Bending Branches Whisper Paddle Trial (Northwest River)

We were excited to receive the new paddle we will be phasing in for customers in the upcoming seasons, and as always we were eager to take it out for a trial run and give it a try.

The Bending Branches Whisper, 230cm,  2pc aluminum shaft, Polypropylene blade, and weighing in at 37 oz. This paddle is a great entry-level paddle, and I am geared up ready to hit the water with it to give it my final approval.

I"m off, and up ahead is the railroad bridge, the virtual "gateway" to the complete solitude of the upper Northwest River.

Traveling under the 168 Bypass to North Carolina, I am ready to get on the way. I have one geocache out here to check on, and two to possibly place in this area while I'm out on the water.

I can already feel the performance of this paddle. The E-coat oval grips are very comfortable with each stroke and I could tell there was very minimal flutter while pulling the kayak along.

It was a beautiful day for a paddle on the Northwest River. Anytime you are out on the water in February, in shorts, you have to feel blessed as a kayaker.

 Left or right here? Today we are traveling left, on a beautiful side creek that travels deep into the cypress swamp to check on a geocache.

I'm finally closing in on the geocache and the paddle is holding up very well. Extremely happy with it and its really lightweight and causing no arm fatigue.

All is well here! This little guy has lasted a long time in this location. Not many people get this far back into the cypress swamp unless they are on a tour with us.

I've reached the end of the "road" for now. Time to take a break, eat some gorp and relax for a minute. I could sit here for hours listening to the trees sway and creek in the wind. If you want to "get away from it all" this is definitely the place for you.

Its good to see the turtles are back out and about getting some sun. They are especially shy this time of year and you have to be quick to catch a photo in February.

If you look closely you can see Spanish Moss hanging from the Bald Cypress Tree. Virginia is the Northern most geographic point where this species thrives.

Stopping by this cove to place a new geocache  for the upcoming paddling season. Look closely and see if you can find it.

My work here is done and its time to head back to the launch. Sneaking in another day in February on the water is food for the soul. Another day spent taking on the world with a paddle.