Scotty88 said...

Any tips ?
I am looking to upgrade to a larger paddle say 9&1/2" wide blade. I am 6'2" and 130kg and find I am pulling my current paddle with ease. I just wonder if I go the larger blade will this slow my rate down or will it help to increase my speed ( or both). I will be using it on flat water only. I am knew to sup and would appreciate some advice from the more experienced.

Cheers

G'day Scotty88
I'm 6'0ft & 90kg I use the qb Elite racer with the BIG 10'' inch head and a 90'' inch shaft = 18''inch above the head I love this blade I have three of them. Always best to keep a spare! Most people like a 13'' - 15''inches shaft above the head. These blades are custom built by Jim Terrell the owner of qb ( Jim Terrell is an Olympic Kayak Weapon ) There are only around four of us on the planet that use a 10'' inch head! Everyone else on the planet prefers the 8 ¾ inch head I know C4 make a 9'' inch head.
Scotty88 if you want one in a hurry I have a qb with the BIG 10''inch head 88''inch shaft for sale only $300 or you can get one of Jim Terrell for around $600 but the Aussie dollar is up around $1.07c US STOKED

www.davidkalama.com/2011/01/tempo/

Have you read this article?
Dave says (and more);
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If you're more of a cardio type person you should lean more towards a Tahitian style stroke since the rate is higher and will require more cardio endurance, thus playing right into your strength. If you're a bigger stronger guy perhaps you might slow your stroke down and take advantage of your strength by powering your paddle a little deeper. Whatever you favor naturally I highly recommend mastering both techniques as they both use slightly different muscle groups, which allows for less fatigue because of load sharing throughout the body.
Aloha,
Dave
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Scotty88 - I'm tipping you're a pretty powerful bloke, big on power, lower on cadio endurance? So the big blades should suit, as mentioned above by Downwinder & Ali.

Hi DW - thats good going on the flats = 9.47km/h - how many km's can you keep that up? Gonna try and see if we can get to that speed - but back to topic, I use the Naish 9'5inch blade which is the biggest they make and I enjoy it except if I'm going into the wind or haven't recovered from previous paddles. Downwind it's a must, on the flat also first choice, except as stated before. Those QB's sound like they are the ticket.

PeterP said...

Hi DW - thats good going on the flats = 9.47km/h - how many km's can you keep that up? Gonna try and see if we can get to that speed - but back to topic, I use the Naish 9'5inch blade which is the biggest they make and I enjoy it except if I'm going into the wind or haven't recovered from previous paddles. Downwind it's a must, on the flat also first choice, except as stated before. Those QB's sound like they are the ticket.

G'day PeterP
I have a SIC f18 its 18'6'' weighing 17.5kg I beleive they are the best flatwater board on the planet. there was no surf on the Gold Coast last week so jumped in the canal to burn some calories. there's this great 11km circuit. I did 28k in 184 minutes. A weapon would smash that time by 10/15 minutes. I love my f18 the glide is unreal.
Have you been surfing Jbay lately I surfed it in 1994 stayed at Vans Place. That Black ale beer is heavy s##t 7% I drank plenty of it.

Cheers to Downwinder, Ali Cat & Simondo for your responses. Most helpful. I came across Quickblades faq's on their website for a table for paddle selection based on height,weight,uses,etc.
Thanks Downwinder for the offer of the 10" blade. I will give it some serious thought over next few days and let you know either way via email.
Yes Simondo, you are correct with your tip. At 130kg's I am relying on my strength to paddle and I am lacking the cardio which should improve over time. I snapped a few oars rowing surf boats at Bronte many years ago including an aluminum oar.
Downwinder do you think the 10" will be suitable for still water with no wind ? Or will I need a good downwind ?
Cheers Todd

I am on a Laird Coastrunner 14 ft. I love the stability of this board as it allows me to paddle hard without spending time in the drink.