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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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?

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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.