Welcome to Jazz Paddles!

Jazz kayak paddles are made by Fletcher Enterprises in New Zealand and are being offered to you at direct-from-the-distributor prices.  The paddles are made with aerospace-grade, woven, carbon-fiber fabric and specially formulated epoxy resins, using a proprietary resin transfer molding process (RTM).  

 
The paddles were designed by James G. Goree, Ph.D., retired mechanical engineering professor at Clemson University.  Dr. Goree retired in 1996 as Clemson University Centennial Professor Emeritus after a long career, including 25 years of research with NASA Langley in composite materials.  In his words, "Jazz paddles are equal to or better than the top-of-the-line carbon-fiber paddles from the top manufacturers in quality, design, strength, strength-to-weight and resistance to delamination and edge splitting."

The addition of the Fletcher-designed, Quiklok-adjustable, take-apart connection is an outstanding feature for the touring paddle.  It provides a strong and tight connection with both feather and length adjustment.  This enables the paddler to closely adapt the paddle to the paddler's paddling style and kayak geometry.  Unlike smooth ferrules, the Quiklok ferrule's internal splines mesh with axial and arced splines on the shaft to provide a solid connection with minimal tightening.  The paddle has a swing-weight of an even lighter paddle because some of the weight is concentrated in the connection.

The shaft utilizes off-axis carbon fiber with a mix of glass fibers resulting in a durable and flexible shaft.  An all-carbon shaft design was deemed to be too stiff.  The shaft finish and underlying fiber orientation is less likely to cause blisters.  The control-hand, shaft-grip area is moderately oval enabling good registration while maintaining a relaxed grip.

 
The well-engineered blade shape provides high efficiency without a tendency to twist or flutter as is common with many other high performance paddles.

See the Jazz Tripper in action in the "SURFING NEW ZEALAND" segment of the sea kayaking film "THIS IS THE SEA 3."