Hello TotalPaddlers! As both a competitive paddler and coach at K2N Online Paddle School, I’ve spent years immersed in the world of outrigger canoe (OC1, V1) and surfski paddling. One question that keeps coming back in my own training, and in discussions with athletes I coach, is this: Does a bigger paddle blade really make you go faster?
It sounds logical. A larger surface should push more water, right? That’s the classic assumption. But as I’ve learned over thousands of kilometers in both outrigger canoes and surfskis, that’s not always the case.
The Big Paddle Blade Myth in Surfski and Outrigger Canoe
At first glance, it makes sense—especially in surfski racing and OC1 time trials—that a bigger blade would mean better propulsion. More surface = more power. But in real-world conditions, especially on open water, that theory falls short.
When I first started testing different paddle blades in both outrigger and surfski disciplines, I noticed something unexpected. Larger blades, while powerful, often reduced my stroke speed. The paddle was harder to accelerate through the water, which actually decreased my boat speed—even though I was working harder.
Why Stroke Speed Matters More Than Blade Size
Whether you’re paddling a sleek surfski or a traditional V1 outrigger canoe, the effectiveness of each stroke comes down to how quickly and efficiently you can move your paddle through the water. The catch, pull, and exit phases need to be snappy and fluid.
When using a paddle that’s too large for your strength or technique, your stroke slows down. That reduced cadence means less overall propulsion, even if each individual stroke feels powerful. I’ve seen this time and again with paddlers switching from V1 to OC1, or those coming into surfski paddling from other water sports—they often overestimate how much blade they can handle efficiently.
A Lesson from the Erg
I often compare paddle resistance to using a rowing machine. If you crank up the resistance too high, sure, it feels harder—but you also slow down and lose your rhythm. It’s the same in the water. A massive outrigger or surfski paddle blade might feel like it’s giving you more force, but it robs you of speed and efficiency.
In my own sessions and in coaching, I’ve found that a paddle that feels light and lets you accelerate through the water quickly often outperforms a bigger blade—especially over long distances and in downwind conditions.
Finding the Right Paddle for Surfski and Outrigger Canoe
Your ideal surfski paddle or outrigger canoe paddle sits at the sweet spot between too small (not enough catch) and too large (excessive resistance). I like to think of this as a bell curve—on one end, a blade that moves through the water effortlessly but doesn’t grip enough; on the other, a blade that grabs too much water and bogs you down.
For me, and many paddlers I work with, the best results come from medium-sized blades that allow a high stroke rate and smooth transitions. That’s especially true in downwind OC1 sessions, where stroke rhythm is everything, and in surfski sprint intervals, where rapid acceleration is the goal.
What I’ve Learned Through Coaching and Competing
I’ve coached paddlers of all levels—surfski beginners, outrigger veterans, and elite racers. One thing we always revisit is paddle size. It’s not about using the blade that champions use—it’s about finding the one that works for your body, your technique, and your goals.
Oversized paddles often cause paddlers to compensate by overreaching, twisting awkwardly, or fatiguing quickly—especially in rough ocean conditions. A paddle that lets you maintain rhythm, increase your stroke rate, and paddle efficiently is the one that will get you across the line faster.
Final Thoughts: Go Smaller, Go Smarter
My takeaway after years in outrigger canoe racing and surfski coaching is simple: don’t be fooled by the big blade hype. Try smaller blades. Focus on speed, rhythm, and efficiency. You’ll likely find your performance improves—not just on flat water, but in technical ocean paddling too.
And remember, whether you’re chasing bumps in a surfski, navigating a technical course in V1, or racing upwind in OC1, paddle choice matters. A blade that fits you will always outperform one that doesn’t.