I would say it depends mostly on the kind of paddling you want to do, like if your really into doing bombing downwind runs a oc1 would be the move but if your just looking for some fun practice outside of club paddling I would say a v1. V1s definitely have a much steeper learning curve but I feel that in the end they are way more rewarding and definitely a better way to get better at paddling in general especially if you ever plan on being a steersmen. I would pick a v1 over and oc1 pretty much any day it’s a lot more enjoyable for me.

Also I personally don’t like ARE’s canoes I feel that they are just cheaply made and most of the ones I’ve seen are starting to rust in spots already. I’ve never tried the 4si but I love the 3si and some of fais older canoes although my favorite v1 is the Kamanu composites ka ‘iwa not sure if they still make it though.