HCRA Paddle Specifications

ARTICLE V. Equipment, Section F. Paddle Specifications:

"Paddles must be single-bladed and shaped of wood only. However, the paddle used for racing may have a protective or supportive (strengthening) covering which may be fibrous, kevlar, carbon fiber, etc. The paddle may have an edging or prosthesis for protection on the bottom or sides. The paddle may have a laminated (horizontally or vertically) synthetic material for strength and support. Extra paddles may be carried in each canoe during the race.

Anyone caught with an illegal paddle shall pay a fine: 1st paddle $50.00; 2nd paddle $100.00; 3 or more paddles: $200 each, to be paid within 30 minutes of notification. The club to which the paddler belongs shall be responsible. Intentional use of an illegal paddle shall result in a fine and disqualification of the crew."

The following table lists paddles that show no wood in the blade from the exterior and yet conform to HCRA specifications (as of 2008).

Manufacturer Conforming Paddles Non-Conforming Paddles
Broad Reach Paddles Hawaii, Tahiti Nui, Tahiti Iti, V1, V1-S, All Steering Blades None known
Dowsett Paddles All known models None known
Fluid Paddles All known models None known
Gillespie Paddles Gillespie Hybrid Gillespie veneer blades
HI. Pressure Paddles Hybrid Carbon
Hoe Kino All known models None known
HYPR Disciplinarian 9.25, Liberator 7.1, Liberator 7.75, Liberator 8.5, Koa
IHE Erg shaft
Kai Ko'o Papio, Puhi, Kala, Opelu, Puhi 2.0 Hybrid, Ahi, Aku, Tombo Puhi 2.0
Keahi Paddles Keawe, Kahiwa None known
KeNalu Paddles All known models None known
Kia Kaha Hybrid Full Carbon
Kialoa Dave's Hybrid, Mirror Pond/Mini Me, Axel I and II, Hollyakala, Lanikai, Biscuit, Foti Hybrid Keone, Lolo, Pono, Leahi
Maka Va'a All known wood models Peperu steering paddle
Makana Ali'i All known models None known
Mana Paddles All known models None known
Pa'akai Paddles All known models None known
Palafamala Custom Paddles All known models None known
Puakea Paddles 2018 Hybrid, Hopu Hybrid, Maika'i Hybrid, Milu Hybrid, Polu Hybrid, Puakea Demo Milu, Maika'i, Hopu, Polu
Pure Paddles All known models None known
Quickblade Kaiwi, Kanaha, Hybrid Hapa, Stingray
Tiger Blades
Viper Va'a FSN, NTR RPR, CRB
Xylobladz Carbo G, Half-Carbon Zero G None known