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Dragon Boat Canada


IDBF


Canoe Kayak Canada

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[kfun604]

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...

[Katy]

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! 

[Colossus]

http://www.kialoa.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=29   

[paddleboy]

 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

[mandachan]

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?

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

[Colossus]

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. 

[mandachan]

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? 

[paddlecwazy]

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.

[kfun604]

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.

[Special K]

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.

[paddleboy]

 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

[James Cole]

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.

[mandachan]

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.

[paddleboy]

 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

[Special K]

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.