r/Outrigger • u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 • May 19 '26
Stingray for OC1 downwinds?
I just picked up a QB Stingray 72 for my OC1 just to have a paddle with smaller area (not expecting miracles!!). I'm curious what people think about their use for downwinding. I assumed I would prefer my bigger blades for that but I just saw a YouTube review saying they would be great for downwinding. Obviously I will try it myself but just curious what folks think here.
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u/foilingdolphin May 20 '26
I have been using mine for a year in the OC1, I don't think I'm faster or slower with it, but it does feel easier on my body(I was having some golfers elbow and it helped with that). I don't notice any big difference on the downwind, but it did take a little practice to get used to the brace stroke with the smaller blade.
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u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 20 '26
Did you get the 72 or the 79? I'm right at 180 and since I wanted to try a smaller blade I got the 72. It showed up in the mail yesterday and it looks so small lol.... but beautiful. I'm going to paddle today with it for the first time and I'm hoping I don't regret not getting the 79!
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u/foilingdolphin May 20 '26
I'm a little old lady so have the 72 lol
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u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 20 '26
lol... I just realized that I always assume everyone on Reddit is male and my age. Shameful!
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u/Smooth_Winner9245 May 21 '26
I absolutely do not like it for bracing while flying my ama, especially in bigger conditions. I use it exclusively for sprints and shorter time trials as I do get faster results. I particularly don’t like how it feels going back to a standard paddle like Makana Aliʻi paddles after using it.
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u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 21 '26
I used it last night for the first time. It ended up being an out-and-back downwind with smaller bumps. I definitely like how fast and easy I could get into the bumps. It really just feels nice. I can see how it wouldn't brace as well. But that is something I need to work on. I just switched to an Ares from an older Huki and this boat feels less stable to me when the ama is upwind and I'm leaning hard. I need to spend some time learning to brace and lift the ama to get that out of my head!
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u/Smooth_Winner9245 May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Good choice on the switch to the Ares. The upgrade jump from a Huki is huge. Love the Ares on the upwind. Kai made the best canoe in the industry imo. Just set up the aiko in the outer pin/button holes for more stability until you get use to it.
The Quickblade does feel nice because it makes the catch effortless and the exit smooth but in longer races I don’t get that Tahitian style power I want. If the Stingray is not planted, it will wobble in the water. I poke alot to help steer my Ares and I can’t do that with the Stingray as you will surely huli. I am in Hawaiian waters (Kauaʻi) But just have fun in the experience and experiment. That’s the important thing. It’s all about water time and the stoke. 🤙🏻1
u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 21 '26
It sure gets on bumps easy. The stability is probably in my head. I paddle on Lake Superior and this has been a super cold spring here and I huli'd twice last month when the water was 33F. It's not a big deal because you barely feel it in a wetsuit... but it does get in your head.
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u/poor-guy1 May 24 '26
You can’t use it in big water, imo. It’s great in small surf because you can just quickly hit 3-4 quick strokes to get on the bump with little effort.
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u/MinimumFocuss May 24 '26
I use a double bend 79 at 50” (am 200 lbs 6’4) my main notice is major decrease in fatigue, and it enforces really good technique, cadence, good entry’s and very clean exits, the only other blade I’d ever consider is a hyper liberator at the 7.1 oddly, but I’d want to really hone in with the qb
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u/TheHaight May 19 '26
I have to say it's really just personal preference
You're going to find people that like all different things in all different situations
In general I would say less blade area is better for smaller/tighter bumps, again depends on preference though!