At Angle Oar, we’re committed to helping people of all abilities experience the joys of kayaking. To better understand how our adaptive kayaking products and services are meeting the needs of our customers, we recently conducted a customer satisfaction survey. The insights gathered not only validate the impact of our efforts, but also guide us in improving and innovating. Here are the highlights from the survey results, accompanied by key takeaways.
Survey Overview
Respondent Demographics

Among the 15% of customers who participated to the survey, there was a mix of individuals (80%) and organizations (20%), such as adaptive paddling programs, parks and recreation departments, and physical therapy clinics. Among respondents, 56% were seniors aged 55 or older and 6% were veterans. A full 50% identified as having a disability that impacts their ability to kayak, such as paralysis, whereas 38% reported having an injury, such as a rotator cuff tear, that affected their kayaking ability. Notably, 44% considered themselves intermediate or experienced kayakers.
Reasons for Using Angle Oar's Adaptive Kayaking Equipment
When asked what issues led them to use our products, respondents shared their diverse reasons, from having paralysis to mitigating the aches and pains associated with aging. Please note that overlap exists between categories.

Paralysis: 21.05%
Desire for independence: 42.11%
Shoulder injury/surgery: 42.11%
Arthritis: 10.53%
A disability: 42.11%
Use of one arm: 42.11%
Aches and pains of aging: 36.84%
Cerebral Palsy: 15.79%
Paddle with less fatigue: 21.05%
Spinal cord injury: 15.79%
Recreational therapy: 15.79%
Increase access to parks/outdoors: 31.58%
Autism Spectrum Disorder: 21.05%
Mental health challenges: 15.79%
Stroke: 31.58%
A brain injury: 21.05%
A neuromuscular disorder: 21.05%
Many customers noted that the ability to paddle with one arm or to mitigate shoulder stress was transformational. One respondent shared, “The paddle system helped me transition to normal paddling after rotator cuff surgeries,” highlighting the profound personal impact of our solutions.
Product Preferences
The Versa Paddle System was the preferred adaptive system of choice for 74% of respondents, though many also used the Gamut Paddle Holder System and outriggers.
74% purchased the Versa Paddle System
26% purchased the Gamut Paddle Holder System
16% added kayak and canoe outriggers
Feedback on Versa Paddle & Gamut Paddle Holders Systems
The Versa Paddle System remains our flagship product, and customers shared overwhelmingly positive experiences, with 92% saying they were satisfied with the quality and performance of the Versa Paddle shafts and blades. When it came to the Gamut Paddle Holder System, a full 100% of customers were satisfied with its quality and performance.

Additional Insights
50% use the Versa Paddle in the angled, downward position, while 63.64% prefer the straight position.
71.43% said the it was easy to adjust the Versa Paddle between angled and straight configurations.
Experiences with the New Hinged Mount
Our Hinged Mount is a newer innovation, and we’re thrilled with the feedback. Here's what we learned about its use:
91.67%: Fit the kayak as expected.
72.73%: Support post and clevis fork were the right height.
91.67%: Easy to install the hinged plate and stabilizing brackets.
75%: Used stabilizing brackets for security.
72.73%: Used spacer gaskets beneath the front hinge plate.
50%: Remove the mount after each outing.
Overall Satisfaction
When asked about their overall experience with Angle Oar, customers rated several aspects of our products and services:
Quality of Products: 100%
Performance: 89%
Customer Service: 89%
Product Packaging: 82%
Communication: 89%

Verbatim Comments
“Your products spread the joy of kayaking. Thank you for making adaptive equipment available.”
I love being able "to paddle with one arm."
“With proper care, this system can be a game changer for adaptive programs and individuals!”
"It’s great that the same device can be used for my 65+ mom with shoulder pain and my 10 year old autistic son with coordination issues and weakness in his core and arms."
I love that it "supports the paddle in order to minimize range of motion of my shoulder."
Opportunities for Improvement
We also asked customers what could be improved, and here's what we heard:
Longer screws for ball mount brackets
Improved clarity in installation instructions
Optional storage bags for equipment
One respondent shared, “We’re always trying not to lose the pin that connects the paddle blades. A more secure solution would be great.”
Final Thoughts

The survey results reaffirm the positive impact of our products on customers’ lives, particularly those with disabilities or injuries. At Angle Oar, we’re committed to refining our offerings and addressing customer feedback to ensure even more people can enjoy the water with ease and independence. Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey—your insights are invaluable!
Want to learn more about how our adaptive kayak equipment can work for you or your program? Visit us at www.angleoar.com or contact us today!