Dragon Boat Paddle talk

[Cartman]

Which brand of paddle you think is the best. Anyone tried on more than 3 brands available out in the market? And how do you measure if the paddle length is suitable for you?

[Bitchy]

what are the 3 brands?

[pcgwee]

Just on the wooden sticks:
1. The Ocky Oars (~$55) are the heaviest and look the sturdiest. Blades are the thickest so they don't slice the water as well. Still the cheapest on market but made in Australia.
2. The Typhoon8s (~$72) have the thinnest and flatest blade profiles. In addition, they have a translucent strip of plastic at the blade edge to prevent splitting of paddles. Look nice and have clean entry. Made in China.
3. The Grey Owls (~$74) are perhaps the "standards". Made in China, they are found everywhere in the world. Their durability and QC have suffered during certain batches. Check handle to see if its lacquered and secured tightly.

[Vault Boy]

what about those carbon fibre paddles? heard they are damn light to use! actually light or heavy better? have heard both sides of the story, but non the wiser.... :?

[pcgwee]

Carbon fibre paddles are a joy to use, but of course they cost a lot more than wooden paddles. They are lighter and stiffer. Again several brands on the market, but the brand to beat is Burnwater. Trivium is a close second. Brasca and ZRE are good as well. Forget about Simon River Sports. Check out demo paddles from local suppliers before buying.

Read this http://www.huki.com/store/index.php?main_page=paddleconstruction

If you are unable to afford a 100% full carbon paddle, take a look at Apex Composites. You have to order online though.
http://www.apexcomposites.com/indexmain.html
3 years unconditional warranty.

[pcgwee]

SDBA paddles are 46". I was told that the paddle length is measured from your toes to your heart if you stand up straight. Still, the preference is yours. The pacers can afford longer paddles since they can stretch out more. Taller paddlers may need longer paddles.

[Nautilus]

Just on the wooden sticks:
1. The Ocky Oars (~$55) are the heaviest and look the sturdiest. Blades are the thickest so they don't slice the water as well. Still the cheapest on market but made in Australia.
2. The Typhoon8s (~$72) have the thinnest and flatest blade profiles. In addition, they have a translucent strip of plastic at the blade edge to prevent splitting of paddles. Look nice and have clean entry. Made in China.
3. The Grey Owls (~$74) are perhaps the "standards". Made in China, they are found everywhere in the world. Their durability and QC have suffered during certain batches. Check handle to see if its lacquered and secured tightly.

talk about splitting blades. i splitted a grey owl when the paddler behind me (being new to the sports) had her paddle in front catch as i was recovering during final charge. i didnt even realise it until i came out of the boat. somemore its someone else's paddle.... lucky i wasn't made to pay, now i know it cost 74 bucks :?

[Bitchy]

thanks pcgwee for the info. Got argument for heavy ass paddles? I thought light is better? why would anyone go for heavy? if i got money i sure get carbon fibre. is there a paddling sports shop in sg, other than paddles up?

[pcgwee]

Here is a list of suppliers:

Yukmeister International stocks Ocky Oars and ZRE paddles as well as BuK dragonboats. Contact John Kreamer at 9863 2504/6732 7987. Less responsive and maybe slow in delivery. John paddles for Canadian team.
Yukmeister International Pte Ltd
15-08, 53 Grange Rd
Singapore 249565
Tel  / Fax : +65 6732-7987 / 5104
HP: +65 9863-2504

Sava stocks Typhoon8 or Grey Owls paddles as well as Champion and Gemini boats. Contact Jason at Sava (www.sava.com.sg). Very responsive. May have cheaper deals at Sava events.

Paddlezup stocks typhoon8, Grey Owls, Trivium, Burnwater. Contact Ann at (www.paddlezup.com.sg). Frankly, paddles are comparatively cheaper at Paddlezup. Second-hand paddles may be available for sale. Strong connection to Singapore Paddle Club (SPC). Very responsive.

If you like to visit a brick-and-mortar store instead, try ULI watergears at Thomsom Plaza. Owner paddles for Singapore Paddle Club (SPC). Should be second or third floor.

[pcgwee]

thanks pcgwee for the info. Got argument for heavy ass paddles? I thought light is better? why would anyone go for heavy? if i got money i sure get carbon fibre. is there a paddling sports shop in sg, other than paddles up?

Light is almost always better, although some paddlers are so darn used to the heavy waterlogged SDBA paddles that they claim that they are unable to get used to the feel of lighter paddles or that they will frequently dish out the "if you are that good, any paddle will do" argument.

I have added a list of suppliers in the previous post so that anyone can contact any of the above. I'm just friends with some of them but there is no commercial interest (unfortunately).   :lol: