to a smaller blade such as the Pivot, whereas a larger or more powerful paddler would prefer the larger surface area of the Blast. Within the River and Sea sections, the three options will be outlined. When deciding on the best blade shape for yourself, consider your height and strength, as well as the type of paddling you will mainly be doing. If you would like further details or advice on blade shapes, just contact us.
Read About Different Shaft Options
- Fibreglass straight shaft
A simple, relatively lightweight entry-level shaft for general use. The basic glass shaft is ideal for a beginners' paddle - for use on easy graded rivers, flatwater and sea.
- 12k Carbon - Open Weave
The 12k Carbon shaft is an open weave construction. This allows for a certain amount of flexibility in use. This option is very light and comfortable to use, ideal for touring or sea paddling. Being slightly more flexible than the 100gsm, this is a great option for a lightweight, comfortable sea blade.
- 100gsm Carbon - Close weave
The close weave 100gsm carbon is a stiffer shaft than the 12k, intended for whitewater, surf or other rough use. It offers an excellent strength to weight ratio and is probably our most popular shaft for river or surf paddlers.
- PoloX - Reinforced Kevlar/Carbon
The PoloX was built to our design standards by NZ manufacturers Killwell for use in aggresive and demanding polo situations. The kevlar/carbon is designed to absorb hard impacts, rather than splitting as Carbon/Glass can be prone to. The high stress areas of the shaft are reinforced with extra material. These are built to withstand the abusive lifestyle of polo leagues. This means that the PoloX is also a good choice for building sturdy river blades, as it is extremely strong, relatively lightweight and can take severe abuse.
- Rochfort Crank - Carbon
Crank shafts have become increasingly popular amongst touring and sea paddlers due to the ergonomic position it offers for the user. For long distance paddling, Cranks offer a better grip position and thus less painful forearms and fingers. They do take some getting used to and are a matter of personal choice. Our cranks are a Glass/Carbon construction, which is lightweight and strong. They are also spigoted, with a variable centre joint, allowing them to be split in two and the length and feather to be altered easily. Our crank shaft is a good option for extended touring use on sea and lochs.
- Centre Variable Joint
The variable joint can be added to the centre of our glass or carbon touring shafts, and comes as standard on the cranks. The vari-joint is spigoted and allows the paddle to be split in two at the centre. The angle of the blades can be varied and tightened where required for the user and the internal spigot allows it to be used to extend the paddle length up to 10cm. This gives you a great range of options for your blades and the ability to take it in half can be very useful. The system adds a little weight to your paddle, however as it is centered it is not a hindrance to balance. A variable joint is a hugely popular option for sea and touring paddlers.
Read About Length and Feather
The length and feather of your paddle are very important considerations when setting out your specifications.
The length and feather (the angle of the blades to each other) that will suit you will be dependant on a number of factors. Your measurements (such as your height, the width of your shoulders and the length of your arms) and the type of paddling you will be doing (long/short distance, river, touring or racing, the type of boat) are the main factors.
If ordering your first set, we would recommend that you try out some paddles from a friend or club before deciding. If you'd like some advice, just contact us.
We would recommend the following as guidelines for river and sea blades...
River Paddles
Paddler around 5'10 - General River use
Length: 198cm Feather: 60
Paddler around 5'10 - Aggressive river use (Gorges, rocks, heavy abuse)
Length: 190cm Feather: 45
Sea Paddles
Paddler less than 6ft - General purpose Sea/Touring
Length: 215cm Feather: 70
Paddler 6ft + or long distance sea touring paddler
Length: 220cm Feather: 70
How to Buy
Our paddles can be purchased directly from us through the website. Certain stock paddles are also sold in Lomo (Glasgow) and at the National Kayak School (Oban).
When purchasing directly from us, your paddles are made to order, and you specify the details of your requirements. We use Paypal to process our online payments. We can also send you an invoice, for payment via cheque, or can accept cash-on-collection; just contact us to arrange such an order.
When ordering online, please enter the details of the paddle you require - Left or right handed, Feather and Length (and colour choice, where available). These should be entered in the 'Notes to seller' field. Please also include your phone number in the contact details, as we may need to get in touch for further info. We will always email or phone to confirm your order specifics and will also confirm available stock and lead times.
Postage and Packaging is charged at £10 within the UK. We ship using Parcelforce, or a similar courier.
It is possible to arrange local pickup, from ourselves or one of our affilliates - in these cases, pickup can be organised with us directly and we will refund the £10 p+p charge through Paypal.
If you would like some advice or to discuss anything before buying, please contact us.
Read About Different Blade Types
We have a large variety of blades available, to suit different needs. River and Sea/Touring blades are significantly different to one-another. River blades are shorter, with a spoon-like shape, whereas Sea/Touring blades are longer, with a narrower outline. There are significant differences in terms of weight and strength, with river blades being heavier and stronger, able to accept the impacts and abuse that would be expected from river use. Within the River and Sea categories, the main options are of Blade shape and Blade material.
- Blade Material
The material that the blade is constructed from will either be Glassfibre or Carbon. While both are strong and relatively lightweight, there are significant differences. Glassfibre blades are generally thicker, with more material used in the blade. These blades are usually a little heavier and more flexible than carbon blades. Carbon Blades offer the best strength to weight ratio and offer better stiffness and performance in the water.
- Blade Shape
For both river and sea blades we offer three different blade shapes, to suit different paddlers needs. The different blade shapes are different sizes and offer a varied contact with the water. Smaller or younger paddlers may be best suited to a smaller blade such as the Pivot, whereas a larger or more powerful paddler would prefer the larger surface area of the Blast. Within the River and Sea sections, the three options will be outlined. When deciding on the best blade shape for yourself, consider your height and strength, as well as the type of paddling you will mainly be doing. If you would like further details or advice on blade shapes, just contact us.
Read About Different Shaft Options
- Fibreglass straight shaft
A simple, relatively lightweight entry-level shaft for general use. The basic glass shaft is ideal for a beginners' paddle - for use on easy graded rivers, flatwater and sea.
- 12k Carbon - Open Weave
The 12k Carbon shaft is an open weave construction. This allows for a certain amount of flexibility in use. This option is very light and comfortable to use, ideal for touring or sea paddling. Being slightly more flexible than the 100gsm, this is a great option for a lightweight, comfortable sea blade.
- 100gsm Carbon - Close weave
The close weave 100gsm carbon is a stiffer shaft than the 12k, intended for whitewater, surf or other rough use. It offers an excellent strength to weight ratio and is probably our most popular shaft for river or surf paddlers.
- PoloX - Reinforced Kevlar/Carbon
The PoloX was built to our design standards by NZ manufacturers Killwell for use in aggresive and demanding polo situations. The kevlar/carbon is designed to absorb hard impacts, rather than splitting as Carbon/Glass can be prone to. The high stress areas of the shaft are reinforced with extra material. These are built to withstand the abusive lifestyle of polo leagues. This means that the PoloX is also a good choice for building sturdy river blades, as it is extremely strong, relatively lightweight and can take severe abuse.
- Rochfort Crank - Carbon
Crank shafts have become increasingly popular amongst touring and sea paddlers due to the ergonomic position it offers for the user. For long distance paddling, Cranks offer a better grip position and thus less painful forearms and fingers. They do take some getting used to and are a matter of personal choice. Our cranks are a Glass/Carbon construction, which is lightweight and strong. They are also spigoted, with a variable centre joint, allowing them to be split in two and the length and feather to be altered easily. Our crank shaft is a good option for extended touring use on sea and lochs.
- Centre Variable Joint
The variable joint can be added to the centre of our glass or carbon touring shafts, and comes as standard on the cranks. The vari-joint is spigoted and allows the paddle to be split in two at the centre. The angle of the blades can be varied and tightened where required for the user and the internal spigot allows it to be used to extend the paddle length up to 10cm. This gives you a great range of options for your blades and the ability to take it in half can be very useful. The system adds a little weight to your paddle, however as it is centered it is not a hindrance to balance. A variable joint is a hugely popular option for sea and touring paddlers.
Read About Length and Feather
The length and feather of your paddle are very important considerations when setting out your specifications.
The length and feather (the angle of the blades to each other) that will suit you will be dependant on a number of factors. Your measurements (such as your height, the width of your shoulders and the length of your arms) and the type of paddling you will be doing (long/short distance, river, touring or racing, the type of boat) are the main factors.
If ordering your first set, we would recommend that you try out some paddles from a friend or club before deciding. If you'd like some advice, just contact us.
We would recommend the following as guidelines for river and sea blades...
River Paddles
Paddler around 5'10 - General River use
Length: 198cm Feather: 60
Paddler around 5'10 - Aggressive river use (Gorges, rocks, heavy abuse)
Length: 190cm Feather: 45
Sea Paddles
Paddler less than 6ft - General purpose Sea/Touring
Length: 215cm Feather: 70
Paddler 6ft + or long distance sea touring paddler
Length: 220cm Feather: 70
How to Buy
Our paddles can be purchased directly from us through the website. Certain stock paddles are also sold in Lomo (Glasgow) and at the National Kayak School (Oban).
When purchasing directly from us, your paddles are made to order, and you specify the details of your requirements. We use Paypal to process our online payments. We can also send you an invoice, for payment via cheque, or can accept cash-on-collection; just contact us to arrange such an order.
When ordering online, please enter the details of the paddle you require - Left or right handed, Feather and Length (and colour choice, where available). These should be entered in the 'Notes to seller' field. Please also include your phone number in the contact details, as we may need to get in touch for further info. We will always email or phone to confirm your order specifics and will also confirm available stock and lead times.
Postage and Packaging is charged at £10 within the UK. We ship using Parcelforce, or a similar courier.
It is possible to arrange local pickup, from ourselves or one of our affilliates - in these cases, pickup can be organised with us directly and we will refund the £10 p+p charge through Paypal.
If you would like some advice or to discuss anything before buying, please contact us.
Being based in Central Scotland, we have a lot of great rivers on our doorstep. In selecting the best river blades, we've tried out a huge variety over the years. Our River Blades are imported directly from New Zeland paddle makers Rochefort. Rochefort river blades have a great strength to weight ratio, are exceptionally well built and come in three shape designs to suit different needs.
Read on to find out more about the options available...
Blade Options
Pivot -With a classic Asymmetric profile, the Pivot has been designed as an all round, hard-wearing river blade. Built to a high strength for abusive river use, the Pivot is a stable and dependable blade – a great choice for river paddling.
(Length - 43cm, Width - 19.5cm)
Blast -The Blast is a bigger version of the Pivot for paddlers that want more power. It has the same characteristics as the Pivot for larger paddlers or those who prefer a larger blade. (Length 43cm Width 20.5cm )
Pulse -The Pulse is a newly developed blade by Rochfort. Designed to be a high-performance, powerful and precise blade, this is suited to experienced river paddlers. They are ideal for slalom and other technical river running. (Length 44.5 cm Width 21.5 cm)
Buying Options and Prices
Our river blades are available to buy online through the website. Simply click below to order. You will need to specify your buying options when ordering - these should be typed into the 'Notes to Seller' field. You will need to specify the Blade Shape (Pulse, Blast or Pivot) and Blade Colour (From red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black or clear - glass blades only). You must also specify the Length and Feather of your paddle. If you have any questions or queries before buying, please email us.
We will always email or phone to confirm your order specifics and will also confirm available stock and lead times.
Powerplay offers a great range of sea paddles, with options for beginners, through to seasoned veterans of the sport. We have close ties with our friends at the National Kayak School in Oban, who are incredibly experienced in sea kayak instruction and our blades have been used on numerous excursions and expeditions.
Read on to find out more about the different blade types and paddle options available...
Blade Options
Classic -A ‘Classic’ sea paddle design with a medium surface area. This is designed for general touring and sea use and is suitable for a variety of users. Comfortable and easily controlled, this is the best choice for the majority of touring paddlers.
Kinetic -A Neil Baxter designed, more powerful sea blade, suited to use in rougher waters. The Kinetic Sea is intended for more experienced Sea and Touring paddlers who demand precise control and a more powerful stroke.
Siren -The Siren is the same profile as the classic blade, but has a slighter surface area for smaller or younger paddlers.
Knysna Typhoon -A forgiving and comfortable, smaller surface area blade from South African brand Knysna. These carbon blades are lightweight, strong and stiff. They offer an excellent choice for smaller paddlers, or those with a relaxed paddling style.
Buying Options and Prices
Our sea blades are available to buy online through the website. Simply click below to order. You will need to specify your buying options when ordering - these should be typed into the 'Notes to Seller' field. You will need to specify the Blade Shape (Classic, Kinetic or Siren). You must also specify the Length and Feather of your paddle. If you have any questions or queries before buying, please email us.
We will always email or phone to confirm your order specifics and will also confirm available stock and lead times.
Powerplay have developed links with numerous race blade manufacturers and are able to import and build up blades from the Knysna and Brasca Racing wing ranges.
Due to the range of blade sizes offered by Knysna and Brasca and the particular requirements each customer will have, we do not keep racing wings in stock. For information on pricing and availability, please email for more info.
Powerplay is run by Ali Denny and George Spittal
Please email any questions or enquiries
PowerPlay Paddles, 2011