BRAČA-SPORT® Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddles
Find Your Paddle: Teardrop, Twist, Hybrid—Braca designs are in stock at FastPaddler.com!
BRAČA-SPORT® is dedicated to designing, developing, and producing the highest-performing paddles for every paddler. We understand that each paddler has unique needs, which is why every paddle is thoughtfully designed to suit individual preferences. Different designs excel for different paddlers and environments, and we proudly offer a wide range of sizes, shaft configurations, and materials to ensure you find the perfect fit for your kayaking journey.
FastPaddler makes it easy to find your ideal paddle with our extensive inventory, including both popular and specialized options. Your paddle will be expertly assembled and quickly shipped, so you’re ready to hit the water in no time!
CARBON WING PADDLE TECH AND OPTIONS
New in Kayak Paddles
Explore our new paddle options and constructions in stock at FastPaddler. Braca + FastPaddler guarantees quality and customization, with a ready supply of every paddle model and the latest advancements. Order online for swift delivery of your paddle!
BRAČA-SPORT® Kayak Wing and Euro Paddles
Interested in Canoe, SUP, Dragon? Go to our paddle shop for all sports
Blade Constructions
Standard
Our regular 100% carbon construction paddle
Extra Light
A lighter, stiffer version approx 20 to 100 g lighter than standard
Marathon
Kevlar tips for durability for rugged conditions
Surfski
Reinforced for reverse forces of bracing and current in all waters
Soft
A softer, more forgiving performance blade
Carbon 60
Durable, slightly heavier softer blade at a lower price
Down River
Edge of the blade is reinforced with metal for severe conditions
Which Kayak Paddles Are Most Popular?
Braca IV and Braca XI are most popular.
Choosing between 2 Incredible Carbon Wing Paddles!
The Braca XI (11) and Braca IV (4) stand out as our most popular carbon kayak paddles. The XI boasts a high-twist teardrop design, perfected in the USA by Ted Van Dusen, and has been rapidly gaining traction among top competitors. Widely favored by athletes across the board, the Braca XI remains a top choice.
The Braca IV or I (same design, larger blades) represents the original wing paddle design, a teardrop with a moderate twist, by Braca, enjoying significant popularity in the USA. The paddle is designed to facilitate the application of power in the catch through the middle of the stroke, leading to an efficient and powerful forward stroke.
For competitive sprinters, the Braca VII or VI (same design, larger blades) presents yet another compelling option, an extreme twist that loves the catch. Successful elite athletes worldwide have achieved acclaim using each of these kayak paddle designs.
Our extensive stock includes a diverse array of configurations, ensuring we can cater to every type of athlete. You have the flexibility to choose the blade design, size, construction, and shaft for your paddle. This versatility positions BRACA-SPORT as the market leader. Your optimal paddle is just a few days away!
Braca XI Van Dusen
Metal Tipped Down River Blade
All blades and shafts made at Braca’s own factory in Lithuania. Over 30 years experience!
The Braca XI wing blade shape was originally designed by Ted Van Dusen in 1992 after three years of development and testing. Due to the high demand, BRACA-SPORT® added this specially shaped blade to the product line by purchasing a license from Ted in 2014. The XI is considered an extreme twist shape which facilitates a strong catch and clean exit. Many paddles on the market have emulated this shape, but if you have not tried an original Van Dusen design you really should. The power curve for the Braca XI is impressive!
Blade Sizes
Blade Size: The XI blade sizes cover the entire range of athlete sizes – 600 to 835 (contact us for 835). 12 sizes!
600 635 675 705 720 735 750 760 775 795 805 815 – wow!
Construction
The XI is available in many constructions Regular (R), Extra Light (XL), Surfski (SS), Marathon (M), and several sizes are also available in the new Down River (DR).
Shafts
Can be paired with any Braca shaft, depending on blade size choice, from stiff shafts for sprinting with large blades to softer shafts for marathon and surfski.
The Braca IV has been one of BRAČA-SPORT’s most popular paddles for all types of paddling: One of the most popular sprinter kayak paddles, used in Olympic Sprints, World Marathon Championships, and Surfski events. The IV is a classic carbon wing paddle design, the original teardrop design! Athletes like the easy placement at the catch and the power delivery across the stroke. Larger sized ICF Sprint paddles in the same shape are available as the Braca I for most powerful athletes primarily competing in sprint.
Blade Sizes
Blade Size: The IV blade sizes cover the entire range of athlete sizes – 610 to 765. Braca I continues the same design in even larger blades sizes 775 to 820.
610 635 670 705 720 735 750 765
Construction
The IV is available in ALL constructions Regular, Extra Light, Surfski, Carbon 60, Soft, Marathon, and several sizes are also available in the new Down River (DR).
Shafts
Can be paired with any Braca shaft, depending on blade size choice, from stiff shafts for sprinting with large blades to softer shafts for marathon and surfski.
Braca Kayak Shaft Options
Our in-house manufactured shafts stand out uniquely in the industry.
Braca shafts are meticulously crafted for top-tier performance in every sport. With 30 years of expertise in manufacturing shafts at the Braca factory, we take pride in delivering unparalleled quality.
Braca-Sport offers a range of shaft options with different characteristics to suit the needs of various paddlers. Designed for Olympic and World events, Braca shafts cover the needs from short sprint to marathon and surfski. Typically, if you’re a robust sprint paddler who engages in racing and wields a larger paddle, opting for a stiffer shaft, such as 17K or stiffer (17, 06, 04, 03, 02), is advisable. A stiffer shaft is particularly suitable for shorter distances as well. For paddlers who are not sprint racers, the 17K, 19K, 21K are a fit. The 19K is a excellent all-around shaft for flatwater or ocean and is aimed at anyone looking for a more flexible, lightweight 100% carbon shaft.
The stiffness of the shaft can impact the paddle’s performance. Some paddlers prefer a stiffer shaft for maximum power and efficiency, while others may prefer a bit more flexibility for distance and comfort.
The majority of USA paddlers use 19k, 21k or if in sprinter category then 17k, 06k, 03k
- Our most popular configuration is the 19k for medium and long distances, marathon, surfski, fitness training.
- Sprinters use 17k or stiffer shafts generally with only pro short distance sprinters using the most stiff options.
- Youth paddles have specifically designed shafts with more flexible construction of carbon/fiberglass.
- Some athletes use a softer shaft for surfski, often 21k, than flatwater especially if they have multiple paddles.
- Stiff, well-made blades (Braca!) and then shafts to accommodate needed flexibility is the preferred setup
- Downriver blades have a special 18k shaft for extra rugged conditions.
Customization of your blade design, blade size, shaft, and paddle length is unique in the industry!
Measurement
The Stiffness # (not the K) is deflection in mm when a weight is hung from the shaft. The larger the number the more flexible (soft) the shaft.
Made in Lithuania at Braca factory
Made for performance specs
Shafts
Note the different ranges and connectors, you've got options!
Shaft Choices by Stiffness Rating
Sprint shafts with 5 cm of adjustment
Stiffer
02K: Stiffness = 2.5 to 2.6 mm of deflection
03K: Stiffness = 2.7 to 2.8 mm of deflection
04K: Stiffness = 2.9 to 3.0 mm of deflection
06K: Stiffness = 3.1 to 3.2 mm of deflection
17K: Stiffness = 3.3 to 3.4 mm of deflection
Softer
Distance, surfski, fitness shafts with 10 cm of adjustment
Stiffer
19K: Stiffness = Medium 3.2 – 3.6 mm of deflection
19K: Stiffness = Soft 4.5 -4.7 mm of deflection — ** Most used in USA
21K: Stiffness = Medium 5.2 – 5.4 mm of deflection
21K Stiffness = Soft 6.1 – 6.3 mm of deflection (Smaller 28mm diameter)
Softer
Other Factors for Shaft Selection
Varied Water Conditions
- When paddling in different water conditions, like the ocean or river, where you might need to speed up to catch waves, stabilize yourself (bracing), or navigate through moving water, it’s essential to choose the right paddle shaft. The softest shafts, 21K and 19K, are specifically made for these unpredictable conditions, but you can also consider using a 17K. It’s important to note that the 19K and 21K shafts come with plastic connectors, while all other shafts have metal connectors that are susceptible to salt water. If you’re using a paddle with metal connectors, make sure to disassemble and rinse them after each use, especially if you’ve been paddling in saltwater.
Injury Prevention or Accommodation
- For paddlers wanting to take it easy on their joints and reduce the risk of injury then the more flexible shafts are indicated. Both the older and younger folks can benefit from using more flexible setups to reduce stress and add shock absorption. This shift helps the shaft absorb more of the stress and shock, taking some of the load off your joints. You might lose a tiny bit of power, but it’s hardly noticeable unless you’re a top-tier paddler doing short sprints. Youth paddles have their own flexible shafts to provide professional performance and protect young joints.
