How To Choose The Right Paddle For You
With so many paddles in the market today, it’s already a headache to decide which one to buy and which one suits you.
I am going to show you how easy it is to find the paddle that is right for you and even give you a method on how to measure the length you need.
Let me start off by telling you that finding a paddle is easier than you think! I have literally done all the hard work for you and tested each of the paddles available in the market. Furthermore, I have written reviews and wrote down all the specifications for you and ensured that all of these paddles are IDBF 202a approved.
If you don’t know what IDBF 202a approved means, I suggest visiting this site to read more about it:
http://www.idbf.org/documents/Racing_Paddle_Scheme.pdf
It basically explains why you need to purchase an IDBF paddle to use for Dragonboat Racing.
Also, as I mentioned above I have written reviews for every Dragon Boat paddle currently available in the market and you can view them at:
http://www.dragonglobe.com/reviews/
Some of the reviews also have additional comments written by other paddlers and I suggest reading them as well. Also, you are most welcome to leave your own comments as well.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH PADDLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you have visited the paddle reviews link provided above, you will notice the number of Dragon Boat paddles available. No doubt there will be more paddles added to the range as new suppliers pop up around the world. From wooden paddles all the way to carbon fibre paddles, it starts to become quite daunting.
The easiest way to understand paddles is to look at which category fits for you. Here are the categories we use to determine which paddle suits you:
AMATEUR PADDLER:
Just starting out and paddling with a team on a social level. Will be on the water at least once a week.
The paddles I recommend you try first are either the wooden or composite paddles. These are relatively strong and durable paddles which are relatively low cost to purchase.
MODERATELY WELL VERSED PADDLER:
Starting to attend regattas, interested in competing, though not completely committed. Will be on the water at least two to three times a week.
There are a variety of good paddles to test. The paddles you should be considering are the “Mid-Range Carbon Fibre Paddles” listed in the paddle reviews. Depending on your budget you can pick the best one of out the range to get a relatively light and durable Dragonboat paddle.
PROFESSIONAL PADDLER
Has a full commitment to train and compete as a Dragonboat paddler, aiming to participate in State and National Competitions. Ultimate goal is to represent their country. Will be on the water between four to seven times a week.
I highly recommend considering paddles that are in the High
Performance Carbon Fibre range. These paddles provide you will the best equipment for serious and competitive dragonboating. If you travel a lot as well, consider the Adjustable Carbon Fibre Paddles as well, so they can be packed into a smaller bag for easy transporting.
Pick a category that you consider your paddling experience level is at now and this will help you determine which paddles to start considering for yourself.
THE PADDLE COMPARISON INDICATOR
If you are still stuck, here is an additional tool to help you. If you visit DBV.com.au and view some of the paddles we offer, you will also notice a “Paddle Comparison Indicator” listed in each of the paddle descriptions. This indicator will also give you a good comparison of the performance, durability and weight amongst all Dragonboat paddles. Visit DBV.com.au to see:
HOW TO MEASURE THE RIGHT PADDLE SIZE?
After you have decided and found the right paddle for yourself, you will need to determine what size will be good for you as well. It’s not a hard process and there’s a simple formula to follow. Visit the document I wrote about measuring a paddle:
So hopefully you can see how easy it is to find the right paddle for you. It is also a good idea to try the paddle first before buying and give it a test run. Just like how you would test drive a car before you spend your hard earn cash! So good luck with your paddle hunting!
IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER
That’s it for this newsletter.
Here’s to your paddling success,
Tyrone Shum DBV.com.au and Dragonglobe.com
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