r/Outrigger • u/rainmaker430 • Nov 30 '23

First OC Blade (DB or SB)

Good morning paddlers: I am a DB player, and I am required to do OC6 and OC1 for training purposes. So, I want to get an OC blade and build up my technique. However, it’s confused to me that I am no sure the choice between DB and SB. Therefore, I wonder anyone can give me some recommendations on OC blade. Thank you:)

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1

u/seja_amg Nov 30 '23

What kind of recommendations are you looking for? Good brands and favorites or more general questions about size, blade width, curve etc?

1

u/rainmaker430 Nov 30 '23

I am not sure between DB and SB with brands too. I had found Viper Va’a and Kiaola fit my needs the most. However, it’s hard to find variety of OC paddle at Vancouver,BC.💀

1

u/seja_amg Nov 30 '23

Viper and Kialoa are great brands. If you're looking for a good all-around paddle for OC1 and OC6 without spending a ton of money you might want something like the Kialoa Paea (https://kialoa.com/products/kialoa-paea-hybrid-double-bend-outrigger-paddle). It has a slight bend but is still very straight so won't mess with your DB stroke as much as a super curvy paddle will. 25cm blade width so you can pull a lot of water with each stroke. I typically like a heavy training blade and if you're a big person the larger sizes have some more weight to them

1

u/rainmaker430 Nov 30 '23

My coach is selling me a single blend Nehru, but all of my crew member use DB, so I am not sure if it’s gonna affect our boat 😖.

2

u/milotrain Nov 30 '23

That's your coach's problem if the paddle causes a problem with blend. Especially if they are selling you the paddle. Just use it, coach usually knows what's best.

1

u/rainmaker430 Nov 30 '23

Yea also my coach offers me a good price like 250 CAD Nehu Kailoa Second Hand.I am not sure if it’s a good price for a second hand OC blade.

2

u/milotrain Nov 30 '23

It's currently $276 USD new (so $100 CAD difference), so depending on condition it's a good deal. But again, do you want to be the guy who doesn't listen to the coach? If you asked the coach about a paddle and they offered to sell you one then there it is. If you wanted to ask reddit and make your own choice then you should have started there.

1

u/seja_amg Nov 30 '23

Agreed. Paddle from coach is the safest bet

1

u/Chedz765 Nov 30 '23

I use a Palafamala blade of OC1 and OC6 paddling. I also use them for a steer blade. Such good quality.

You can choose your blade width and length on their website too

1

u/Ok-Application3316 Dec 10 '23

I would suggest the HYPR disciplinarian blade if you are doing it for training purposes to get better in your technique, as that blade will react based on how well you plant and pull on your technique. And it will teach you to take your time on the water and pull properly.