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A
LIFE DECISION
Standing together one day on the
peak of Mt. Adams, we realized that mountain climbing,
and a growing family, would not go together easily. It
was there that we made the decision to focus our family
activity on camping and the newly discovered pleasure
of kayaking. |
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THE
FIRST PADDLE
Since no suitable paddles were
available, I made one myself using a wooden curtain rod
and a piece of plywood. The paddle was very heavy, but
at least, usable. |
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A
GROWING FAMILY INTEREST
With a growing family, who all
liked kayaking, I wanted more kayaks. Money was tight,
so I learned all I could about making fiberglass kayaks.
Everybody in the family became involved and the smell
of fiberglass was in the air for many, many years. We
made everything ourselves: kayaks, paddles, foot braces,
spray skirts, helmets, and Martha even made our life jackets!
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THE
TOURING DESIGN
After years of working with my
sons on whitewater designs my focus changed to designing
a better touring paddle. My concern was efficient water
flow off the paddle so it would have a smooth, quiet entry
into the water and still remain powerful throughout the
stroke. As a professional engineer working with water
turbines I remembered theories of water flow around various
shapes. I designed many different shaped paddles, from
squares to boxes to diamond shapes, always keeping in
mind that a good paddle should stroke effortlessly. The
many shapes evolved into an asymmetrical shape with a
dihedral power face. This became the original Werner Touring
Paddle known as, “The San Juan”. |
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BUSINESS
GROWS
As word spread about Werner’s
paddles, Werner Jr. began building more paddles and kayaks
with hopes of making a living from it. The paddles were
selling as fast as he could make them. For several years
a limited organization was sufficient. Then my son Bruce
came on board bringing new enthusiasm and direction. Now
an organization was formalized. |
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PRIDE
I am proud to have been the
spark for Werner Paddles, and Martha and I are especially
proud of our family for growing a business with integrity.
The employees new and old, are all part of our extended
family and deserve credit for the growth of the company.
I sense a new era has begun for Werner Paddles and as
I paddle my kayak into open water my thoughts are with
the future of Werner Paddles.
See you on the water.
Werner Furrer Sr |
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