Atlantic Ocean (AO) Paddles review

For the past year I have had the opportunity to give some testing to Atlantic Ocean Paddles.

For many years I have been a fan of carbon nylon paddles from Lendal/Celtic. Whilst owning other paddles such as Werner, Mad Yakker, Robson and Double Dutch, I always liked the robustness of the Lendal. Sadly these don’t seem to be available any longer, so I started hunting for a new set. I tried quite a few, but none felt right with the shaft, or the blades were too big.

For reference, I’m 5’9, medium build and medium strength. I paddle with the paddle fairly upright. A lot of what other brands have available, are either too big, or too small on the blade, or encourage a lower paddling angle. Working 4-5 days a week on the river, a while ago I did 13 days straight and I did feel pain in my elbows and wrists, so I need to get my paddles right.

AO come in a number of material variations, glass or carbon shaft, and glass or carbon blades. Mix them up as you please. Many people are drawn to carbon, because of their stiffness and power, but I’ve always found them a bit too rigid and a cause to wrist, elbow and shoulder pain, so I opted for glass blades and shaft. AO suggested glass shaft and carbon blades which give flex, but firm power in the blade. I went with glass as I wanted a bright colour.

I initially tried the Saiph Nova in carbon. It has a medium blade size and I find suited my more vertical paddling style (maybe this comes from my slalom background). As the blade isn’t too big, I find it is easy to paddle quickly to accelerate when needed, and then able to maintain that speed without burning out because the blades are too big. I feel this matches British rivers well, with lots of tight turns, then accelerating for a drop. The power in the blades feels positive and connected. Quick backwards strokes to change direction never give off flutter, nor have I felt it forward paddling.

More recently they have brought the Mizar to the market. Again a nice blade that I like a lot. It feels a bit more powerful, but a little harder to get to speed compared to the Saiph Nova. It feels like it is easier to hold the power and speed once you are up to cruising speed.

Nicely all paddles can come with an adjustable length spigot, so if you want to change boats, you can adjust your paddle as well. Maybe a shorter paddle for playboating, longer for river running.

Durability: overall I’m pretty impressed. Glass or carbon in a rocky environment isn’t a great mix, hence I previously used a carbon/nylon blade.

I’ve given these a tough ride and used them on every river. There are expected signs from wear and tear, but nothing concerning. On one occasion I managed to jam them between rocks and I thought I would snap them, but they are fine, just a little chipped!

Overall these paddles come in a bit cheaper than the bigger brands, but I don’t feel any major trade offs. Certainly if you are looking for your first good paddle these are worth considering. Bear in mind you will be less mindful where you are putting your paddle, or lack skill to place your paddle where needed so it might have a rough ride! Many cheaper plastic blades are heavier and won’t allow the swing rate a glass or carbon paddle will.

Overall a nice paddle, with good durability, and the price is good too!