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One aspect not fully addressed is paddle length. I was watching a YT video recently about MARERE, a Tahitian paddle manufacturer ( one of Shell Va'a's suppliers ), in which they indicated that off-season _training_ paddles are a bit longer. I presume this is to maximize pull ( 'huti' ), and aerobic training. Also, Tahitian clubs known for favoring specific stroke types ( i.e. high-tempo over longer, slower strokes ), have paddles to match. Personally, having a longer pull, I tend to deliberately pick the high range in terms of weight ( wood ), paddle length and blade surface area during the training season, and switch to lighter (carbon fiber ), slightly shorter paddles ( like 1" to 1.5" shorter ) with a bit smaller blades for races. Another point is that older, typically squarer, OC blades require precise water entry to avoid the dreaded 'kaplunk' cavitation sound. In contrast, newer teardrop-shaped blades-which have become standard-are more forgiving, allowing greater leniency in form ( which may or may not be a good thing! ☺).
You'll want something pretty different from the dboat paddle. Overall they are basic and the outrigger paddles are complex. A Z&J is a great budget paddle to try out and learn a lot about the feel of the OC paddle and decide from there what you like and get another shape that gives you what you want.
Interesting that I prefer a soft catch in surfski and a strong catch in the outrigger canoe. I also prefer a heavier paddle since I'm used to it and the light ones feel like they might fly away in the wind 😅
I have been told by a Tahitian that the amount of curve across the bottom of the blade also is a bigger factor in a blade in a rudderless outrigger as the requirements when steering without a rudder are different. Basically that as the blade is constantly changing angles in the water, a more rounded shape is more consistent throughout the stroke than a square base. In summary, a square bottom better in an OC1 or a 6 man, and more rounded in a V1. Any thoughts? Phil Ash
Great insight! I'm sure the feel the rider had very specific feel they are chasing in a v1 especially tahitians who have a lifetimes of seat time. The double bend and round blades are something they swear by.
Thank you for the insights re: paddle types, would it be possible to have information about how to maximize your catch depending on paddle type? (I'm a DB paddler)
Great tip! I have a series on the website for Dragon Boat Time Trial 101 describing that a bit more since the paddle doesn't have the positive offset how you grab the water up front is a little different to maximize the leverages... it's a stronger catch but super weak at the back half.
Our members are using a mixture of blades so good chance to try out different designs. One guy has just got one of Ian Foo's blades so the more parallel shape and more cupped cross section will be interesting. I have a very light, smallish ZRE that I am thinking does not suit a longer slower stroke tech that we are moving towards. Whereas my old Big Mamma with a square top seems to suit a better catch where much of your power is rather than back near the exit. How do you measure the length of paddle a person should use and where they should position the bottom hand: esp if short and female
Prioritize top hand position. I like my top hand around eyebrow level when the blade is submerged. Hold the paddle with the top hand only and submerge the blade. Outstretch the bottom arm to grab the shaft and that's where it should end up. Different for everyone based on torso length, arm length, boat height. The more distance from the pinky to the blade tip, the more pressure you'll find in the water. Changing the paddle length changes this position if the top hand remains in the same spot.
You're missing Hyprfit's most revolutionary and well-thought out blades. I have been using them for three months and I have improved not only my efficiency and technique, but performance. I did not think that was possible after over 25 years of paddling at age 73. I have all three designs.
I've been using the Hart Attack Hippostick for years in the OC1/2/6 I have not tried it. Lots of people looking for the next big thing. It's heavier than a ZRE, and the small blade face isn't forgiving or easy since you submerge it really deep in the water. Doesn't work for bracing and has broken in the surf... on paper it doesn't seem like the right direction for paddles.
