Going into distance season, what paddles do people like and why?
What I'm using: Kialoa Axel II
Why: I'm used to it. Well made.
But I'm looking to try some other paddles.
Ideas?
Submitted by hawaiikaipaddlah on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 11:46pm
Going into distance season, what paddles do people like and why?
What I'm using: Kialoa Axel II
Why: I'm used to it. Well made.
But I'm looking to try some other paddles.
Ideas?
Submitted by hawaiikaipaddlah on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 11:46pm
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stay with the Kialoa.....best paddles out there.
#1 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 10:41am
The Broadreach paddles are pretty awesome! Well built, light, and Lots of new designs being tested.
#2 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 5:28pm
OK, I'll chime in. Makana Alii, Makana Alii, Makana Alii. At the end of the day however, it's what you've personally tried out and most like. Did I mention, Makana Alii?
#3 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 5:39pm
Keahou & OCC both used broadreach paddles in the Upper division mens races at states and did quite well. The broadreach blades are starting to become quite popular.
#4 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 5:53pm
I like broadreach, too. But those crews don't win because of the paddles they use. I usually use a wood/carbon Zylo, though. P.S. Just because I suck doesn't mean the paddle does.
#5 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 5:57pm
who sells broadreach on O'ahu?
#6 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 6:33pm
We use a matching set of Xylo's and leave our OC1 paddles at home.
#7 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 9:06pm
I love both of my broadreach paddles. Not only are they a "high end" paddle but they are tough as hell. I think the new Kialoa double bend is a joke. I also know of a short canoe repairman who happens to build REALLY REALLY nice and locally proven double bend paddles for the same price as a Kialoa.
#8 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 9:50pm
jpi92109, just wondering what makes the kialoa paddle a joke. and the only one i've seen from them so far is a working prototype. unless you are referring to the wacky shaft ones
from what i hear, most of the current crop of double bend paddles borrow design influence directly from the tahitians. this true?
#9 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 11:07pm
Maybe "a joke" was a little strong. I saw the all wood version in the local store. Saw the hybrid somewhere else. It just seems like a Lanikai blade with a bend in the middle to me. And the blade on the all wood is pretty small. Probably the smallest ive seen except for a custom female strokers blade. I just didnt care for the feel of the paddle in the water, didnt seem very smooth to me. But im sure it would feel great for others and the paddle I love so much may feel crappy to the same person. And I will say that I havent tried the all wood version.
Every double bend ive seen over here has a heavy influence from the Tahitians. They build great paddles, maybe thats why the current crop feels so good.
#10 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 11:19pm
agreed about Tahitian blades.
#11 Thu, 08/06/2009 - 11:54pm
I was at states and spoke with Kialoa about the double bend paddles. 10 years ago they were very popular- something like 80% of his business. Then something happened- Lanikai won the channel with single bend paddles. Everyone switched. Now the Tahitians are using double bend paddles...
Thankfully I kept my Kialoa Wiley Coyote DB!
But I still like my Makana Alii the best.
#12 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 12:59am
Those new wooden double bend Kialoa's are just as jc9_0 says, they're working prototypes that they've put out to see if the consumers (paddlers) might like them or if they need some changes.
I agree that they are narrow at just about 9" (23 cm) at its widest point and a bit thick at the edges. Pretty similar to the Lanikai shape and length (18"), but with a rounded tip. I actually got mine last month at Island Paddler on Kapahulu Ave.
Had a chance to talk to both Meg and Dave last week in person and gave my opinions about it being too narrow (for OC6) but (might) be just fine for OC1 or for women paddlers to use. They said they'll look into making them 9 1/4" or even 9 1/2" wide and possibly some hybrid models.
They mentioned that they do have actual Tahitian paddles that they traded for at last years Molokai Hoe and are incorporating their design to make their new version.
#13 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 1:43am
Scott Hendricks makes the broadreach paddles on the big island and has been doing R&D with the livestrong guys. T-bear has brought back a couple of blades from tahiti and they have had Scott make different templates for them to try for both OC-1 and OC-6. I personally have tried a couple of the templates and really like his V1S for oc1 and the tahiti-iti for oc-6. Both these blades are a little larger than blades I have paddled in the past, but they get a great bite on the water and seem to make the boat jump. We at OCC have been playing with straight shaft and double bends and found that the double bends are just a little more comfortable on your wrist when reaching out for a stroke. If your interested in a blade you can email scott at broadreachhawaii@gmail.com
#14 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:51am
Thanks for that contact info!
Speaking of double bends, I just noticed Maoli Waa also makes them - has anyone tried their brand of DB paddles? Im more curious bout the durability.
#15 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 1:54pm
.
#16 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 10:46pm
.
#17 Sat, 08/08/2009 - 12:18am
I received one of the Tahiti Rames double bends about a month ago and have used it a few times since then. Beautiful paddle and great feel in the water. Maybe a bit heavier than other paddles, but I don't mind at all. Paddled with it last night in 10-15 mph winds and never felt it was going to be blown away from me.
Question for other folks using double bends. Do you change you technique much when switch between a double and single bend? I find I naturally want to crank the paddle through the water a bit, but don't feel the need to use my arms to accomplish this (as is discussed in Steve West's book). What's your all's experience?
#18 Sat, 08/08/2009 - 7:29am
For double bend, I still prefer the original made by Gillespie, for you can't beat his Ultralight for doing the Channel.
#19 Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:26am
I have owned a number of double bend paddles over the years. Savage River made an excellent one circa 1993. I tried straight shafts over the last two years- Kialoa and Kiakaha- both are excellent and the Kialoa is the most durable, well made blade I have ever owned.
Last week I purchased a Tahiti Rames double bend and have to agree with all the good things said about them I am stoked to again have a double bend and the Rames in particular. They seem to be made for getting a good forward catch and press with a nice degree of angle and lots of blade surface area. The shaft is narrow and easy to hold without death gripping. The all wood construction is pleasing to the eye and has a great feeling.
Paddle selection is pretty subjective and a matter of personal preference and often fitting in with the rest of the crew- it is hard to say what paddle is better then another- but the Tahiti Rames is definitely worth a try.
#20 Sat, 08/08/2009 - 11:41am
What is the angle on the Tahiti Rames?
#21 Mon, 08/10/2009 - 10:51am
Hi Ashley,
Tahiti Rames Paddles are usually made at 9 degrees.
They can be custom made at any degree tho.
Mahalo
Kapono
www.maoliwaa.com
#22 Mon, 08/10/2009 - 1:58pm