Paddle size for surf ski. some thoughts on the braca 4 735 vs 705.

735 - at the time of the video I have done all my racing with.
705 - happened to win at WA race week. Finding that I’m less fatigued over longer distances and I’m able to change my stroke rate easier. However when catching breaking waves at higher speeds seem to lose some purchase on the water and therefore some stability.
Also leaning towards the 705 for clubbie racing as I’m able to increase my stroke rate getting though the beach break easier as well as the ability to increase stroke rate coming home.
Let me know your thoughts plenty of top guys paddling with the 735 and 705
For reference I’m 6’1, 87kgs have raced international K1 sprint and marathon in the past, but more of a pure ski paddler now.

[@owenphillips9166]

I had a similar situation quite a few years back. Using big bladed Bratcha 2 from South Africa gave me more stability and confidence in really bumpy water, compared to my Bratcha 1, which was a few cm shorter and maybe a cm narrower. However, I found that sticking with the smaller blade size, the body soon adapted and it didn't take long to feel just as comfortable using that instead of the bigger blades.

[@oceanskicanterbury]

Big blades B1 and B2 😳where they for surf ski?

[@owenphillips9166]

@@oceanskicanterbury I was doing a lot of lifesaving surfski races, so the B2 was my round-the-cans sprint blade, and the smaller B1 for distance. Now I'm getting older (57) so I'm finding the need to use smaller blades!

[@wink247]

Twisted blade may suit, braca xl, jantex gamma, epic mid twist . Concrete catch, easy release power and efficiency with 700 cm size

[@oceanskicanterbury]

Yeah they seem pretty popular now I actually suggest these to most people I just haven’t changed myself yet 😅

[@SeaShanty2016]

I use a Braca IV paddle when paddling in a K1, but have changed to a Braca XI (Van Dusen) for my surf ski because it has a better catch in the rough and extra reinforcement for bracing etc. I take a slightly different approach dependent on the conditions and distance to be covered, changing the length of the shaft rather than blade area. Mine is a 760 and in lighter conditions or shorter distances I use a longer shaft (218cm) and when conditions are bad and/or I’m paddling a longer distance, I shorten the shaft to about 214cm. I find that altering the shaft length allows me to benefit from the larger blade for both drive and stability.

[@oceanskicanterbury]

Thanks for the comment 👍