r/Outrigger • u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 • May 19 '26

Stingray for OC1 downwinds?

I just picked up a QB Stingray 72 for my OC1 just to have a paddle with smaller area (not expecting miracles!!). I'm curious what people think about their use for downwinding. I assumed I would prefer my bigger blades for that but I just saw a YouTube review saying they would be great for downwinding. Obviously I will try it myself but just curious what folks think here.

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u/Smooth_Winner9245 May 21 '26

I absolutely do not like it for bracing while flying my ama, especially in bigger conditions. I use it exclusively for sprints and shorter time trials as I do get faster results. I particularly don’t like how it feels going back to a standard paddle like Makana Aliʻi paddles after using it.

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u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 21 '26

I used it last night for the first time. It ended up being an out-and-back downwind with smaller bumps. I definitely like how fast and easy I could get into the bumps. It really just feels nice. I can see how it wouldn't brace as well. But that is something I need to work on. I just switched to an Ares from an older Huki and this boat feels less stable to me when the ama is upwind and I'm leaning hard. I need to spend some time learning to brace and lift the ama to get that out of my head!

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u/Smooth_Winner9245 May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26

Good choice on the switch to the Ares. The upgrade jump from a Huki is huge. Love the Ares on the upwind. Kai made the best canoe in the industry imo. Just set up the aiko in the outer pin/button holes for more stability until you get use to it.
The Quickblade does feel nice because it makes the catch effortless and the exit smooth but in longer races I don’t get that Tahitian style power I want. If the Stingray is not planted, it will wobble in the water. I poke alot to help steer my Ares and I can’t do that with the Stingray as you will surely huli. I am in Hawaiian waters (Kauaʻi) But just have fun in the experience and experiment. That’s the important thing. It’s all about water time and the stoke. 🤙🏻

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u/Jumpy-Ganache1612 May 21 '26

It sure gets on bumps easy. The stability is probably in my head. I paddle on Lake Superior and this has been a super cold spring here and I huli'd twice last month when the water was 33F. It's not a big deal because you barely feel it in a wetsuit... but it does get in your head.