I bought a Camano on sale at REI last fall, what a difference the light swing weight and blade design makes, very smooth. I especially like the blade feel in choppy water on longer trips, much easier on my back than my full size Lendal paddle
My only concern is that if I touch the button on the take apart joint while doing an extended brace or roll, unexpectedly the paddle comes apart. Some duct tape around the middle of the paddle solves this, but am I the only one with this problem?
I THRASH my gear...
I use my Camano at work as a guide in the Marlborough Sounds, NZ, and it's still going strong after 5 years of paddling at least 175 days a year, towing loaded doubles in chop and strong winds, being loaded in the trailer and rattling round with the rental paddles, and getting stood on by moron customers.
The ferrule wore out, so I glued it together at 35deg, then the ferrule pulled out the carbon weave from the inside of the shaft so I mixed up some epoxy and glued that back in, that was a year ago and the only problem I've had.
I have the crank shaft, which I believe helped clear up some tendinitis in my wrist and definitely helps out my stroke.
I'm extremely happy with this stick, and when I inevitably lose or break it I will buy another one despite the huge price tag.
Had a Werner San Juan in the '80s that I sold with a Chinook in '92. Kicked myself for years for that one. Got back into K1 in about '98. The Dagger store didn't carry Werner so I had to drive across town to get a Camano. Paid retail. Never flinched about the price. Absolutely the best value of my 6 paddles. You can shave a couple ounces off for a couple hundred dollars but I don't believe it's necessary.
Only problem I seem to have is whenever I take someone paddling they always want to try the Camano. If I have them switch to try something else they soon ask to switch back. My wife recently started paddling with me and I fear I've lost the Camano for good. Paddle on!!
I have used my Camano for about 4 years or so and am totally thrilled with it. I don't just splash along with it , I really use it... as a tarp pole, as a push of the rocks pry bar, as a stab in the mud/sand anchor, and as my lever for shore entry ( I am 225 lbs ). I have fished car tires from the river to flop onto shore, etc. and still not one single chip or noticeable scratch. and the ferule is still tight and wiggle free.
The Mitchell carbon and wood paddle is pure beauty and I want one, but I just can't seem to wear out my Camano. Werner makes one superb paddle. Werner must have no repeat customers because the paddles they sell are forever.
I have been using a Werner Camano, carbon, bent shaft for almost 2 years. Periodically I swap with friends to try other paddles and this always leads to discussion. The following comments and observations are respectfully offered:
1. If you are just getting started a bent shaft paddle is the way to go.
2. Bent shaft is difficult to adjust to for those who started with a straight shaft.
3. Straight shaft is easier to adjust to for those used to bent shaft so it is feasible to use a bent shaft as a primary, with a less costly straight shaft for backup.
4. For those used to bent shaft there are never any times when it is not an advantage over a straight shaft.
5. Hand placement is perfect on the bent shaft Camano and it is very easy to control this paddle even in difficult surf or high wind conditions.
6. The Camano is more rugged than the similar Kaliste, both have slight flutter in some situations, easily controlled and not a problem.
7. The light weight of the carbon really starts to matter on long days on the water, but is probably not as critical for young, strong paddlers, or those who only go out for short, leisurely excursions.
8. People who are used to aluminum or fiberglass paddles find carbon very nice. People who prefer wood paddles find carbon unpleasant.
9. The people at Werner are great, their customer service is faultless, and their products are well made and generally trouble-free.
10. I think any high grade paddle from a reputable company would prove satisfying for a paddler who has no prior experience. For experienced paddlers the issue of which paddle is the best one for them becomes more difficult. So for anyone reading these comments who is just starting out recognize that your first paddle is critical. For a wide variety of uses and users the Werner Camano, bent shaft is a very good place to start.
11. In my opinion we spend too much time worrying about which boat to buy. In reality our paddle choice is much more important.