How To Choose The Right Outrigger Canoe Paddle?

The choice of the right canoe paddle is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience. For 6 hour trips or less, economical options are fine, while 6 hours or days or longer are all about weight, durability, and performance. To determine the best outrigger paddle length, consider factors such as broader than average shoulders, longer torso than average for height, and ordering a hybrid OC6 green logo Puakea paddle.

The ideal steering paddle design can be found in sailplanes and high-performance sailboats, with a relatively long steering paddle. Paddling an outrigger canoe requires paddling skills, strategies, and understanding different materials, grip options, blade shapes, and how to size a paddle. The overall guiding principle is that the slower the craft, the smaller the blade. The strength, fitness, and technique of the paddler contribute to craft speed as well as the craft itself.

Paddle length is a personal decision, depending on feel, blade size, length, and purpose. The shortest paddle that allows proper reach of the water is best. There are two basic styles of paddles used in outrigger canoeing: bent shaft or double bent shaft. Bent shaft paddles are by far the most common and provide better performance.

To select the perfect length for your outrigger paddle, sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. Use the Quickblade Paddle Sizing Chart to determine the perfect length for your outrigger paddle.


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Used Outrigger paddles
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How do I choose a paddle length?

As you can see from the chart, the wider your boat, the longer your paddle needs to be. If you’re tall, you’ll need a longer paddle, too.

Consider sizing 5 or more centimeterslongerif you have two or more of the following:

  • A more relaxed, casual paddling pace
  • A true low-angle (horizonal) forward paddling stroke
  • Abnormally wider boat width
  • Flare, flat-bottom, or V-shaped (usually beveled outward) boat design
  • High seat position in the kayak/canoe
  • You are taller than 6′ and outside our sizing guide

Consider sizing 5 or more centimetersshorterif you have two or more of the following:

  • A more aggressive, active, or endurance focused paddling pace
  • A true high-angle (vertical) forward paddling stroke
  • Abnormally narrow boat width
  • Tumblehome (usually beveled inward) boat design
  • Lower seat position than most stock boat models
  • You are shorter than 5′ and outside our sizing guide
Adjustable Outrigger Canoe Paddle
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How to pick an outrigger paddle?

Outrigger Paddle Sizing:If you have broader than average shoulders, go to the high end of the range.If you have a longer torso than average for your height, go to the high end of the range.When ordering a paddle to be used with a one or two person canoe or an Unlimited OC-6, go to the middle or low end of the range.

Use the chart below for another option to determine what outrigger paddle length might be best for you.

  • If you have broader than average shoulders, go to the high end of the range.
  • If you have a longer torso than average for your height, go to the high end of the range.
  • When ordering a paddle to be used with a one or two person canoe or an Unlimited OC-6, go to the middle or low end of the range. Most people use a shorter paddle in OC-1/OC-2s and Unlimited OC-6s versus a traditional six person canoe.
  • Remember, these are general guidelines so please take into account your personal preferences.

Outrigger Paddle Rules. Outrigger paddles used in OC-6 races must conform to the rules of the sanctioning association. While this may seem like a confusing situation, most associations tend to follow the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association’s (OHCRA) canoe paddle rule. Why? OHCRA is the largest association and is the sanctioning body for the Moloka’i Hoe. All KIALOA Hybrid and wood outrigger paddles designed for OC-6 use are built to the OHCRA rule and are legal for use in all of Hawaii’s outrigger races. Any single bladed outrigger paddle may be used in a rudderless Va’a, unlimited OC-6, OC-1 or OC-2, whether it is wood, hybrid or full carbon. Ultra-light full carbon outrigger paddles might seem the obvious choice, as they tend to be the lightest construction material, but Hybrid style paddles tend to be the dominant type of paddle.

Best Outrigger Paddle
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How big should my outriggers be?

Outrigger Pole Lengths. The first and most important thing to consider when adding outriggers is the size of your boat. Outriggers that are too long and heavy are not only unwieldy; they can also destabilize small boats. For boats under around 25′ with a beam under 9′, 15′ to 18′ poles are typically the best choice. A handy rule of thumb for outboard-powered boats is that the tips of the poles shouldn’t extend past the props.

Try to be realistic about how many lines you’ll fish.

Another consideration is the number of lines you plan to run on each ‘rigger. Although it’s possible to run two lines on a 15′ pole, an 18′ or longer pole is a much better choice. With a double-rigged 15’ pole mounted on a T-top or hardtop, the inner line isn’t more than a few feet past the gunwale. On the other hand, try to be realistic about how many lines you’ll fish. Trolling four lines from outriggers plus two flat lines and a center “shotgun” line requires a lot of expensive tackle and a lot of work from your crew.

You’ll also want to consider practical constraints like bridge clearance, storage and trailering. Make sure whatever outrigger setup you choose is compatible with your slip or lift and with any bridges you have to fit under.

Outrigger canoe Accessories
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What size paddle should I get for my height?

Touring Paddle Sizing GuidePaddler HeightBoat WidthApprox. Paddle Length5’0″ – 5’10″17″ – 23″220cm – 230cm5’6″ – 6’2″23″ – 25″230cm – 240cm0ver 6’3″Over 25″240cm – 250cm.

It seems that there are as many different ways of sizing paddles as there are paddlers. These guidelines will help provide you with the basics to get started and are based on the goal of providing you with a paddle length that will put the whole blade in the water during the power phase of your stroke while leaving your body in a comfortable paddling position. This allows you to move your vessel through the water with efficiency, precision, grace and endurance.

  • CANOE – STRAIGHT SHAFT. First, sit on a flat surface and measure the distance from your seat to your eye level.
  • Next, add the distance from your boat seat to the water line.
  • Finally, add the length of the paddle blade (as these very with type and model).

This should be a good starting point for the overall length of your canoe paddle.

Palafamala paddles
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How do you calculate outrigger?

How to Determine the Correct Outrigger Pad SizeRule of 5: Take the maximum lifting capacity in tons of the unit such as 50 tons, divide that by 5 = 10 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking.Rule of 3: Take the square footage of the cranes fl oats and multiply by 3. Such as a 2×2 fl oat = 4 sq. ft. Take 4 sq. ft. x 3 = 12 sq.

The following information provides guidance for the proper use of outrigger pads to set up cranes or other devices with outriggers or stabilizers. For more information refer to OSHA’s standard oncranesandderricksin construction (1926 Subpart CC).

  • General Calculations to Determine the Correct Outrigger Pad (Blocking) Size:. Rule of 5: Take the maximum lifting capacity in tons of the unit such as 50 tons, divide that by 5 = 10 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking
  • Rule of 3: Take the square footage of the cranes fl oats and multiply by 3. Such as a 2×2 fl oat = 4 sq. ft. Take 4 sq. ft. x 3 = 12 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking

*check the load chart or consult the unit manufacturer for the maximum outrigger down pressure for a single outrigger.

How long should my outrigger canoe paddle be?

Because the blade is so much longer. It is added to the overall length of the paddle. But you have to submerge this blade much deeper. This in effect makes the shaft itself much shorter longer the.

How do you fit an outrigger paddle?

So this is how you size your paddle you sit down on a flat surface. And you’re sitting very upright if you’re sitting on the ground make sure that you’re not grounded. You’ve got to be sitting.

How long should a canoe paddle be by height?

For traditional wooden paddles the ideal length for the Stern paddler is the bridge of your nose or 6 inches less than your height. For the bow paddler the paddle reaching the cleft of your chin or 9 inches less than your height is correct.

What size canoe paddle do I need for my height?

For traditional wooden paddles the ideal length for the Stern paddler is the bridge of your nose or 6 inches less than your height. For the bow paddler the paddle reaching the cleft of your chin or 9 inches less than your height is correct.

How to select a canoe paddle?

So this is the neck size down a 57. I wouldn’t want to be a lot inside of 90 degrees more than this but this is acceptable too so that’s kind of your. Range. That’s how you size a paddle.

Is outrigger canoeing hard?

Outrigger canoe paddling and racing is a hard sport; one of the toughest I can recollect ever putting my body and mind through, it takes a special breed of paddler who truly understands pain management at its highest levels, so as to excel under the pressure.

Outrigger Canoe Paddle Cover
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How do I choose outriggers?

5 Tips to Choose the Right Outrigger Mount for Your BoatBOAT SIZE MATTERS. The most important thing to consider when looking for outriggers is the size of your boat. … HARDTOP & T-TOP HAND CLEARANCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE. … CHECK TO ENSURE YOU CAN TURN THE HANDLE OUTBOUND. … LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. … GUNNEL OPTIONS.

A common question we get at TACO Marine is, “how do I know which outrigger mount to install on my boat?” While there are many options from which to choose and several factors for consideration, below are five basic tips to help you choose the right outrigger system for your boat.

1. BOAT SIZE MATTERS. The most important thing to consider when looking for outriggers is the size of your boat. If your boat is 24-feetorunder,thePro Series GS-500 Outrigger Mounts are not appropriate. On the reverse, if your boat is 40-feetorover, a pair of GS-170Outrigger Mounts likely would not be sufficient for your offshore sport fishing needs.

Instead, check out the graphic below to find the right outrigger system for your boat size.


📹 How To Size An Outrigger Canoe Paddle

I am 5’10” and I’ve been paddling outrigger canoe for 5 years. For the last year and a half I paddled OC6 and OC1 with at 51″ …


How To Choose The Right Outrigger Canoe Paddle
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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