Some asshole stole my paddle off the beach - the upside is it gives an excuse to upgrade. So I got a crazy beautiful Smik 3k carbon. But now I need to commit to a length ! What are you using ? and what length is best to get up and planing ? Some some have said go really short - but its an expensive cut. Right now I have cut it 2" taller than me but it does feel long. what do you think?

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icharus said..
Some asshole stole my paddle off the beach - the upside is it gives an excuse to upgrade. So I got a crazy beautiful Smik 3k carbon. But now I need to commit to a length ! What are you using ? and what length is best to get up and planing ? Some some have said go really short - but its an expensive cut. Right now I have cut it 2" taller than me but it does feel long. what do you think?

You height is the base for a paddle length in the surf. Just use a paddle your height for some time, and then you can decide if you want less or more length.

Yeah thanks - but this a 1 piece carbon - I can make it shorter - but it's a 1 way trip!

It's no different to my Surf Sup length I'm an inch above my head or head height , I've broken so many paddles foiling so had few goes at changing length. Shorter tends to be better let's you switch sides without moving hands can't do that with a longer paddle.

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Piros said..
Shorter tends to be better let's you switch sides without moving hands can't do that with a longer paddle.

Please explain..

If you watch the young frother Sup riders on cut backs some don't move their hands at all , they simply lift the paddle head from side of the board to the other. Gives much faster transition in a cutty. If the paddle is say 4 inches above your head you can't lift the head over the deck without moving your hands.

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icharus said..
Yeah thanks - but this a 1 piece carbon - I can make it shorter - but it's a 1 way trip!

I meant, go with your height.
Then, after some years, you can decide to try another longer/shorter one. But first, hone your skills with a paddle your height.

Forehead height is perfect for foiling or sup surfing....I've been using the same fibreglass Jimmy Lewis paddle for 18 months to foil & sup surf & I haven't had one breakage or problem.... My mate who i've foiled with this whole time has been using the same paddle as well with no problems... I tried my carbon race board paddles & hated them (I have a Ke Nalu & a Starboard)... Firstly because it's a few inches longer & secondly of the stiffness...
My fibreglass paddle is a Jim Terrell QuickBlade shape that he gave to Jimmy Lewis to use & it has nice flex & release... Not sure why guys break so many paddles whilst foiling...