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Ocky Ocky Ocky - Oi! Oi! Oi!
Ocky Oars˜owner operator Ed Mc Ilwain is one of only three dragon boat oar manufacturers in the world. In 2003, Mr Ray Woodcock, the chairman of Dragon Boats Australia Incorporated, requested Ocky Oars of Burnett Heads to come up with an Australian made dragon boat paddle.
Ed sent the first proto types to England and Canada for inspection and approval by the International Dragon Boat Federation. As a consequence, Ocky Oars were granted a manufacturers number giving Ed the right to manufacture dragon boat paddles.
Ed explains, ˜With the help of Hyne staff we have developed a dragonboat paddle made from Hyne Araucaria, which is world class˜. Before Ocky Oars started manufacturing these paddles in Australia, they were imported to Australia from Canada. "The thing we have found among our Australian customers is a very warm reception to Australian made products. Deep down, the average Australian is very patriotic ", says Ed.
Ed uses Hyne Araucaria exclusively in the manufacturing of his rowing oars, canoe and dragon boat paddles. "We have found Hyne Araucaria to be of a consistent high quality and have the added advantage of a ready cut component, that has reduced our handling costs and enabled us to compete with the cheap imported oars", Ed explained.
Spending the last two years on proto-types of dragon oars and assorted paddles with major customers all over Australia, Ed is extremly passionate about hoop and timber in general. Araucaria is suitable for high quality enduse applications such as furniture manufacture, internal mouldings, panelling and joinery where a clean and natural finish is required.
Ed claims "The timber has an even grain and texture making it easy to work, turn or mould to a smooth finish". Araucaria also has high strength and bending properties giving an excellent strength to weight ratio.
Hyne Araucaria is a traditional native Australian timber that˜s grown up to be world class.
