Hi guys, I was just wondering what your opinions were on OC paddles (ie: grips, bends, materials, shafts, sixe, etc) I am looking to buy a paddle in the near future so I was wondering what people preferred and why, of course I will try palddles out before a purchase, but I was wondering what you guys use and why. Cheers :D
Tubs
Submitted by tubs on Sun, 10/09/2005 - 10:42am
Personally I love my Makana Ali'i paddles but that is just my preference. It has a really good feel to it and paddles very well. I also like the fact that it's made of carbon fiber which makes it stronger and more flexible than an all wood paddle. I've broken too many wooden paddles but haven't broken a carbon one yet. I think cost wise you actually end up saving in the long run by spending a little more now on a carbon paddle that'll last you forever versus having to buy multiple wooden paddles through the years. Size wise most people generally go with a shorter paddle for the OC1 because you sit closer to the water. In Hawaii people tend to prefer the single bend over the double bend. As far as the grip, I would go with the T-grip than the other one, I forget what it's called. The blade area also makes a difference on the OC1 depending on the type of stroke you have, a faster stroke versus a power stroke. There's also the design of the blade which determines how it pulls through the water. So many things to look into huh? But ultimately it's how the paddle feels for you that matters and not what someone tells you it should feel. Damn that was a long answer to a short question. :shock:
#1 Wed, 10/12/2005 - 11:46am
Mudbrook Paddles... Light with a little flex... Friendly on the shoulders...
#2 Fri, 10/14/2005 - 2:11pm
I'm still new to the sport, but got to try out all kinds of paddles. I really like the Makana Ali'i. It's really hard to get, but feels great. I kinda disagree with hawaiian paddler about the carbon fiber being more flexible. I tried a few and it physically seems stiffer. That's why I here some paddlers prefer all wood in a six man because of the flexibility factor. It's also easier on the shoulders which may lower the chance of injuries. Some paddlers prefer a stiffer paddle in a one man because the lightness in the pull. (one man weighs about 24 lbs compared to a six man, 400lbs divided by six paddlers) I would love to use a carbon fiber in my one man, but it marks up the hull when you accidently hit the sides. One thing I found with "some" Kialoa wooden paddles ( for me personally) is that I get a little "glup" on the entry of my stroke. I'm sure it's because of my stroke, but other paddles such as the Makana, Mudbrooks, and the xylo blades seem to be more forgiving with my stroke. A cleaner entry with less loss of energy through the stroke. I prefer a rounded edge of the blade for smooth entry. As far as double bends, I personally think it feels great cause it gives your wrist a good angle when you reach. The only problem with such a good angle, I tend to grip the paddle with all my fingers. This causes me to naturally use more arm muscles than I should. That's why I prefer a single bend. It keeps my bottom grip light using mainly 3 fingers. This forces me to use better muscles such as my core (abs), back, shoulders, and drive hard from my top hand.
Good luck
I'm sure you'll find one that works for you.
Don't hold your breath for a Makana though...............really tuff to get.
#3 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 1:37am
Good input from everyone.
Definitely try to paddle with as many blades as you can.
Like Tango, I am new (5 yrs) to the sport and many things have changed since the first stroke.
I am currently using a Hapa Quickblade and love it. The unique piece to the QB is the blade itself. Hold your hand out as if you were swimming and then look at your fingers...they are curved to scoop the water. This is how the blade is on the Tornado model of the Quickblade. Also like Tango, with some paddles I tended to get the "glup", the QB enters and exits (catches and releases) smoothly, sans "glup". I tried all wood, all carbon and now I prefer the wood shaft/carbon blade combo of the Hapa Quickblade. The all carbon Quickblade is spectacularly light and historically stiff but Jim Terrell (Quickblade magician) has a new flex-shaft design that he developed to reduce the "shock" on the shoulder and elbow tendons.
Jim also has customer relations down to a science. You won't meet a nicer guy to talk to and he is very responsive to your requests.
I have introduced quite a few paddlers to the Quickblade. It has affected all in such a positive way, that almost to a person, they are using the QB now.
I do NOT recieve any compensation from Jim. I just like the paddle.
http://www.quickbladepaddles.com/outrigger.htm
Good Luck,
Yldbill
Oh yeah...the paddle is easy to come buy.
#4 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 4:15am
yldbill
You just reminded me..........the QuikBlade. Beautiful paddle. We don't see much of those paddles here in Hawaii, but I think things are are gonna start to change. The price is right, and the Blade looks great. The hybrid models in particular intrest me enough for me to get one.
#5 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 8:17am
I know a large number of paddlers on Maui that use Quickblade paddles. Personally, I own three (Kaiwi, Tornado, and Typhoon). I prefer the Kaiwi for six-man and rudderless paddling, the Tornado for flat water OC-1 paddling, and the Typhoon for big surf. I've been very impressed with Quickblade's service and the blades are of the highest quality. If you live on Maui, you can check out the entire Quickblade series (including stand-up paddles) at Tri-paddle Maui. Wendell usually has a nice selection in stock.
#6 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 10:28am
Wow, dmehling.
Do you mind parting with some rudderless tips?
I am waiting for one of Tiger's, World rudderless OC-1s to get here and could really use any insight.
I scored a great deal on Ropati's Pacific Paddler and I am stoked on the idea of rudderless training.
Will the flat faced Kaiwi be of benefit?
Mahalo in advance.
Bill
#7 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 12:28pm
I used to use an all carbon ZRE paddle and after some hard training runs this season it was pretty tough on my elbows. I was lucky to try a Mudbrook XP in NY this year that Danny Ching brought with him and like the quickblade the tip has a spoon like curve that cups and slices cleanly in the water. I was hooked on first contact. Bought a paddle and love the paddle. The weight is balanced just right and no more elbow issues with the natural flex from the all wood paddle.
Aloha,
Dan
#8 Thu, 10/13/2005 - 3:09pm