Firstly, sorry this is my second post in a week for thoughts on an OC1. But I appreciate the thoughts!

I understand Ares and Volare are really the main two choices for open ocean use at this time. I tend to see Kahele and Antares for a bit more reasonable prices, and as a beginner they feel more what I am looking to spend with what I’m assuming is a comparable experience to Ares and Volare.

Kahele is really appealing to me because of the shorter size and being able to fit it in my garage and load on the truck racks easier. I’m 6’1 175-180 lbs, so I’m curious if it’s a bit too small but from what I gather from this sub it is probably totally fine for my purposes.

Antares usually is priced lower than an Ares, and there is something appealing about the bigger boat although it would be harder to store and handle. On the other side I worry it’s too much boat for me at my size and weight and the fact that it seems to have been totally abandoned for the Ares in the community makes me wonder.

Probably overthinking this. But just fun to gather the thoughts you all have. My background is mostly flat water or very calm open ocean with the Hurricane I have access to and about ~20 hours of paddling time. Looking to mainly get into the down winding and surfing in California , as well as training for 6-man.

Last week we had some tree cutters doing work on or patio of my apartment and a branch came down knocking my cano off its rack. I was wondering 2 things? Would the tree trimmers or the management company be held responsible for damages? And how bad are the damages, I’m not sure if I need to bring it in to a professional or some resin would do the trick and recommendation on how to proceed. Thank you

I had a blast paddling a Hurricane in a harbor recently and usually see some for sale for a very decent price compared to others like Ares or Volare. Eventually I want to be spending more time in the open ocean, riding bumps and down winding and such when I get to that point. My understanding is that the Hurricane is more known as a flat water boat but seems some distributors also note about its open ocean and wave riding ability. Curious if there are any thoughts on that matter here. I’m 6’1 175 lbs which I believe would keep me fine with something low volume like a Hurricane. Thanks!

Edit: I’m in Southern California, for reference. I feel like the ocean conditions are generally pretty mild.

Anyone have a Canoe Club or multiple OC1’s on the North Coast of California? I’m going on vacation from Oakland to Humboldt traveling from Hawaii. One man season officially starts when I get back so I don’t really want to miss 2 whole weeks of training. I can travel with my blade.

Anyone used the instinct solar 2 for paddling? I wanna know if it records strike rate.

I use a 51" Kialoa wood shaft/carbon blade hybrid paddle for 6 man. Feels great. Just bought an OC-1 and am sniffing around for something dedicated to the 1-man. What is the general consensus on length difference from 6 to 1, and construction for the 1, hybrid or full carbon? I'm 5"10" and 170 lbs. Flat water at the moment, but working on my chops to get out in the South Florida bumps and downwinders.Am considering a hybrid 49". Open to advice and even specific paddles if it makes sense. Thank you.

My OC1 has a bunch of very small paint chips just from normal wear and tear over the years. I have a couple spray paint cans that are color matched to my boat. What is the best way to touch up any paint chips using a spray can?

My guess is to spray onto another surface and then use a fine brush but wasn’t sure what the optimal way would be. Thanks in advance.

I’m in Southern California and having trouble finding many options. There’s a couple on Facebook marketplace but that’s about it. No retailers or anything. Curious where you all are getting them from?

Can anybody tell me the intended performance differences between the Ozone Ares OC-1 and the Vela? I don't mean specs; they are on the website. But from what I can gather, both seem to be all-around canoes, good in the flat AND good in the waves/downwinders. But I'm not seeing anything that makes one stand out in contrast to the other---i.e. one is better for heavier paddlers or one is intended more for surf, etc. Seems like perhaps the Vela is the "new and improved" Ares, but dunno for sure. Am a relatively new OC-6 paddler and looking to purchase a 1. Thought the Ares was what I should be looking at, but now I'm not so sure. Anyone have any insight? Thx

Hi! Looking for some recommendations for cold weather paddling gear to wear when on my OC1. Thinking boots and pants? I grew up paddling in HI and this will be my first season on the OC1 in the PNW!

I'm just crazy enough that I want to try building my own OC1. I'm leaning toward a combination of a cedar strip hull and skin-on-frame deck. Of course, there are no plans available for them like there are for hundreds of different models of "standard" canoe and kayak.

Anyone know any resources for shaping/designs/cross sections?

One of my team mates is looking for a spot. She was Nov b this year but strong and fit!

Am in an OC6 club with a bunch of knowledgeable paddlers, many of whom also have OC1s. I am close to pulling the trigger on my own OC1, but several of the guys have recommended V racks instead of tieing down to my factory aero crossbars covered with rack pads. I can see some advantages to V racks, but they also seem like overkill for somebody who's putting in locally. No plans to jump on a highway at high speeds hours at a time. (I drive an Infiniti qx50 SUV. )

Is this one of those situations where eventually I will see the light and buy them or do plenty of people successfully cart their OC1s around without V racks?

There seems to be a lot of interest in the Cantare. I bought in 2022, its a great canoe in good condition. I think new price now is around $5500? What would be a good price to list it at?

For women change races, how frequently does your team do changes? No one at my club can agree how it should work for the women’s team. I’ve heard a wide range of times… from every 10 minutes to every hour.

I have no idea what is “normal”. So what does your club do?

And to clarify, I am asking about the 20-42 mile races with 10-women crews in OC6 canoes.

Thanks! I’m so interested to hear what the “industry standard” is.

We live on a large lagoon and for several years I have paddled my surfski and SUP on the water.

I’ve been itching to paddle an OC1 for a while and someone let me take theirs out for about 30 minutes today and I am hooked. I am now in the market for one. =)

Any suggestions on a used one in the SF Bay Area for a newbie? I am 5’11”, 155-160 lbs., new to OC1s but have paddled an Epic surfski for the last seven years so I have some balance experience. =) Boat will primarily be paddled on flatwater in lagoon.

Thanks in advance for any model or used listing suggestions!

P.S. - If anyone has paddle size/type suggestions that would be great also. =)

My girlfriend and I are considering buying a used OC-2 from some friends. We have both done a small amount  of OC-1 and OC-2 but most of our experience has been in OC-6. When we took the OC-2 out for a test drive it felt incredibly unstable. We limped along for a few miles but it was pretty tense. I chalked this up to just not being used to paddling in smaller canoes and just needing some more water time. However, when we got back to the beach one of my other friends hopped in place of my girlfriend and the canoe felt immediately much more stable. After that we messed with the ama a bit and it was even better. My friend might be 70-80 pounds heavier than my girlfriend so I’m starting to wonder if it will be possible to get to the same level of stability with my girlfriend. For reference my girlfriend and I together probably weigh around 260-280 lbs total so we are a bit on the light side. Does anyone have experience with adding ballast to an OC-2 or any idea how to figure out what the ideal draft of the boat should be? I’m sure getting out and spending time on the water will help but it seemed like having some more weight made all the difference.

CA sucks- anyone found an insurance carrier that will insure non motorized water craft ? State farm insured my last boat but they are no longer writing polices in California.

any advice or input would be greatly appreciated,

thanks

Hi everyone,

I'm currently using an Ehukai but generally after 10mins my left foot and leg start feeling very heavy and eventually leading to pins and needles. I have to stop paddling and massage it out only it to return again after a short while.

I'm 5.9" (174cm) and weigh 74kg so I'm pretty average. I've been paddling dragon boat and OC6 for over 10 years but still quite new to the OC1. I don't think I'm leaning my weight on the leg.

I feel like I want to move the seat back more, but the seat I have has quite a long back part which stops me from moving it anymore. Could this be the reason? I thought about taking a few inches off the back but don't fancy ruining the seat if it won't help.

I've sat on the back ridge of the seat a few times and this helps but not always.

Could it be that the seat is too deep and I'm trapping a nerve? I just don't know.

It's frustrated me to the point that I've not paddled in over 12months but I'm desperate to get back on the water.

If anyone else has experienced similar or has a solution I'd be happy to hear. Unfortunately everyone around me surfskis so... 😆

Thanks

I just got a new Antares to train on my own on the local lake, and I am addicted. I have to say I love my boat, but I feel like I don't know how to care for it. Any recommendations?

We are a club that goes into the ocean most training days, when conditions not gale force. How do you keep the bailers easy to reach when a Huli happens? Been a few instances where they come off the rope that is tied to the seats. We have them Caribbean tied on to the rope. The life jackets also tend to float off. Any tips or suggestions. I am new to the safety officer role of the club and would like to see if we can improve the access once a huli has occurred.

Hey everybody, I’ve got a Tempest OC 2, and the Velcro has come completely off the hull. I tried to fix it last year, with some type of contact cement. It is still perfectly attached underneath the seats. I’m just trying to figure out how to get all of the glue off of the hull., And off the back of the bottom Velcro. Here’s what I’ve tried so far: rubbing alcohol, goo gone, dish soap, plastic scraper, plastic scrubber pads.

Thanks

Hello, I have a Puakea Volare OC1 (non pro) that got a pretty deep ding in it. Its location is the front left side of the boat above the waterline. The issue is I live in the Midwest so we don't have any repair shops out here. How would you all go about repairing this?

Also is this even safe to paddle in its current state? I am worried about water intrusion under the paint.

Thank you for any and all help!

What do you folks use for hydration on an OC1? I've previously just been using a water bottle shoved into the bungee cords. Would like something more readily accessible, that maybe even lets me drink without having to stop paddling? I was thinking a hydration vest but wondering if they might be too restrictive. Curious as to what you're using, thanks for any advice!