Don't fool around with a makeshift boat. Get a true oc-1 and you'll be up to speed in no time. I would say that 90 per cent of the former surfski paddlers in Hawaii have switched to oc-1s or SUPs. I'm probably one of the few last hold outs still paddling surfskis.
Pure comfort alone, makes the oc-1 a no brainer for you. Test one out and you'll wonder why you're not paddling one already. Choose an adjustable bent shaft paddle, for your size, since you can automatically shorten the shaft from 56" to 53" as you gain experience with your limited time in the water. An 8.75" wide blade will be good enough for you and your bod. You don't need a 10+" wide blade to get up to 10 mph.
How About This For Motivation? Paddle smart, know your limitations, shorten your learning curve and don’t waste time. Get up to speed in 2 weeks (or even a week) and enjoy going fast. Watch these paddlers glide 32 miles on the open ocean: http://vimeo.com/132564084
Doesn’t Look Like a Tahitian Made Outrigger. Or any of the Hawaii made V-1s by either Tiger Canoe or Kamanu Composites. I thought at first, it might be a Canadian made Sea Lion (C-Lion) or Nelo’s V-1 outrigger that’s made in Portugal? Maybe, it’s a new sit inside outrigger from Italy, by AllWave? Don’t know? These rudderless outriggers, have become popular worldwide and probably more kayak manufactures will be making them? They do race in a separate category from the OC-1s, for although similar, they are entirely two different types of boats by design and how they are steered.
Check out the small kid racing solo against the grownups at the 1:30 portion of the following video (his paddle is bigger than him): http://www.vimeo.com/112182956
I Haven’t Seen Any Too On the East Coast? Mostly OC-1s and OC-2s. Maybe it’s the cost? Or maybe too long? But at around 20 pounds, easy to carry and handle and fast to set up. Good for shallow and flat water paddling also.
The V-1 usually has a round hull from the bow to the cockpit. And from the cockpit back to the tail there is a long hard chine to help the canoe track straight. But, it also makes it more difficult to steer and turn. Of course, you can add a rudder to it, but then it would be ineligible to race in the V-1 division.
