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to the power face of the
blade. As usual, the Shuna
features the impeccable
Werner quality that I’ve
come to expect. Fiber
orientation and finish
on my 215 cm carbon
sample are exemplary.
The union between blade
and shaft is very clean.
The clever new ferrule
design, consisting of two
injection-molded parts,
provides a very high
tolerance fit and exhibits
no slop. This system allows
feather adjustments in
15° increments, from
unfeathered to 75° offset,
for both right and left
hand control.
Our test sample Shuna features Werner’s neutral bent shaft.
The goal behind this twisty bit of business is to promote a more
natural alignment of the wrist and arm than straight shafts provide,
theoretically thereby reducing the potential for repetitive motion
injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles, as less stress is generated
on the body. Because such ergonomic shafts require complicated
two-part bladder molds for their manufacture, costs are typically
high. But not to fear, the Shuna is also available in a straight shaft
configuration in carbon or fiberglass. And Werner also offers their
shafts in two diameter sizes, to properly fit larger and smaller hands.
Yup, these folks are serious about paddles!
On the water, the Shuna represents a little less ‘beef’ than the
Kauai. It is a little less powerful on the plant and grabs less water,
but I often felt that the Kauai was just a shade too big for me for
general touring. The Shuna also feathers from one stroke to the next
really smoothly. This smoothness in the water will likely make it a
favorite with instructors, as it transitions from stroke to stroke very
nicely. Yet there is still a ton of support for rolling, sculling and
spirited play in the surf zone.
The neutral bent shaft is very, well... neutral. It feels balanced,
resting in the hand naturally. The grip area of the shaft fits the contour
of the hand securely and provides excellent indexing, allowing the
paddler to instantly orient the blades at all times. For me, at 150
lbs, the Shuna represents a great ‘athletic’ touring/play paddle.
Performance is very good and it’s extremely well made. If you have
adopted a high angle paddling style or are curious about it, then the
Shuna is a great choice. If you want a bigger blade design check
out Werner’s Corryvrecken. ❏
WERNER SHUNA
Carbon blades and carbon neutral bent shaft: $357 US
Carbon blades and carbon straight shaft: $333 US
Fiberglass blades and fiberglass straight shaft: $250 US
Check with your local dealer for Canadian pricing.
Werner Paddles Inc.
33415 SR 2 Sultan, WA, USA 98294
Phone: 800-275-3311
info@wernerpaddles.com
www.wernerpaddles.com
© Alex Matthews
reviews gear in each issue:
matthewsalex@hotmail.com.
June/July 2004 www.WaveLengthMagazine.com
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