About ToDaMax

Aloha & Kia Ora, I'm Kingi Gilbert. 👋

Every paddler is different. Every canoe is different. So every paddle needs to fit.

At ToDaMax, we believe that off-the-shelf paddles are a compromise. A paddle that works for someone with a short torso won't work for someone tall. A paddle matched to one seat height might be wrong for another. Generic equipment leaves performance on the water.

We started ToDaMax to offer the boutique, custom paddling equipment you won't find in the shops. We work with proven paddle makers and stock models across multiple lengths and blade specifications that fit you. Whether you're racing or training, whether you're in seat one or seat five, we can match you with a paddle that fits your physiology.

📐 How we recommend choosing a paddle

Paddle fit comes down to three things: your torso height, your arm length, and your seat height from the water line. You should not stand on land and then measure the paddle length to your chest, and you should not choose a specific blade size just because your competitor does or because you heard it's good.

Length:

The first thing to do is sit in the canoe with a variety of paddles and watch carefully the height of your top hand once your paddle enters the water. If your top hand is about eye-height on the horizon when the blade enters, that's good. If your top hand is mostly above your eye-line on the horizon, the paddle is too long (and will eventually wear on your shoulder). If your top hand is below the eye-line, your paddle is too short and you are leaving power behind.

Blade Size:

Generally you want to differentiate between training blades and racing blades. A racing blade should allow you to hold correct form and technique for the duration of the race. That generally means smaller blades for longer races. For shorter races you can go larger, but we do not recommend going big. The goal is to maintain proper technique and gear-change ability at all distances. Do not think a beast blade will make you faster in 500m sprints. It may provide a feeling of power for the first 250m, but can you maintain that power for the most critical part, the last 250m? The best V1 500m paddlers in the world each have a blade size that works for them, but I would say the fastest have a blade that optimizes efficiency and precision over power.

A training blade should be slightly larger than the racing blade to ensure you are getting a good workout. Some six-man crews have extra-large blades they use in preparation and power periods, but these are not for year-round use, just specific phases.

Example:

Here's my paddle range. I have a longer torso and generally long arm span, so I differentiate between racing and training.

V1

RACING: Manutea Millon Pro Model | Blade 24 x 46 (Round 9°) | 52" (132cm)
TRAINING: Aito Paddle | Blade 24 x 47.5 (Square 9°) | 52" (132cm)

OC1

RACING: Manutea Millon Pro Model | Blade 24 x 46 (Round 9°) | 52.5" (133.5cm)
TRAINING: Aito Paddle | Blade 24 x 47.5 (Square 9°) | 53" (135cm)

Bradley Lightning (Racing)

Bradley Lightning (Training)

All Seats: Aito Paddle | Blade 25 x 48 (Square 9°) | 54" (137cm)

Malolo / Hydra (Racing)

Seats 1, 4, 5: Aito Paddle | Blade 24 x 47.5 (Square 9°) | 53" (135cm)
Seats 2 & 3: Aito Paddle | Blade 24 x 47.5 (Square 9°) | 54" (137cm)

Malolo / Hydra (Training)

All Seats: Aito Paddle | Blade 25 x 48 (Square 9°) | 54" (137cm)

About Kingi

Kingi was raised in New Zealand, lived in Europe (Spain & UK) and now resides in ~~Auckland~~ Maui (Hawaii) with my family. Kingi is the current Chairman of Pineula Inc and the 2026 Women's Coach at Hawaiian Canoe Club. He has won or podiumed at multiple World Championships V6/V12 (2012, 2018, 2023), Hawaii State Championships (2012, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), Queen Liliʻuokalani (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024, 2025), Aotearoa Aito (2008, 2009), Molokai Hoe - Masters (2017, 2018), Vodafone Race - Masters (2026), Vaka Eiva (2012), World Masters Games (2017), and New Zealand Sprints and Long Distance (2009 to 2012).