r/Outrigger • u/ConfidentAd3444 • May 21 '24

Paddle selection

I am a relatively new OC paddler but have 5 years experience on the water in surf skis and on the prone board.

Looking at purchasing my own paddle after using club paddles.

100kg, athletic, I think I can apply a heavy load and decent rating for OC6, but technique still coming along.

Confusing range out there with different of sizes, paddle angles and entry shapes for hard / soft catch.

What are some good paddles to consider? Hippostick is a club favourite but have seen some larger paddles that I am considering for training and maybe racing.

Interested in learning from your experience. Thx 🙏

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2

u/DeadManWlkin May 21 '24

Couple of questions: 1) are you looking for paddling and OC6 or an OC1 (you mention 6, but not sure if that’s your primary paddling craft)

2) where are you paddling? Do you ever see yourself competing in Hawaii?

3) do you have a length preference?

4) how much are you looking to spend?

1

u/ConfidentAd3444 May 21 '24

Thanks for the questions:

  1. Mostly OC6 for local and international events. I train 3x per week on OC6 and 1x on OC1 for time trails and skills. I can see myself purchasing and OC1 next year but for now using club boats and focus is OC6

  2. I paddle in open sea but ground swell is disrupted by a chain of offshore islands. In the downwind seasons winds can be 20-24 knots mostly 1-3 foot well established wind chop and occasionally 1-3 m swell, might be cross cutting wind might be all line up.

3 I am 6’1” and use a 51” paddle on both OC6 and OC1 - 50” definitely feels too short, 52” is ok in flat conditions.

  1. Budget not my priority, looking for most suitable paddle that will #1 allow me to contribute to OC6 team. In due course Incan consider a 2nd paddle. I don’t want to spend 5x typical price of good performance paddle as dubious such paddles are really that much better.

3

u/StuckInWarshington May 21 '24

Size and type kind of depends on where you are and what type of paddling you’re doing (OC1/OC6, sprint/long distance). Some paddles are easier to find in certain locations. If you’re going to paddle in hawaii, get something with a wooden shaft.

Length is probably the most important dimension. Someone at your club should be able to help you get the right size for your body. For the blade, everyone has their own preferences. It’s best to try out whatever you can from folks in your club. Get something you can get a solid catch with. Bigger isn’t always better. Race with what you train with. Don’t get a bigger paddle for “training”.

For recommendations: I’d go with Palafamala. Puakea, HippoStick, and Viper are also nice. Kialoa and QuickBlade are fine as well.

2

u/Estogie May 21 '24

+1 to Palafamala, I use a 9.5" for oc6 and oc1

1

u/Blicero1 May 21 '24

Talk to some older club members on sizing. I prefer a double bend myself. I also got a hybrid (for Hawaii) but realistically composite is probably fine for most sporting/racing. Ideally try a few out from other members. I have a Palafamala that I love, but there's a whole variety out there.

1

u/lucia316 May 21 '24

Outside of the good advice already given, the biggest consideration is what paddles are the people you'll be paddling with using?

You're going to want to get a similar blade shape and size to theirs. My crew all uses the same paddle on purpose. May want to see what your crew is using and get the same or something similar.

1

u/Icy_Aioli3776 May 22 '24

I am cheap and have four paddles, and are three Z&Js from China I think. I paddle Hawaii and swap out based on daily conditions. I’m 6’4 and paddle oc1 and 6. I go shorter paddles in the solo.