looking at the infinity branded otter tail,

cute design, but will it work?

wil be used more for surf SUP than distance/race

shakas!

Here is a bit of a discussion on the Otter tail with Jim Hayes from Tropical Blends Hawaii. He is a big fan of this paddle and was paddling a wooden one last time was there.



If ever you are on Oahu you should check out his shop. Jim is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to SUP.



The Hoe Loa’s six by twenty six inch blade is designed to pull a long narrow column of water to provide maximum stability as it moves you through the water. Improve control and increase performance in rough conditions. Use the entire blade to get up to speed or just the tip to send you over that last bump. This paddle pulls straight, is easy on your body and was developed to enhance your stand-up paddling experience. Great choice for the recreational paddler looking for more stability while paddling.

Dimensions: 6″ Wide by 26″ Long

Here's my opinion on the theory / my theory (note - I have not used an Otter Tail Paddle).

Thin Width - should help assist in keeping the shaft vertical, and keep the paddle closer to the centre line of the board....

Long Blade Height - I would think it would take a fraction longer to sink the full length into the water, on "the catch", and ditto on the exit. Therefore each stroke could take a "pouf-teenth" (a fraction of a second ) longer. Which is actually a bad thing.... So I can't see this being good for racing...

Blade Flex - you would expect some blade flex....

Note: I have a Tropical Blends Paddle that is about 16 months old. Came with a board. The particular paddle that I have, seems to have a cheap shaft, with plenty of flex. Good for the shoulders, but not good for power.... excessive flex loses too much power.