Looking for advice on a steering paddle for a beginner steersman. The ones that are handmade (I've attempted to attach a picture below) seem to be oval-shaped, whereas the ones sold by Kialoa and others are shaped more like regular paddles.
Would like to buy a Hawaii hand-made one but I was just wondering whether this type of paddle is somehow less efficient than the store-bought variety.
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Submitted by grovpb4 on Thu, 05/07/2009 - 8:26am
Don't get one like the ones in your photo.
#1 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 8:30am
i hae a steering blade that is light and very durable.. and is a very good blade got a lot of good feed back check it out if not you can shop around and pick whats best for you ..
#2 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 8:33am
yes I agree with goto. get a paddle different from the one in the picture. Probably anything else is better. From my experience, spend a lot on this paddle. It was pay you back later. No joke.
#3 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 9:53am
Kialoa biscuit/foti. Kiakaha, Makana Ali'i. Xylo. any one of those are good. And yea, spend alot now, because there is no way you can paddle steer with the one in your picture. Surfing makaha maybe? but yea. i have both kialoas, love em both.
see if you know anyone that has one, and try it.
aloha,
kcchee11
#4 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 10:33am
One of my friends has a Mudbrook steering blade and its one of the best looking paddles I've ever seen. Steers really well to and usually runs a bit cheaper than other paddles as far as I know.
#5 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 10:42am
I learned to steer with a paddle just like the one you made. It had been made by a Hawaiian and was kicking around the club.
I liked it and after it wore out I thought I'd get a similar round-bottom one from Mudbrook.
Well, there were several others ordering and it was getting to be a big deal, and then one of the Chings, Al, I think, said by email straight bottom was the way to go.
Realizing that he knew more than I did, I went with the conventional Mudbrook. It's always worked just fine for me, so like those above, I'd say go with the Mudbrook standard.
Maybe someday I'll toy with a Biscuit, but only as part of an array of paddles.
~~~~~~~~~~
YankeeHo'okele
"Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm" - Syrus Publilius
#6 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 10:58am
All,
Mahalos for all the help...
cheers
#7 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 11:36am
i'm the friend nb was talkin bout
mudbrook steerin blade, great paddle, definitely get one
#8 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 5:38pm