NZDBA and Aoraki trial Champion paddles

The NZDBA (NZ Dragon Boat Association) has been focusing on developing Dragon Boating in NZ to international standards. We have international standard boats, moving towards international rules and grades and wea re also bringing in international standard paddles which will enable us to compete on an international level.

Many teams approached NZDBA and regional Associations (i.e. Auckland and Aoraki) to purchase the new standard paddles - either Carbon fibre (if they can afford them) or timber.  In about 2008, NZDBA worked to source a reliable supplier of wooden paddles that are up to international specification, at a reasonable price - the market price for an IDBF wooden paddle was between NZ$150 and $180, with a delivery time of about 7 weeks. 

NZDBA has sourced a very reasonably priced paddle that is made by Champion, the boat manufacturer.  They are not strictly IDBF 202A certified however there is very little difference between these T Bar paddles and the certified ones – in fact Aoraki have several samples and love them, they are light weight, longer, broader and strong.  Further, NZDBA has been advised by our International Federation (IDBF) they can be used in all competitions with the exception of the World Champs, therefore these are a cost effective paddle to purchase for our needs.

T Bar wooden paddles are about NZ$70 plus NZ freight and gst.