When Aqua Bound sent us the Tetra sample it wasn't long before Mr Evans of Tame The Elements Coaching got in contact looking to have a go! Eventually we handed it over for a long term demo and we recently caught up with Chris to find out how he's been getting on with it!
WWTCC : When you first picked up the Tetra, what stood out to you?
Chris : The very first thing that stood out were the aesthetics of the paddle then the lightweight feel. The tetra’s are eye-catching with the single piece blade and shaft, stand out shape and reflective logo’s. Putting the paddle in people's hands sparks the interest with its incredible light weight
WWTCC : Since you got them, how much and in what situations have you been using the paddle? (coaching, touring, rough water, etc.)
Chris : Being based in North Wales there’s a variety of sea kayaking options and I’ve used the tetra’s in all of them from coaching days, coast line exploration, full days out and heavy seas including wind blown chop, crossings and tide races/overfalls. I completed my advanced sea kayak leader assessment in May and these were the paddle of choice to paddle around Bardsey Sound and a night paddle on the Menai Straits
WWTCC : The Tetra is known for being lightweight — have you noticed that during longer sessions?
Chris : The lightweight feel is noticeable and the initial fragile feel goes within the first few paddle strokes,
WWTCC :How does it compare to other paddles you’ve used in terms of fatigue or efficiency?
Chris : Fatigue happens when the paddle isn’t matched to the boat. Match these paddles with an expedition or race inspired sea kayak and they’re a fantastic all day option, a day play style sea kayak feels like the boat is ‘shunting’ forward with every stroke. These have the feel of an efficient foam core paddle without the added weight.
WWTCC : How have you found the tacky grip, especially during wet or extended paddles?
Chris : The tacky grip is only felt with dry hands and a dry paddle, once both are wet these feel similar to any other grip with the added benefit of anti slip after applying suncream
WWTCC : Are you normally a low-angle paddle user?
Chris : I normally use a high angle style
WWTCC : How have you found the Tetra’s low-angle blade in terms of stroke efficiency and control?
Chris : For an environment requiring lots of quick paddle strokes and direction changes or a quick burst of power these might not be the best choice but for a big distance or a higher gliding pace these are fantastic.
WWTCC : Some foam-core paddles can be fragile — how has the Tetra stood up so far?
Chris : The blades have stood up really well to the harsh, volcanic environment of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula, I was expecting the blades to dent or chip with the odd bit of maintenance needed but they’ve been use and forget so far. The ferrule has seen an increase in the amount of play **.
**The sample Tetra we lent Chris has what is known as a drifted Ferrule where the two pieces of the posilok ferrule dont quite close together as intended. Your Aqua Bound paddles shouldn't have this but if you notice any issues please let us know.**
WWTCC : Have you had it in any situations where you expected wear and tear?
Chris : Lots of situations, coaching clients wanting a go and being ‘heavy handed’, being badly loaded into vehicles (happens while a trailer is being loaded for example) and having to move into awkward situations to mark a route around a rocky headland or swell into rocks. These have been used in tide races (both surfing a front wave and paddling through) where I was worried about damaging them and they’ve been fine.
WWTCC · Do you avoid using the Tetra in certain conditions, or is it your go-to across the board?
Chris : Moving forward with them I probably wouldn’t use them in the more dynamic environments like surf, rock hopping, tide races or overfalls intentional playing, During the days out ‘playing’ at places like Penrhyn mawr or North Stack I’d be more likely to use my whiskeys with their shorter, fatter blade shape. These environments and the paddling style requires high cadence and the ability to change direction quickly, the whiskeys are standout for this style of paddling but hurt with a full day of distance paddling so through I’d still use the tetra’s.
WWTCC : What’s been your favorite thing about using the Tetra?
Chris : The lightweight feel and the increased glide of my beloved Cetus.
WWTCC : Would you recommend it to other coaches or paddlers — and if so, why?
Chris : I would, mainly because paddles are a personal thing and are our almost direct contact to the water. Because of this I encourage people to try as many different paddles and constructions as possible to find what works for them.
Thanks Chris!
If you're interested in the Aqua Bound Tetra come and see us or to find out more check out our spotlight blog here
