Dragon Boat West

Looking for advise on purchasing an OC paddle.  Looking for the best "bang for the buck".  Price approx 150$ - 250$ (obviously cheaper is better).  I'm far from a pro, but I've been using the false creek club paddles in the shed for a while and figured it's time to buy my own.

Grey owl has a carbon (Raven) for approx 150$.  Any thoughts?

Thanks...

I have a Raven as I'm generally pretty brutal with my paddles and didn't want to go too expensive compared to what else is out there.

It has a very thin blade so it cuts the water really nicely on the entry and exit.  The shaft is pretty stiff so when I first started paddling with it, it had a bit of a shimmy to it but I guess I just adapted to it as I don't notice any more.  Compared to the club paddles, you will definitely notice how light it is!

All in all, I'm quite happy with it.  Your best bet though is to see what your teammates are paddling with and ask them if you can try their paddle for a little bit during practice, that way you get a chance to feel the paddle.  Also, check out the return policies of whatever store you get it at, at some you can buy the paddle, try it out then return it if it's not your thing, provided you don't scuff it up!  :)

http://www.kialoa.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=29   msn(u)

 The Axel is a great all around blade and for women you might want to go with this one

 http://www.kialoa.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=28

 it's smaller and narrower shaft and handle for small hands

 also check out the Quikblade Hapa which is another all around blade

 http://www.quickbladepaddles.com/outrigger_hapa.htm

and for a excellent wood blade there is the Mudbrook XP Mudlite

 http://www.mudbrookracingpaddles.com/paddle1.html


so many choices !!   You can always ask Ryan at Pogue if he has any demo's he is selling or ask him to try some of his demo's out

Just a follow up on that question of WHICH oc paddle... but where would one buy an OC paddle in Vancouver? And how do you choose a size? I hear it's 2 inches longer than your db paddle?

:P I'm just getting into OC but so far it's been very good and I'd like to go further into the sport

there's a place on granville island that sells a few brands of paddles (including kialoa), MEC sells one....   
as for the length, it comes down to which boat you're paddling in, and your personal preference.  My Kialoa is 54", and is perfect for OC6, perhaps a tad too long in OC1, but anything shorter feels weird. 

Oh.. I'll mainly be using it for OC1, I've been using a 50'' and it seems okay I think. I'm really not sure. Haha. Where is the Granville Island place? Do you remember, foreigner?  :shock:

Great advice from all... as for what size to buy... ... a 54" paddle may be best suited for Colossus, but I do believe he's around 6'4"...so a 54" may be a little too long for mandachan.

The girls on my old team that were approx 5'4" used 49.5" - 50" for OC1.

I'm 5'9" and I use a 51" for OC1

Thanks for all ur input about picking a paddle guys.  I think I'll settle on a Axle II.  I'm not the biggest guy on the creek and I'm sure they're common on the creek for a reason.  I think I'll test a few out.

You'll have to try a few different length's as well. Many OC paddlers are now opting for shorter length paddles to allow for a lower top hand (eye/chest level). Lets you really initiate your core through the stroke.

 www.poguesports.com                this is where you will find " Ryan " .He is local and probably the biggest supplier of oc1's and equipment and his compound is over by the planetarium ( burrard compound )  .His e-mail and number oare on the site and he is also the one on here advertising the Hawaii outrigger camps

If you can borrow various paddles from other folks it's a good idea.
Each paddle is different - and honestly you're likely to end up over time finding one that is "perfect" for you - and it's different for each person. I would definitely pay attention to the diameter of the shaft of each one (too large tends to fatigue the hand over time, too small creates issues on recovery and catch especially in the wind), the grip / top (each is a little different) and the blade shape / size (your own combination of stroke style, comfortable rate and type of paddling / condition is going to determine the best match). Also... realize that paddle length has less to do with your height than torso length, shoulder width and arm length plus use (OC6, OC1). I'm 5'4" and use a 51 in my OC1. Unless you have very short legs, this won't work for most people that height.

Kialoa and Quickblade are both very good choices.

If you are not super experienced, you might want to think about getting an all wood paddle if you're mostly paddling OC6. Until you get things pretty dialed, you're likely to periodically hit your paddle on the gunnels of an OC6, especially on exchanges. This is VERY hard on carbon blades.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm 5'1'' so if James Cole uses a 51'', and he's 5'4''... is 50'' too long for me?
Now I've gone crosseyed.

 Cole is unusual ....a 51 at 5'4" is long . I'm just over 5'10" and I presently use a 52" but am going to a 51"  . At 5'1" I would think maybe a 48 " is more in line

I'm 5'2" and currently use a 49" for my OC1 and 50" for OC6. I'm contemplating cutting both down by one inch.

I'd recommend trying both the Quick Blade and Kialoa as they are the most popular. I've tried both and my vote is for the Quick Blade Hapa.

Mega bump


Has anyone bought a paddle from Pogue sports recently (past few months)?  I'm interested in a Quickblade

Hey Illuminate,

I'm also looking to buy an OC paddle. Maybe we can collaborate on a group order? Let me know.

Ah, if you're going to collaborate, let me know too. :)

And me :)

lol, I was looking at a Quickblade to be original from the Kialoa Axel II army, looks like that's gone to hell


anyone else?

I might be interested too

there are quite a few variables in deciding on what type, length, size of paddle for OC. Im 5'10" and I used to use a 52" but because of a different coach and paddling style I now use a 50" in OC6 and a 49" in an OC1 and have seen a fair bit improvement in my times. The shorter length forces more use of the core rather then shoulders and arms and now my shoulders dont hurt anymore after a 3 hour paddle. Try out all different types and lengths before you decide and try them out for more then 5 minutes if you can. It will usually take a good 30-60 minutes to get at least a bit of a feel for a different paddle. For me the Quick Blades dont catch as quickly and definitely dont have a clean exit. The Kia Kaha blades are great. I have just started using one as they are light, have great up front catch, a small shaft, and a very clean exit.  Good Luck.

There were around 4-5 people at FCRCC Novice OC (and another group) that were interested. Unless some of you are overlapping with that, we might have close to 10 people.

Really? I've heard the opposite of Quickblades, quick catches and exits are supposed to be their specialty.  I wish we had the luxury of trying every paddle, but we have to go by hearsay.
I'm still interested in a Quickblade Hapa Hybrid, and I've emailed a customer service rep about the group discount, waiting to hear back.  Everyone interested in a groupbuy, I'm not sure what kind of paddle you guys really want, even if it's cheaper, you might be stuck with something that's not suited for you

 The Hapa is a great paddle , I like the aggressive catch and the exit seemed good to me as well  .The Kialoa Axel is also a good blade ....probably one of the most popular on the market and a excellent all around paddle both for oc1 & oc6 .

Ok, I've gotten a response from Quickblade, and I only need an order of 6 or more to get a 10% discount on the Hapa paddles for $206 USD each.  Delivery cost to be determined.

Here's a link to the paddle: http://quickbladepaddles.com/catalog/hapa-hybrid-p-4.html

You can choose a palm grip (P50) or T-grip (T3)

If you're not sure what the right size for you is, they have a chart: http://quickbladepaddles.com/catalog/outrigger_sizecharts.php
and so does Kialoa: http://www.kialoa.com/Sizing-Your-Paddle.asp

If you are interested (even if you've replied here), PM me with: Grip choice, Paddle length, your e-mail so I can give you updates

Hello all,

Just an FYI that Ryan, Pogue Sports, is still selling Quickblade paddles. He actually has an order already placed and can add yours to the mix. Feel free to contact him regarding costs.

You may contact him at [email protected].

Ryan is still selling OC1's, OC2's and paddles. He is no longer selling the smaller consumable items such as hats, shorts, shirts...

BTW, I have the Hapa Quickblade (two in fact) and love them. Great solid catch.

Thank you,

Kelli

If he is indeed still selling these, I'll go with him and support a local business.

We are still selling Quick Blade paddles and have more coming in this week.  Pogue Sports is still running strong, we just needed to step back from consumables such as clothing to focus on production and coaching and personal time.

The Quick Blade paddle that we recommend is the not the Hapa it is the new Kanaha.  The Hapa is great for flat water and has an amazing catch and is very aggressive.  The only difference is if the Hapa will stick on the exit in messy water.  The New Kanaha maintains the strong easy catch, but allows the canoe to release more at the end of the pull.

We offer team and group pricing and are able to have paddles here in two weeks from date of order for standard carbon paddles with wood shaft.  Our price includes shipping to Vancouver, and we offer a 10 - 15% discount depending on numbers ordered.  Retail pricing is $265 Canadian.

Thank you

Ryan Pogue

Hey Illuminate,

I just PM'd you about a 51" T-Grip Hapa. I'm in for a group order through Ryan. Let me know what's up.

Cheers,

Nestor

Awesome, I'll go with that recommendation of the Kanaha.  Anyone else for a group buy?