Does anybody have experience paddling the Ray Special from Fishell? I'm intrigued by it and am curious how it would do in some wind or weather. I wouldn't mind having it for calm conditions with a spare that can offer more power either, as long as it feels really nice. I imagin3 doing a beautiful 'j' stroke with that thing.

I'd use it sometimes in my solo, otherwise in the Stearns of my Quetico 17 tanker.

Thanks!

Feel free to move to the Gear thread instead of general discussion.....

CosmicCharlie: "Does anybody have experience paddling the Ray Special from Fishell? I'm intrigued by it and am curious how it would do in some wind or weather. I wouldn't mind having it for calm conditions with a spare that can offer more power either, as long as it feels really nice. I imagin3 doing a beautiful 'j' stroke with that thing.

I'd use it sometimes in my solo, otherwise in the Stearns of my Quetico 17 tanker.

Thanks!"

I own 3 Fishell paddles: 2 Modified Specials (1 cherry, 1 Ash both varnished, both 61") and a 64" Ray Special in Oiled Cherry.

I paddle both a Northstar Polaris and a Northstar Northwind Solo but paddle the Solo far more frequently. My preference is to paddle the Solo from a kneeling position utilizing a Canadian or underwater recovery stroke. Unfortunately, my lower limbs tolerate that only for about 30 minutes a stretch. From a seated position, I could still utilize an underwater recovery but typically do not. I don't really use a J-stroke either. The reach of the Ray Special is such that I typically direct the canoe more by sublet adjustments of the paddle angle during the stroke rather than any post stroke correction. The Ray Special feels formidable in the water. It provides speed at at lower cadence that my shorter paddles. For tripping, I might use the Ray Special in the morning when fresh, but switch to a Modified Special in the afternoon when I am fatigued

When paddling the Polaris, my wife is almost always my bow paddler. She contributes some to forward movement but not a lot. Any of my Fishell paddles will provide terrific control from the stern even with minimal contribution from the bow paddler.

I have other paddles; a couple Badger paddles, a Tripper and a Sliver, a couple Bending Branches Expedition Plus paddles and a Sanborn Canoe Company Gunflint paddle, but I almost always take a Fishell.

I just have to say welcome to the board, and "Cosmic Charlie, how do you do?" FANTASTIC screen name!!

Awesome, thanks for the great reply.

Frenchy19: "I just have to say welcome to the board, and "Cosmic Charlie, how do you do?" FANTASTIC screen name!!"

Frenchy-I need to buy myself a paddle for my paper canoe!

I use and LOVE LOVE LOVE the Ray Special. When you first paddle with it what stands out most is that it's stunningly quiet. It also has about the same surface area is more traditional paddles, but engages throughout the stroke, meaning it feels like you're moving less water and thus is less stressful and tiring on your arms. This may sound like a commercial, but it really is true, and I was amazed in Algonquin last month just how much less tired my arms were at the end of a day - I am sure it was because of that paddle (God knows it's not that I am in better shape!).

I found it works best for me using what I think is called the Canadian stroke - on the return I turn my top-hand thumb down like I am doing a J-stroke, but I do not push out. Rather I draw the paddle forward, bracing it along the gunwale. Add the 11" leather wrapping - it makes this stroke a dream to paddle.

Mine is 66" and I am 6'1" tall; I ordered the paddle varnished shaft and blade, but with an oiled grip. If you message the company Greg will likely respond personally and size the paddle up for you. I ended up making the purchase as much for that as anything. Two trips in (one 8-day and one 5-day) and I just love it.

I have the Ray special, and I will never go back to a traditional paddle. I paddle with my family of four, soon to be five, and it is the best canoeing investment I have made quite some time.

Like mentioned above the strain on my shoulders is far less, superiorly quiet, and has plenty of power when I need it. I am generally the main source of power in my canoe, and last year and a light wind storm. I was able to guide my canoe, heavily loaded just fine.

For me, steering is a breeze and I would highly recommend 11 inch of leather wrap as stated before for using it to pry off your canoe if needed.

When I first used it, I was wondering if it was all hype and it wasn’t until my friend who was paddling with me ask the trade paddle to see if he could fill what it was like. And as soon as I took the first two strokes with my previous paddle, did I realize how nice the Ray special really was.

For me, the Ray special is good for about any kind of water other than shallow water.

And for underwater recovery for those quiet mornings that you don’t want your paddle to interrupt with a splash this has been an amazing experience with the Ray special.

Frenchy19: "I just have to say welcome to the board, and "Cosmic Charlie, how do you do?" FANTASTIC screen name!!"

....a fellow prankster :)....