“There was no big plans to build a business… it all started as a way for the family to spend quality time together in the outdoors.

With money tight and equipment generally not available, I decided to experiment with making equipment myself. I learned everything I could about fiberglass and building kayaks and soon the entire family was involved. Martha, my wife, even made our life jackets.

I applied my experience as a professional engineer working with water turbines and theories about the effect of water flowing around obstacles to different paddle shapes… always keeping in mind efficient water flow off the paddle and that a good paddle should move effortlessly through the water.

With the 1972 Olympics in his site, my son Werner Jr., set out to support his Olympic dream by building and selling our paddle designs. It wasn’t long before individuals and specialty kayak shops were asking for Werner’s paddles by name.

I am proud to have been the spark for Werner Paddles, and Martha and I are especially proud of our family for building a successful business with so much integrity. Our employees, old and new, are part of our extended family and deserve their share of credit for our growth. In 1986 Werner Paddles incorporated and today we are known as the premier paddle brand and for offering the most advanced designs in the world. I am so proud… as I paddle into open water my thoughts are with the future of Werner Paddles.”

Werner Furrer Sr.
Co-founder Werner Paddles

Logo Story Video

Ultimate Paddle Performance™ is Werner Paddles Mission. . . and Promise to You.

We believe Advanced Designs and a Great Fit are the key ingredients to achieving Ultimate Paddle Performance™ . . . therefore, to fulfill our promise we focus enormous amounts of energy to developing a complete selection of advanced paddle designs.

Advanced Designs means much more than great blade designs and light weight construction. It includes maintaining bomber durability, shaping comfortable grips and providing amazing features like our newly patented Adjustable Ferrule System, (US patent 6881111). It also means ensuring all these features work together as a whole to create a well balanced paddle.

Great Fit is achieved when paddle features are chosen specifically to fit you and your paddling style. By offering a complete selection of blade sizes and styles, as well as several shaft options, we give every kayaker the opportunity to select and combine features for a custom paddle fit.

Ultimate Paddle Performance may sound like something marketed to "pros", but the fact of the matter is everyone, regardless of their level of experience, can benefit from a well designed paddle that fits properly. Ultimately it means you enjoy greater comfort, reduced fatigue, enhanced performance and more fun on your next paddling adventure.