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| Your Height | Paddle Length |
|---|---|
| 5’0”-5’4” | 42”-45” |
| 5’5”-5’8” | 46”-47” |
| 5’9”-6'0” | 48”-49” |
| 6'1"-6'4" | 50"-51" |
Dragon paddles are uniform in size and shape which is determined by IDBF regulations. So materials is where we can get creative as designers. The main materials are wood, fiberglass and carbon. Each have different desirable qualities and its up to the paddler to decide what their preference is.
The KIALOA Yin Yang Dragon Paddle is our best seller. Inspired by our popular hybrid canoe paddles a hybrid paddle consists of a wood shaft and a carbon blade. The blade is constructed with a foam core using a process called resin transfer molding (RTM) that creates an extremely strong, light and durable paddle. The triple laminated wood shaft is hand-shaped and oval for a comfortable grip. The superior finish creates a wonderful hand-feel. The Ergo-T™ is also hand-shaped of wood and fits nicely in the palm. Our Yin Yang paddle is IDBF approved.
The Zen Carbon Dragon Paddle Designed for the serious racer, the Zen is our lightest, strongest dragon paddle. The shaft is made from a pre-preg 3K carbon weave for a superior strength to weight ratio. The blade shape is built to IDBF specifications with a thin tip for a knife like catch. IDBF approved.
The Zen Carbon Adjustable addle is an adjustable version of our full carbon Zen paddle adding versatility without sacrificing performance. With 6 inches of adjustability from 45 to 51 inches you can find the perfect length for whatever boat or seat you are in.
The Makahiki Dragon Paddle "Makahiki" means festival in Hawaiian and the tradition of festival paddling in dragon boating is what inspired this paddle. Festival organizers want a paddle that is durable and low maintenance, a paddle that can withstand the abuse of many paddlers and many races. KIALOA's implementation of our Fibrlite® technology produces a blade that can perform with the best composite paddles out there and last for many seasons with virtually no maintenance. The Makahiki Dragon Paddle is not IDBF approved and is designed for practice and recreational festivals that do not require the certification.
Dragon boat racing has been around for centuries but its resurgence as a competitive sport happened in the early 90's with the formation of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The sport's popularity has been growing steadily ever since. Most dragon boat races are sprints ranging from 250m to 2000m and are regulated by formal racing rules.
The standard crew of a dragon boat is 22 people with 20 paddlers, one sweep that steers the boat and one drummer that sets the pace. The boat itself is ornamented with a dragon's head and tail. Paddlers sit in pairs beside each other on a bench and each take a side of the boat. They must be in sync as they follow the lead two paddlers and the drummer.
The dragon boat paddles in IDBF approved racing venues do not vary in shape or size but may vary greatly in materials. Dragon boat paddles must be built to IDBF Specification 202a to be approved for racing, so creativity on the manufacturers part must be in materials used. Paddlers expect dragon boat paddles to be light, strong and comfortable.
Like all high-end equipment, you will want to take great care of your new paddle. Carbon has a great "tensile" strength to weight ratio, but it is not as great with impact strength. Whereas wood and fiberglass can take some smacks, carbon often cannot. In the sport of Dragon paddling this means timing not only makes your boat go faster, it protects your paddle as well. Someone off time in front or behind you can put some mighty sad dents in your blade. If the dent is bad enough, it may need to be sealed so water does not get into the core of the paddle blade. Using a two part epoxy usually does the trick, but KIALOA is always available by phone or email to offer help keeping your paddle is good shape. Please don't hesitate to call. 541-382-5355
Check out our Makahiki paddle with the bomber strong blade, although not IDBF approved, it is a great practice and festival paddle and nearly indestructible. Save your nice carbon paddle for race days!
First start by finding a club near you. The best way to learn about the sport of dragon paddling is talk to your local association and find a club near you.
West Coast: Pacific Dragon Boat Racing Association
California: California Dragon Boat Association
Midwest: American Dragon Boat Association
Texas: Texas Dragon Boat Association
North East: East Region Dragon Boat Association
South East : Southeastern Region Dragon Boat Association
Florida: Pan Am Dragon Boat
Canada: Dragon Boat Canada
Europe: European Dragon Boat Federation
