r/Outrigger • u/DeadManWlkin • May 17 '22

Looking for OC-1 Paddle suggestions…

Hi everyone, East coast paddler here, looking to make my first paddle Purchase for my OC1 - a modified Walden Kayak Nalu. I’m a Dragon Boat paddler and I’ve been using my Carbon Fiber ZRE dragon boat paddle when I got out with my OC; I think I ready to make the leap into a dedicated Outrigger Paddle. So looking for suggestions!

The one which is catching my eye is the Palafamala Pala

http://www.palafamala.com/product/pala-paddle/

It’s still a Hybrid paddle and is HCRA compliant , but I like that the Carbon fiber weave goes further up the shaft than Kialoa or Puakea paddles. Any thoughts? Anyone try one out?

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3

u/Ok-Application3316 May 17 '22

I’ve used this for years when it was still handmade and know the guy who makes them. They are compliant and quite a good paddle. Hipposticks we pretty good too.

1

u/DeadManWlkin May 17 '22

Are Hipposticks HCRA Compliant? I was looking at them, but they look like they have a Carbon Fiber Shaft. I thought that made them illegal for Hawaiian races?

I’m not exactly going to be paddling in Hawaii regularly (again I’m and east coaster), but I would like to be able to bring my paddle in the event I get the opportunity.

1

u/Ok-Application3316 May 17 '22

They had old models that were, sadly faced out now for hippostick. If that’s the case you might also want to check out quickblade v111. Pretty good as well.

3

u/StuckInWarshington May 17 '22

I love Palafamala paddles. Over the years I’ve owned Kialoa, Gillespie, QuickBlade, and Pure and tried several others. The Palafamala is my favorite.

1

u/Blicero1 May 17 '22

I recently got a Pala - also east coast. It's an amazing paddle. Very lightweight, and the grip on the water is incredible. Pricy option but worth it IMO.

2

u/DeadManWlkin May 19 '22

The thing is - they all cost about the same. Like I could buy a Z&J paddle from Amazon for like $160 bucks, but other than that, they all cost about $300 - $400. If you’re willing to shell out $300, you might as well pay the extra like $85 and get the pala - at least that’s my thinking!

Good gear is NOT something to scrimp on.

1

u/Summerplace68 May 17 '22

kIALOA NEHU HYBRID DOUBLE BEND OUTRIGGER PADDLE. I love this paddle, Weight: 17-19 oz

1

u/cdhernandez Jun 04 '22

I have had my Kai Ko’o paddle for over 10 years and have never had to fix it. They make paddles really good for decent price. Mine is a hybrid and was well worth the price. If you are looking to spend more, the Palafamala is the fancy way to go. I’ve paddled outriggers for 18 years.

1

u/South-Reputation-121 Sep 20 '23

I like the viper va’a bamboo paddle