If you’re an avid whitewater kayaker, take note: Werner Paddles is recalling two of its latest kayak paddles. The paddles may break, posing a risk of drowning.
On Nov. 9, Werner Paddles posted a notification that it’s recalling its Covert and Stealth downriver whitewater racing models of kayak paddles. The brand says, “We have identified an issue with the collar of the paddle where the blade meets the shaft.” Basically, the blade can break off from the shaft.
GearJunkie confirmed with a Werner team paddler that this issue is due to a problem with the mold and is being addressed for future production.
Werner Covert & Stealth Recall
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were around 80 reports of these paddles breaking. The organization reports that around 700 models were sold in the U.S, with another 25 in Canada.
The brand posted the following on its website: “For over 60 years, Werner Paddles has been dedicated to building the highest performing, longest lasting paddles on the market. While we rigorously test all of our products before they are sold and hold every Werner paddle to the highest standards, we have recently found a quality issue with our Stealth and Covert models.”
Customers who purchased the defective paddles can visit this link to upload their information and receive store credit or a refund. Users must include photos of the affected paddles being destroyed. Werner plans to update the molds to fix the issue and re-release both paddles.
Werner Paddles
The company got its start in the 1960s when founder Werner Furrer started building kayaks and paddles in his garage for his growing family. The brand, based in Washington state, grew steadily over the years, branching into other paddling disciplines like SUPs, and became the dominant paddle manufacturer in the world. Jackson Kayak purchased the brand in 2024, moving production to Tennessee.
Several of Werner’s models, including the Shuna, Kalliste Bent, and Powerhouse, earned a spot on GearJunkie’s list of the Best Kayak Paddles of 2025.
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