Buying Waka Paddles (Outrigger or Va’a Paddles)

Waka Paddles are A very personal choice

Getting the right paddle for you can be a bit of a challenge. I started off using our club paddles. They were wooden, heavy and well used, so they ‘plopped’ a lot. There was only one 47″ paddle and it was often out when I wanted to use it. I really needed to get my own paddle. At that stage, I had no idea what to buy. A very generous paddler let me try her Tai paddle, I liked it and that is what I bought. They don’t make that particular paddle any more. It was a really good all round paddle.

Paddles are constantly changing, new models come onto the market so I have tried to use the most common blades in use at this time.

First – Know your paddle length

Choosing a paddle is a really personal decision. It depends on feel, blade size, length and purpose. Choosing the length of your paddle is VERY important. Kialoa have this great video on how to choose the right sized waka ama/outrigger paddle.

I started using a 47″, then went to a 48″ and then a 49″ paddle. I was getting quite a lot of shoulder and elbow problems so I have gone back to using a 47″.  I don’t get sore joints these days. Maybe it’s just my technique improving, but I also think the paddle length helps a lot.

Try before you buy (if you can)

There are heaps of different paddles out there. Everyone will have an opinion and so it really is worth trying a few different paddles before you buy if you can. Not everyone is willing to lend their precious paddles, but someone might. It is worth asking.

Here are some of the paddles me and my paddling buddies have tried. There are plenty are out there. If you have a favourite send me your review.

Paea – Hybrid Double Bend Outrigger Paddle from Kialoa

I now use a 47″ Kialoa Paea that I got from Rob Smith of Waka Paddle. It’s one of my favourites.

“Battle tested by Lanikai Canoe Club during the 2017 Molokai Hoe, the Paea is designer Dave Chun’s interpretation of a Tahitian V-6 paddle. Featuring a tapered PVC foam core carbon fiber epoxy blade, the Paea has virtually zero flex for a quick catch and efficient energy transfer. Paired with a triple laminated wood hybrid slim shaft, the ergonomic double bend is comfortable in the hand and easy on the body.”
Kialoa Paddles

“The Paea suits me (and, of course, it is pretty). I used it for the first time in high wind in my OC1 and noticed that it had a really smooth, clean catch. I could feel the pull right the way through my stroke. This paddle is almost ‘flat-backed’ as it has a minimal ridge at the back of the blade where the handle inserts into the blade, making it great for V1 paddling as well as W6. It is the paddle I chose to take to Tahiti for the World Sprints. I love the slightly larger blade area.”
Jan Blythe

Construction: Blade – carbon/epoxy with wood/foam core, internal carbon reinforced edge banding for durability, dihedral for stability, thin tip for a clean entry & solid catch, Shaft – Triple laminated wood for strength & durability
Specifications: width=9.5″, surface area=120 sq in, blade angle=16°, shaft=Slim Double Bend
Contact: Rob Smith of Waka Paddle.

Hoku – Hybrid Double Bend Outrigger Paddle from Kialoa

For a while I had a Hoku, but I found the blade area a bit small when I was paddling the V1. I sold it after I got my Paea and the new owner is very happy with it.
Contact: Rob Smith of Waka Paddle.

Puakea Paddles

Johny Puakea was in Nelson recently taking a paddling technique session with 8 of us out at Kaiteretere. He has some really nice full carbon paddles that a few of the OC1 paddlers are using now. They either have the Polu or the Maika’i. I quite liked them when I tried them, but there are only so many paddles one can buy.

Contact: Shane Anderson @ Raglan Roast/ Kite Surf Nelson info@kitesurfnelson.co.nz 

Hybrid Broadbill – Tai Paddle

Tai have a great range of paddles. They have the big advantage of being New Zealand made. The broadbill is one that is becoming popular in Nelson. The angle has been adjusted slightly for a cleaner entry and increased catch. The blade have new in-mold logo’s and abs edging to improve the durability.

“I use Tai Aito for all long distance and sprints, but the new broadbill is super nice. I used a Marere Va’a paddle and it was really nice…light and could grab lots of power from it, But overall I’m a Tai fan.”
Callum O’Leary, Motueka Waka Ama Club

Construction: Blade: epoxy, carbon fibre, fiberglass, pvc foam, abs edging, Shaft: laminated timber
For those who love specifications: width=width: 9.5″, length: 18.5″, comes in double or single bend shaft
Contact: Shane Anderson @ Raglan Roast/ Kite Surf Nelson info@kitesurfnelson.co.nz 

Viper Blade

I have a Viper Blade and I love it. It handles well in the V1 (and it matches my iato). I like the fact that it comes from Tahiti and that some of the price of the blade goes towards conservation of a rare flower found only on Raiatea. Viper blades come in both hybrid and full carbon and with double or single bend shafts.

Construction: Blade: epoxy, carbon fibre, fiberglass, pvc foam, abs edging, Shaft: laminated timber
For those who love specifications: width=width: 9.5″, length: 18.5″, comes in double or single bend shaft
Contact: Dale Masters, Paddling Addiction

Quick Blade

A lot of Nelson paddlers use Quick blades.  I still have one but, its out on loan to someone who loves it.

Contact: Shane Anderson @ Raglan Roast/ Kite Surf Nelson info@kitesurfnelson.co.nz