I have recently purchased an OC-1 and noticed I'm sitting lower to the water. In OC-6 I currently use a 50" paddle, should I be using a shorter paddle for OC-1?
Submitted by LB_paddler on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 12:40pm
I have recently purchased an OC-1 and noticed I'm sitting lower to the water. In OC-6 I currently use a 50" paddle, should I be using a shorter paddle for OC-1?
Submitted by LB_paddler on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 12:40pm
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Most people take an inch off of their OC6 paddle, some even more. If you search the website, there are threads discussing paddle length in OC1 vs OC6.
#1 Sun, 07/12/2009 - 2:12pm
Yeah, I take an inch off for the OC-1.
I'm also starting to get curious again about using a double bend in the OC-1 as well. I've been using a straight shaft for a long while in both types of canoes but I'm beginning to think returning to a paddle that promotes the ability to "punch forward" for a quick pace change, coupled with a bit less of an emphasis on a Hawaiian style twist and plunge might be what I am looking for. Does anyone have some thoughts to share on straight shaft versus a double bend for an OC-1?
#2 Sun, 07/12/2009 - 6:43pm
I also use a 50 inch paddle in OC6. I have a 49" for my OC1s. However, my newest OC1 puts me even closer to the water, so I'm toying with the idea of getting a 48" for that one. Because an OC1 puts you closer to the water, a lot people chose to drop down an inch or two in paddle length. However, I know some people that are happy using the same paddle in both OC6 and OC1. If you feel that you have to keep your top hand higher when paddling your OC1, or your are consistently burying the paddle into the water past the blade (and up on the shaft), you may want to try a shorter paddle. Borrowing a friends shorter paddle on a OC1 outing would be the best way to determine whether you want a shorter paddle.
#3 Mon, 07/13/2009 - 3:52am
If you are consistently burying the paddle into the water past the blade (and up on the shaft), then you might be paddling the correct way.
#4 Mon, 07/13/2009 - 4:13pm
When you short the shaft, widen the blade. Narrow the blade, if going with longer shaft.
#5 Tue, 07/14/2009 - 2:49am