Dragon Boat West

OK.. I'm hoping some of the people that paddle outrigger can help me out here...

If I paddle with a 48" dragonboat paddle... what length of outrigger paddle would I be looking at? I know it should be longer... so would a 51" sound about right?

I would say w/ that short of a d/b paddle you would be better with a 50"  I use a 52" and it was recomended I use a 51 " but I chose to go w/ the 52 and I use a longer d/b paddle than you are presently useing . Then again you could go w/ the 51 and cut it down if you feel it's too long but to be honest the 50 " is the size you want if your useing a 48 d/b paddle

Would agree that a 50" is likely better for you.  I use a 51" DB paddle and a 53" OC paddle.  

Your best bet is to try out the different length paddles.  Whoever you are buying from should be able to get you a few different sizes to try out.

if you can ... try to add half an inch each time you practice.  that way you can slowly build up a bit of strength and also finding the right length at the same time.

and because you do sit in seat 1, i will recommend a length shorter than what you're suppose to have.  timing is nore important than having power for that particular seat.

enjoy

Always remember size is everything  :oops:

If you get into OC6 races, especially change races (not likely for chaos though, have to swim), then you should have a blade close to what all the paddlers in your boat will have.  If the majority have a 51.5 or 52 inch blade then get something like that.  That will save people from getting in your seat and having a short paddle and that could screw them up somewhat.

Choose a 51.5 or 52, I have a 52 myself and I am about the same height as you are.