Are super lightweight paddles always the way to go?
6.0 Paddles The only time that super lightweight paddles can be hard to handle is in strong winds. Because they are so light they do not have any inherent inertia so that the paddler can end up wrestling with the blade trying to control it, whilst a heavier timber blade can be more controllable. Then again experienced users of lightweight synthetic paddles, tend to swear by them in any condition. Exotic paddles are more expensive to repair, but generally very tough to begin with. Either way, light is best it seems but as with many other considerations in the sport of outrigger canoeing, the traditional element and the use of timber is an issue that is central to the sport. Timber has that certain feel you just can’t replace. 6.4 Are steering paddles different from regular paddles? Yes. Steering paddles tend to have larger blade areas and may be straight shafted. The steerer’s paddle has to act much like a rudder and therefore needs to be constructed tougher to handle the sideways stres
