paddle sizing

mupwi

hi guys
for those that haven't read my previous posts I am busy building a outrigger out of an old surf ski having never seen one before in person living in south Africa.
I am also going to be building a paddle but I have no idea on their dimensions of outrigger paddle could someone post a rough sketch with dimensions the dimensions I have picked up so far is a blade angel of around 10 degrees and a length of 50" is this length just the shaft of the whole paddle including blade.
Before anyone suggests it just importing a paddle is not an option as most of the paddle prices I have seen on the web are like a months salary for me and I still have a family to support.
I have quite a good knowledge of composites having worked as boatman for the local rowing club for about 3 years so building it is not a problem.
thanks in anticipation

Submitted by mupwi on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 10:18pm

jpi92109

Ill send you a paddle. Build one based off of that rather than from a sketch. Might be kinda sketchy. haha

#1 Sun, 02/15/2009 - 10:33pm

mupwi

thanks that would be awesome will pm you with my details this sight has been so great with providing details and support for me trying to get into this activity that is oc paddling it seems such a perfect sport for us in south Africa I don't know why it hasn't taken off where surf skis have maybe ill start a trend

#2 Mon, 02/16/2009 - 12:10am

goodwaka

mupwi: Behind the North pier of the Harbour entrance at Vetchies pier is a good spot to base OC.
Getting through the surf break anywhere else to the Norrth or South of Durban favours a sski without ama = less resistance when paddling out through shore and bar-break.

#3 Mon, 02/16/2009 - 3:19pm

mupwi

Hi goodwaka I would agree that that would be the easiest launch in the area but I dont know for how long it will still be available to us.
Have you paddled there before?
If you don't know they are widening the harbor mouth and there are plans to kick all the water sport clubs out of there as some developers have purchased all that land and plan to build a hotel/flats and marina for the owners boats. I was at the meeting where the plans were reviled and they were asking for comment but in the end even though everyone voiced there opinion about it ruining the recreational area and the fact that it is a marine protected area which will be ruined by the building of the marina the developers said up yours we own the land well do what we whant.
sorry its a bit of a touchy subject with me.
But I have some other plans for launching I know of some skiboat launch sites up and down the coast that are protected enough to paddle out of comfortably

#4 Mon, 02/16/2009 - 8:32pm

goodwaka

I left Durban a while ago.... surfed when there and built a sailboat in the harbour to sail away. The sandspit in the harbour (where we built and launched boats) has apparently been developed into a shopping mall.... but damn! taking away one of the few launching spots on the coast sucks.

#5 Mon, 02/16/2009 - 11:25pm