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| EO SUP Oti Paddle |
For 2021 I am extremely fortunate to be sponsored by EO SUP and be part of the EO SUP team, this means that I get to use their paddles for the year. In mid January I received a long parcel from them containing a gorgeous 2021 Oti paddle and an equally lovely Fortis Carbon 2020 adjustable paddle.
I've put the Oti in the water a dozen times since then and here are my first impressions of it:
About EO SUP
Based in Latvia, EO are a collection of technical specialists and craftsmen brought together by paddling, you can read about them and all of their products here. They make their paddles at their base in Latvia with the materials used sourced in Europe, even the plastic catch on the adjustable paddle I have is European.
When possible I prefer to get products that do not have to be transported half way around the globe and I was very happy to find a high quality paddle made close to home. More than that the paddles from EO look fantastic, the skill and craftsmanship needed to make them is evident in the products I have.
My paddles
My primary paddle for 2021 will be an Oti with a medium (90 square inch) blade and medium shaft. I chose this combination because most of my paddling would be described as ‘touring’ but I also like to go fast(ish). I also have a Fortis Carbon, also 90 square inches with an adjustable shaft, more on that later.
One of my fist conversations with EO was regarding the length of my paddle. Over the years I have been reducing my paddle length but many people would still regard it as 'long'.
Before assembling my paddle Maris at EO contacted me to check the length I'd asked for, my height, my paddling style and about the board(s) I use, specifically the distance from the waterline on my most used board to my feet. This last figure is really important in deciding paddle length, if I was paddling a dugout with my feet close to the waterline then my paddle would be significantly shorter than if I was paddling a 6 inch / 150mm thick inflatable.
As a result I now have a paddle that is a little shorter than I had but, after 84km seems to be perfect.
The Oti 2021
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Construction |
Obeche wood handle and blade, tapered carbon fibre shaft |
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Length |
2085mm |
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Blade Size |
90 square inches |
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Weight |
465g |
The first question when anyone talks about high end paddles is the weight. 465g for a paddle that is 2085mm long puts this firmly at the “oh, that’s light!” end of the scale. This is a seriously light paddle for the length, comfortably lighter than the paddles this replaces.
The second question when anyone sees this paddle is always about the looks. Wooden blades and handles on high end paddles are not common and I really like the fact that the Oti is light and it is beautiful. It is a pleasure to paddle with.
Weight and looks are not everything, it has to work as a paddle. And it does.
From the top the wooden handle feels warm, even in sub zero conditions. The shaft is tapered, narrower at the very top and wider at the bottom where it joins the blade. It is also textured along it’s entire length meaning that grip with, and without gloves is excellent. More glove-less paddling will follow when conditions allow!
The blade is a work of art and very well designed. It has a very positive catch and a perfect engagement through the power phase thanks to the subtle flattened 'm' shape profile and the slightly scooped shape. At the end of the stroke the release is very clean.
Moving forward
Conditions have been challenging here in Sweden with sub-zero temperatures and a lot of water inaccessible due to ice but before everything froze I managed to get onto the water several times for some short paddles with my Oti 2021 and can say that I'm am super-happy with it.
My plans for 2021 include a lot of distance paddling including my first 50 km and some multi-day trips. There is no question in my mind about the paddle that I will be taking with me on all of my adventures this summer, Oti and I are gong places.