Hi folks, just picked up a nice 2nd hand DC 16 footer off Surfanimals (Chris) - thanks mate it is a beauty. I am back to being a learner again and had a question re paddles for DWing.
What model (blade size) would you guys recommend in either a Kialoa or Quickblade for mostly downwinding on the above board? I am 80 kg and a resonably strong paddler. I remember reading on here that a slightly smaller blade is good for catching runners. Thanks in advance.
For good dw I prefer a larger blade with a longer handle; as you are moving with the wind so can hold more blade.
Try and demo some QB elite paddles of different sizes from AA. I use the 110 so you would be 100 I think. Andy Davies who is a little fella uses a 110 and he flies. Iron Phil uses the 10" blade I think.
Smaller blades tend to be used if you have an extreme high cadence or just want to cruise as they are easy on the shoulders.
Thanks Hilly, what is '110'? Is that area in sq inches?
Edit, I just checked the QB site and answered the question - so probably a 'Medium. then.
Hi Goaty,
I have a QB elite in 90, which is the 8.3" blade. I love it and use it for flat water and downwind stuff.
X Angie
Hi Goaty
I have gone the other way. I am using the smallest blade I can find for DW'ing. I am currently using a blade smaller than the the QB Small. I got given a small blade to try as an experiment but loved it so much I begged to keep it. Could be just a personal thing so you might have to experiment yourself...
Cheers Dave
Get out there and enjoy it !!
No matter what size blade, I find that 2 nicely timed "quick jabs" into the "peak power zone" gets you onto most runners. You often don't have time for a 3rd stroke, or the 3rd stroke confirms you are on it...
Peak Power Zone - roughly 2 and a half feet infront of your toes, to you toes...
Most of us (here in Vic) use the Kilaoa Methane's (about an 8" blade) and some even use the smaller Pipes (about 7").. IMO.. If your down-winder has lots of runners and very strong winds with a high constant speed the bigger blades are fine.. but if you get the conditions like we often get where you constantly drop off runners and almost come to a stop and then you have to work hard to get yourself going again until you catch the next one I think the smaller blades are better.. They're easier on the joints and you don't get so fatigued on the long runs.. btw.. Top guys like Aaron Napoleon also use the Methane for down-winding.. (and surfing).. I think you also need your paddle about 12" overhead to get the reach and alowe for the thicker boards.
DJ
For downwinding I use the QuickBlade Elite Racer 100 sq. in at 11" overhead. I'm 85kg. I love the comfy EVA wrapped handle for long distances.
paddled with both, and smaller I have found better. especially over longer distances. less brutal on the old back...
Thanks guys, really interesting to see all the different takes.
DJ, I was intending to go 12 inches overhead as my surfing one is 8 and the cheapy I'm using for DW atm is about 10 and feels too short. The few DWs I have done so far sounds like you describe where you often drop off runners and have to get going again - although I think my crappy technique is not helping
Bottom line like most things, is to try a couple of different blade sizes methinks.
Cheers
12" above head- stand tall. shaka or qb 8/7 - 100 is what most of the men use on the goldie
cheers
ps thinking maybe 11"above head on that dc 16
I've been getting longer and longer with paddles, normally using a 15" over and in the Doctor race borrowed a paddle that I measured at 16"!! It was actually fine, forces you to stop the stroke early and really reach forward, found when I got tired and sloppy on Saturday the paddle drags but if your shoulders can hack it I think a long paddle is a real benefit. With a shorter paddle it's very easy to slip back into crappy technique and not notice when you are tired.
Had a bit of a shoulder thing for a while and I've been doing heaps of low weight high rep exercises that the physio gave me, seems to have made a huge difference, my legs were actually what I noticed being tired during the Doctor but I was on a K15 which was very rolly polly in the confused water.
Also I did work up to that length, 12 for ages then 13 and now 15, IMO it really helps that quick tap tap tap stroke to get onto downwind waves. Glad to see another surfer crossing to the downwind dark side, good on you Goatman!
