Dragon Boat Paddles
Dragon boat paddles are single-bladed paddles with a T-grip for dragon boat racing, where a crew of paddlers sits in pairs and strokes in time with the drummer. Racing paddles follow the IDBF Specification 202a, so every licensed paddle has the same basic shape and a length of 105-130 cm. G’Power is on the list of IDBF approved dragon boat paddle manufacturers and makes the Falcon II carbon dragon boat paddle by hand in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland, in five constructions from 350 to 480 g.
Falcon II carbon dragon boat paddles compared
All Falcon II paddles share one IDBF licensed blade of 400 cm² (480 x 178 mm) and a 29 mm shaft. The five versions differ in layup and weight, as listed on the product pages:
| Model | Carbon (blade / shaft) | Weight | Made for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon II EXTREME | 100% / 100% | ~350 g | national teams and top crews, the lightest Falcon II |
| Falcon II CARBON | 100% / 100% | ~370 g | racing crews, the standard full carbon paddle |
| Falcon II KEVLAR | 100% / 100%, aramid outer blade | ~390 g | crews who want a blade that takes knocks from the next paddle |
| Falcon II PLUS CARBON | 100% / 100%, reinforced | ~400 g | heavy training loads, extra material in high-stress areas |
| Falcon II RACE | 50% / 100% | ~480 g | clubs and new paddlers, the lowest price |
A lighter paddle is easier to lift on every stroke of a 2000 m race, and the difference between EXTREME and RACE is 130 g.
IDBF licensed dragon boat paddles
An IDBF licensed paddle is a racing paddle the International Dragon Boat Federation has measured and approved against Specification 202a. The IDBF Paddle Specification Handbook (2024 edition) sets these rules for the racing paddle:
- the overall length is 105-130 cm;
- the shaft is straight, never cranked or bent;
- the blade surface is smooth, and dimpled blades are excluded;
- the front and back views of the paddle are identical.
A licensed paddle carries the IDBF Manufacturer's Paddle Mark with the licence number. All Falcon dragon boat paddles are IDBF licensed under licence number 3120 / 3121, so crews can race them at IDBF events. Adjustable QNECT Falcon paddles are legal at IDBF events only with the 29 mm QNECT screw connector.
Dragon boat paddle length
Dragon boat paddle length depends on your height, your torso and your seat in the boat. G'Power makes the Falcon II in any length from 110 to 130 cm in 1 cm steps. As a starting point, KIALOA's sizing chart gives about 107-114 cm for paddlers 152-163 cm tall, 117-119 cm for 165-173 cm, 122-124 cm for 175-183 cm and 127-130 cm for 185-193 cm. Paddlers with broad shoulders or a long torso go to the upper end. Some paddlers in the front seats prefer a shorter paddle, according to KIALOA.
Adjustable dragon boat paddle with QNECT
Every Falcon II can be ordered with the adjustable QNECT shaft. One adjustable paddle fits several crew members, and it splits in two for travel to regattas. A fixed shaft suits a paddler with one seat and one length.
Ordering for a team
G'Power ships dragon boat paddles from Poland and works with more than 40 distributors on six continents. Clubs can order a full set with team graphics from the online paddle design editor. Discounted paddles appear in the G'Power outlet. For team orders, call +48 883 44 22 44 (Monday to Friday, 7:00-15:00 CET) or write to kontakt@gpowersport.com.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, G'Power is on the IDBF list of approved dragon boat paddle manufacturers. All Falcon dragon boat paddles are IDBF licensed under licence numbers 3120 and 3121 and follow Specification 202a.
A racing dragon boat paddle is 105-130 cm long by IDBF rules. KIALOA's chart gives about 117-124 cm for paddlers 165-183 cm tall. G'Power makes the Falcon II in any length from 110 to 130 cm.
Falcon II EXTREME is the lightest G'Power dragon boat paddle at about 350 g, with a 100% carbon blade and shaft. Falcon II CARBON weighs about 370 g.
Yes, if the paddle is IDBF licensed and its length stays within 105-130 cm. The Falcon II with the QNECT shaft uses the same licensed blade as the fixed version.