Dragonboat Blog | The Dragonboating Resource

dragonboat talk for dragonboaters.

There are some paddle review videos on YouTube. Please simply click on below links to enjoy them.

• Land & Ocean _ Carbon Fibre
• ZRE_Dragon Z
• ZRE_XL
• Chinook Sundowner
• Apex Durablade

The Chinook Sundowner is a true 1 piece carbon DB racing paddle that weighs in under 400g (for the 125cm (49″) paddle) and uses best quality carbon fibre, epoxy and core materials. Unlike Chinook Diablo which is a 3-piece, mid-to-upper level DB racing paddle, the new Chinook Sundowner is an Upper level DB racing paddle with no glue on spigots or handles.

I also like the handle of the paddle. It’s a combination of T & palm grip – Oval handle! Additionally, the IDBF License Number is print on the paddle – NO more cost on replacement stickers! 

In the last 3 years of selling dragon boat paddles equipment to the Australian market I have seen some ‘real’ breaks. It can be quite amusing to see a paddler lose it when their paddle breaks and so far the common breakages I’ve seen are between the shaft and blade. Some of them are clean breaks (like someone has used a saw), others look like cracks from walls running down the shaft and blade (showing splinters of materials sticking out). I have some pictures of different paddles showing their breaks below and I’ll go through the TOP 5 WAYS to break a dragonboat paddle:

1. Drive over a dragonboat paddle with your car (it’s been done on a Trivium paddle before)
2. Place the paddle on a ledge and jump on it
3. Use a heat gun and melt the joint then hit it against a wall
4. Use a drop saw and cut it in half
5. Throw it off a 10+ storey building

Here are some photos of breakages I have collected over the years:

If you liked the Apex Accelerator, you will find it no different with the Ultimate, except for the additional length adjustment in the handle.

The Apex Ultimate dragonboat paddle allows you to change from lengths of 47 to 51 inches. Unfortunately it only allows for an adjustment of 2 inches depending on the length you purchase. For example if you purchased a 47inch Ultimate it only allows up to 49inch or purchasing a 49inch Ultimate would allow up to 51inch. This compared to the G-Power Falcon is not as good because the G-Power Falcon allows for a full range of adjustment between 45inch to 52inches and without compromising the weight. Whereas in the Apex Ultimate you will need to add aluminum rings to increase the length of the paddle and after testing it, I have found the aluminum rings do add considerable weight to the original paddle. The average weight of the paddle with additional rings is about 550grams or 19.5oz. This is a quite a difference compared to the Apex Accelerator which on only weighs around 400grams or 14oz.

I also noted that if you don’t clean the paddle after use, particularly in salt water the handle and aluminum rings start to form rust and this can be quite a hassle.

Lastly the biggest difference I did notice was it had a round carbon fibre shaft instead of an elliptical shaft and I noticed it wasn’t as comfortable to hold compared to the Apex Accelerator. Something I would suggest to Apex: please change to an elliptical shaft!

Overall the dragonboat paddle has been designed ideally for a more seasoned athlete who trains in all different water levels and conditions allowing them to easily adjust their paddle length when necessary.

The uniqueness of the G-power Falcon dragonboat paddle comes from its capability of adjusting the shaft length through the QNect system. The QNect system is a simple and efficient way to adjust the length of the paddle according to your height or comfort using an allen key. Furthermore, it’s quick and easy to disconnect the handle from the shaft to allow for more compact storage.

Due to the adjustable joint, it has been observed that water manages to seep into the shaft. For any paddler looking to use this paddle regularly, they have to ensure the joint is securely tightened. Additionally to store the paddle with the blade tip facing up so that water can be drained out during storage.

On the upside, it is an excellent light weight paddle weighing in at 400g or 14oz with such simplicity and smooth finishes. I liked this paddle when I first saw it because the blade is so well designed and well balanced it just enters the water without any plonking. The paddle has reasonable flex and is not too stiff, which makes it comfortable to paddle over longer periods. I would also highly recommend this paddle for anyone who does a lot of travelling interstate or overseas and needs to disassemble the paddle in order to fit into their luggage.

The Trivium S12 Dragonboat paddle is very unique and could be said to be the lightest dragonboat paddle in the world, at 340g or 12oz! Though that may be a good thing for some, it is very hard to own one of these paddles as Trivium don’t make enough to sell around the world. When I last spoke to the supplier they said they only produce a limited number of paddles per season and most people have to wait between 4-6 months before getting a paddle. Some clubs have even waited 9 months in Australia for their paddles to arrive and gave up waiting, purchasing other paddles that can be delivered within a couple of weeks.

Now why all the fuss and delays? Trivium paddles are delicately hand-made in Lithuania and they are carbon composite paddles consisting of carbon fibre and Kevlar. The reason for a composite of materials is because it needs to retain it’s strength, especially if it’s this light. Something I have noticed about paddling with such a light paddle is it often tends to feather the water and if there is the slightly wind it’s also very easy to loose control of the paddle. One reason why I have decided not to own a paddle that is too light.

The Trivium S12 is bipartite and the handle is joined to the blade via either a ‘GLUE’ connection or an IDBF approved ‘SCREW’ connection. Personally I have not liked seeing joints between shafts and the hassle of un-gluing just to adjust the length is a big job for the average dragonboat paddler. The other issue I feel is that it also weakens a paddle’s durability because there is an extra joint compared to a paddle being assembled in a one-piece construction.

Trivium S12 paddles also offer various grips:

• Sculpted (more like a Palm Grip)
• Ergo T (like a T-Grip, except more rounder around the edges)
• Ergo Medium (a slightly thicker version of the T-Grip)

It’s a positive for the Trivium paddles to have different grips as it can be customised to each individual paddler’s needs. In addition, Trivium have taken the extra step for customisation of their blades and offers individuals and clubs a choice of colours. Needless to say it may be why there is a long waiting period to supplying these paddles.