Werner Sho gun

Werner Sho-Gun 1-Piece Whitewater Kayak Paddle

The Werner Sho-Gun is an Ultimate Performance whitewater paddle created for powerful, committed river running. Its full-sized carbon blades are designed for larger, well-conditioned paddlers and kayakers looking for greater power on shorter, steeper rapids.

A buoyant blade construction provides positive support for rolling and bracing, particularly in aerated whitewater. Werner’s dihedral blade design encourages smooth, stable forward strokes, while the reinforced low-profile back face is designed to produce a quieter catch and effortless release without compromising strength.

Whitewater-specific reinforcement channels, Dynel® blade edges and Kevlar® reinforcement provide additional protection against the rigours of river use. Available with either a Straight or Neutral Bent shaft, the Sho-Gun is a high-performance choice for paddlers who want decisive power, dependable blade support and precise control.

Powerful Full-Sized Carbon Blades

With a blade area of 711 cm², the Sho-Gun sits at the powerful end of Werner’s river-running paddle range. Werner recommends the full-sized blade for larger, well-conditioned paddlers or those seeking more powerful strokes on short, steep rapids.

The buoyant full-carbon blade provides a positive feel in the water, supporting assertive forward strokes, braces and rolls. This is particularly valuable in aerated rapids, where secure blade engagement can help inspire confidence.

Smooth, Stable Performance

Werner’s dihedral blade profile directs water evenly across both sides of the blade, promoting smooth and stable forward paddling. Its asymmetrical river-running shape is designed to provide effective blade engagement throughout technical whitewater strokes.

A low-profile back face helps create a quieter catch and clean exit from the water, while maintaining the strength required for demanding river use.

Whitewater-Specific Reinforcement

The Sho-Gun’s carbon blades incorporate whitewater-specific reinforcement channels, Dynel® edges and Kevlar® reinforcement.

These materials and structural features help protect the paddle from the rigours of the whitewater environment while retaining the responsive feel and advanced performance associated with Werner’s Ultimate Performance construction.

Choose Your Shaft

Straight Shaft

The Straight Shaft Sho-Gun uses Werner’s Bomber fibreglass shaft, engineered to optimise flex and strength. Its conventional straight configuration provides familiar hand positioning and direct control for technical river running.

Werner manufactures the Straight Shaft in Standard and Small Diameter options. Please select from the shaft diameter, length and feather options currently available in the product dropdown.

Neutral Bent Shaft

The Neutral Bent Sho-Gun uses Werner’s Bomber carbon shaft, also designed to optimise flex and strength. It provides an alternative shaft configuration for paddlers who prefer Werner’s Neutral Bent design.

Please select from the Neutral Bent lengths and feather angles currently available in the product dropdown.

Why Choose the Werner Sho-Gun?

• Ultimate Performance whitewater kayak paddle
• Designed for powerful river running
• Full-sized 711 cm² carbon blades
• Buoyant blade volume for confident rolling and bracing
• Particularly supportive in aerated rapids
• Dihedral for smooth and stable forward paddling
• Asymmetrical river-running blade shape
• Low-profile back face for a quieter catch and clean release
• Whitewater-specific reinforcement channels
• Dynel® blade edges
• Kevlar® reinforcement
• Choice of Straight or Neutral Bent shaft
• Solid 1-piece construction
• Fixed feather angle

Specifications

Performance level: Ultimate Performance

Intended use: Whitewater river running

Blade construction: Carbon with Dynel® edges and Kevlar® reinforcement

Blade design: Dihedral, asymmetrical and whitewater reinforced

Blade shape: River running

Blade surface area: 711 cm²

Blade dimensions: 48 × 20 cm

Construction: 1 piece

Feather angle: Fixed

Straight Shaft Specifications

Shaft construction: Bomber fibreglass

Shaft configuration: Straight

Shaft diameter: Standard or Small Diameter, where available

Manufacturer-listed average weight: 1,021 g / 36 oz

Neutral Bent Shaft Specifications

Shaft construction: Bomber carbon

Shaft configuration: Neutral Bent

Manufacturer-listed weight: 1,091 g / 38.5 oz

Paddle length, shaft diameter and feather options vary. Please use the product dropdowns to confirm the specifications currently available from our UK stock.

Who Is the Werner Sho-Gun For?

The Sho-Gun is best suited to experienced whitewater kayakers who want a large, powerful blade for river running, steep rapids and decisive technical strokes.

Its full-sized blade is particularly appropriate for:

• Larger or well-conditioned paddlers
• Paddlers who prefer a powerful catch
• Shorter and steeper whitewater runs
• Forceful acceleration and corrective strokes
• Confident rolling and bracing in aerated water

Smaller paddlers, paddlers with a higher stroke cadence or those wanting a less forceful load through each stroke may prefer a smaller whitewater blade.

Straight or Neutral Bent Shaft?

Choose the Straight Shaft for a traditional shaft configuration, familiar hand placement and a Bomber fibreglass construction.

Choose the Neutral Bent Shaft for Werner’s alternative Neutral Bent configuration and a Bomber carbon shaft.

Both versions use the same full-sized Sho-Gun carbon blade design and are intended for high-performance whitewater river running.

Important Performance and Durability Note

Werner describes its Ultimate Performance paddles as its highest-performing paddles on the water. However, the specialist designs and materials used do not make them Werner’s most impact-resistant paddles.

Paddlers whose main priority is maximum impact resistance should also consider Werner’s Premium Performance whitewater paddle range.