Ed Vater on Our “Black Pearl” All-Carbon Canoe Paddle
5-minute read
The lightest canoe paddles we make are the Black Pearl ST and Black Pearl 11—the straight and bent shaft versions of these all-carbon, sleek black paddles.
Ed Vater on a rainy day with his Black Pearl all-carbon paddle
Ed Vater, Bending Branches’ president from 2002 and owner from 2015-2022, was involved in the design and development of these elite paddles. The bent shaft model was introduced in 2018 and the straight shaft model in 2022. His Black Pearl 11 has been his go-to paddle for his canoe trips for many years.
Both Black Pearl (BP) models are 100% carbon from blade to grip. The blades feature our nylon-weave Edgegard protection that seals the carbon and extends the paddle’s life. Each has the Contoured Palm Grip, which is comfortable and versatile for long days on the water and easy to maneuver.
Though no longer part of our day-to-day operations at Bending Branches, Ed remains very active in the paddling world. He maintains a strong relationship with many of the team members here and is occasionally involved with special projects at our request.
We wanted to ask Ed a few questions about the Black Pearl and why it’s his favorite. Here’s our conversation with Ed Vater:
Bending Branches: What’s special about the Black Pearl?
ED: There are multiple carbon paddle options on the market these days. The Black Pearl is unique in that it’s not a derivative of a racing paddle. It was designed specifically for serious tripping and the durability that requires.
Last year, I lost mine on a river trip when it was not lashed in. That paddle was the very first one we made and was still in excellent condition after a great many miles, some in bony conditions.
The blade shape is not side-cut and offers the surface area required to push a heavily loaded canoe. The hybrid grip allows a variety of strokes, not just a hit-and-switch approach.
BRANCHES: Why is it worthwhile to invest in a high-end canoe paddle?
ED: It’s mainly the lack of weight that drives the satisfaction people find in carbon paddles.
I was the first to use carbon amongst my and my brother's paddling group of five. Several guys said they were happy with their wood paddles and didn't need to upgrade. The story changed once they tried mine. Within two trips, every single person was paddling a Black Pearl.
The bottom line on that is that you can paddle 20-plus miles a day and feel it in your bum but not your shoulders. The smooth grip and shaft with just the right feel means you aren't likely to fight blisters unless your hands are very soft and have not been exposed to any use.
Of course, the factors in your first question also play into its selection. Compared with wood, there’s no maintenance, and scratched surfaces won't take on water.
BRANCHES: Can you tell us about your involvement in the development process of this paddle during your tenure here?
ED: In my many years at Branches, I didn't get involved much with the specifics of paddle design beyond providing the input of a generalist in engineering. As a result, the Black Pearl 11 was the only design I'd really call my own. Even so, I had a lot of help from the rest of the team in bringing it to life.
My interest in it was driven by my personal needs and desires in a canoe tripping paddle.
Okefenokee Swamp (southeast US) is a favorite destination for Ed and his buddies
BRANCHES: What are your favorite canoe trips with the Black Pearl?
ED: My primary love, alongside my wife and kids, is my love for long river trips. Rivers expose you to different sights and experiences around each corner, and they often provide a more intimate setting. Plus, you get the free mileage, compliments of the flow.
We paddle loaded canoes and often carry water if the river is silt-laden. On a six or seven-day trip, we start out pretty heavy (including beer). Most of these trips are not whitewater-oriented, so the BP is perfect for us. Most of us carry a wood paddle like the Expedition Plus as our spare and can switch to it if we need to run rapids.
My favorite trip so far in the Lower 48 has been the Green River in Utah—Ruby Ranch to Spanish Bottom on the Colorado. Truly amazing scenery, tremendous campsites, a remote wilderness trip that doesn't require portaging, a history worth studying, and an environment that most people haven't ever experienced.
Three other awesome trips are the Missouri Breaks in Montana, the Okefenokee Swamp/Suwannee River in Georgia and Florida, and the Mobile Tensaw Delta in Alabama (Bartram Canoe Trail).
Of course, the Black Pearl is also perfect for tripping in places like the BWCA and Quetico.
Ed and his brother, Jack Vater, on the Green River in Utah
BRANCHES: Bent or straight—What’s your preference?
ED: I paddle the bent shaft version the vast majority of the time because I'm mostly on mild-mannered rivers and flatwater. I did use the BP straight when I ran the length of the Namekagon early in the spring of last year due to the regular rapids on its upper reaches.
(Photos courtesy of Jack Vater. Used with permission.)
Learn more about the Black Pearl ST and Black Pearl 11.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
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