Generally steering paddles are cheaper than paddling paddles, yet them must be used for more than one purpose. You have to steer and the crew insists you paddle occasionally.
At either end there are steering paddles 10 1/2" x 22" with 5 degrees angle and there are paddles 9 1/2" x 13" with 12 degrees angle.
Some are high shoulder, some are low shoulder. Some have the shoulders reinforced and some have all edges reinforced.
Thoughts? Comments?
Submitted by YankeeHookele on Mon, 06/23/2008 - 5:13am
My favorite is the Kialoa Foti steering blade. Excellent handling in waters around Hawaii and light enough to paddle without excess fatigue. I love it.
#1 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 10:33am
I recently got the same paddle rachel is talking about. I haven't used it yet but its my favorite paddle.
#2 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 12:40pm
i recently sold the same paddle rachel is talking about. i used it and didn't like it too much. the big seam between the carbon and wood was non pleasing to the touch. however, i have seen newer models without this problem. plus i don't steer anymore. i just follow fast guys around on my one man.
#3 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 1:00pm
For light conditions I prefer the Kialoa Bisquit steering blade... smaller blade, closer to the size of the rest of the crew, good balance of the blade. But for bigger seas I like the Kialoa Foti blade.
#4 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 1:43pm
I have been using Mana Bladz for the last two years...great for steering and paddling. They have a very large surface area and make steering in surf easy, but they also catch very clean when you paddle.
#5 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 1:47pm
Have to agrre with both of the above; i have Kialoas Foti and the Bisquit. The Foti is da bomb when I get asked to Molo or Hamilton for the change races. The rest of the time the Bisquit is perfect for 95% of the waters and you can paddle with it well. I use it when I'm doing my patheric va'a attempts also....dat said, I was given a Hourne all wooden steering blade in OZ and it is a work of art.
#6 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 2:56pm
I've only started steering in open races and long distance workouts for the past 2 years. Anyone prefer to steer with a smaller steering blade like the Kialoa Mirror Pond? They don't make it any more, but I think it's a great blade for California waters that I've paddled in. I've used the Biscuit once during a practice and I thought it was huge to paddle with as it's a really long blade.
Anyone else use the Mirror Pond?
#7 Mon, 06/23/2008 - 4:33pm
The kia kaha steering paddle is pretty badass. The blade has a big surface area so it takes a little more strength to paddle it, but its smooth through the water and super responsive
#8 Tue, 06/24/2008 - 5:49am
I'm 14 and steering. Personally, i love my kialoa foti. Its responsive in the big swells and when you're has the technique going, i can paddle steer for a long time. Almost every steersman in my club uses it and as far as i can tell, they love it. A friend of mine uses a Xylos blade and that blade does very well on turns. I hope you this helps you out and good luck.
Aloha,
kcchee11
"Feel da Mana, Feel da Kai. PADDLES UP! It's wa'a time"
#9 Mon, 07/21/2008 - 7:13pm