Double Dutch paddles

by Casper van Kalmthout
in Highlights · Paddles · Reviews
— 5 Jun, 2013

Do you remember your first paddle? I’m sure that many of you immediately start thinking about Double Dutch.

Double Dutch has been producing paddles since 1980 and still is today.

And if you thought that Double Dutch was mainly orientated toward the slalom and canoe polo markets, you are wrong!

Many years of experience has allowed Double Dutch to broaden their scope and use their skills over a great variety of disciplines, guaranteeing you the same Dutch Quality Design in a handcrafted product.

I’m happy to introduce you to the new Double Dutch white water paddles.

So what’s new?

Double Dutch white water paddles are no breaking news. There have been many different white water models in the past. So what’s new?

‘We have fine tuned our previous models so that we can now present them in a complete white water collection’ – says Sander van Kuijl, the owner of Double Dutch.

‘We are now able to offer a broad range of white water paddles in different sizes, colours and materials. The production is set up and we are ready to produce!’

The white water line from Double Dutch consists of three different shapes:

Proton (Small size)
Tyfoon (Medium size)
Magic (Large size)

These shapes all come in three different materials:

Fibreglass
Semi-carbon
Carbon

It’s your choice how you configure your paddle with the options of shaft material:

Material: glass, carbon, power-crank
length: 187cm – 205cm
Angle: 0° – 90°

Let’s now take a look at the three shapes in more detail.

PROTON

The relatively small blade design of the Proton is suitable for both freestyle and river running. It’s not just for the small paddlers with less strength; it’s for every paddler that prefers to pull on their blade with control. The proton, for me, is the perfect size to make fast continuous strokes.

TYFOON

The Tyfoon is more of a creek paddle. It came from the very popular ww/creeker the Scorpion, with some small changes to the construction. It gives a lot of control on decisive strokes, like boofs, surfs, eddy crosses and transverses on white water.

MAGIC

With a large blade design, the Magic is not exclusively a blade for the big boys, but it does ask for some strength and control.

If you like to paddle big water, surf big waves or race fast, this is your choice. Every contact with the water allows you to transfer full strength via your blade to the water.

Carbon versus Fibreglass?

There is always a big discussion going on about the difference between carbon and fibreglass. Obviously carbon is more expensive, but when should you choose one or the other? It totally depends on your kayaking.

The main differences are in weight, stiffness and durability:

If you hit a lot of rocks, fibreglass wears down more easily
If you like full strength and professional use from your paddle, you’ll love the carbon
If you like to have a shiny colour on your paddle, you should definitely choose fibreglass

If you ever get the chance to hold a Double Dutch carbon paddle, please take a good look at the great layering, stiffness and weight of the blades. It’s a beauty of a paddle that shows pure quality in a handcrafted product.

Semi-carbon

The goal of the semi-carbon blades is to reduce the gap between fibreglass and carbon paddles. The carbon paddle is a high-end paddle, but doesn’t match the budget of an average paddler.

Therefore, the semi-carbon is a great step up. This paddle is a true mix of fibreglass and carbon. The price, weight and strength are right in the middle.

Even the design of the paddle is semi-carbon; the back of the blade is coloured fibreglass, while the front is carbon.

Paddlers’ perspectives

Casper van Kalmthout, Double Dutch Ambassador (NL):

‘I have been a proud Double Dutch paddler since I started my kayaking career. The paddles outplay the quality of many other European brands and beside that Double Dutch is a loyal company that is easy to communicate with.

I’m happy that I can now choose my style of paddle out of the white water collection. My preference goes to the carbon Proton straight shaft, because it’s a strong and durable paddle and is suitable for both white water and freestyle kayaking.’

Tim Uneken, Double Dutch Ambassador (NL):

‘I noticed the attention to detail. As a white water paddler you need to be able to trust your gear and Double Dutch has proved to be trustworthy in every kind of white water. If you choose Double Dutch, you choose your gear wisely.’

Looking for a new paddle?

If you are looking for a new paddle you should ask yourself the simple question: What do I need? I’ve experienced too many paddlers showing up on the river with super-fancy, highly competitive gear. It’s not necessary!

The Double Dutch white water line now has a paddle for every paddler.

So if you’re looking for a paddle, decide whether you’re a steep creeker or playboater, a professional or a beginner, small or large, strong or delicate, rough or smooth, rich or poor, and configure your personally adjusted pair of blades.

All paddles are now for sale from Double Dutch dealers: