Hi all,

I'm new to sup and was wondering if anyone has tried the carbon paddles from sideways surf? There are only $150 and as a 1st paddle would they do what I want? I would be looking to take it surfing and in the flats.

Cheers,

no idea what they are like, but you are better to buy the very best paddle you can, you will have it for a long time, whereas you will change boards many times.

Get and adjustable too, you will change the length of the paddle as you get better, once you have been paddling for a while you will know what length is best for you to buy a non adjustable.

From the look the design seem sane. Seems like a bargain

I dont recommend cheap adjustable paddles. An adjustable paddle needs to be quality-built to avoid leaking water and the adjusting mechanism to be durable. I'd say cut your paddle to your height +15 to 20 cm (17.5?) and you should have a length OK for surfing and cruising.

Note that paddle design and construction evolve, just like boards. No need to sink a fortune in a paddle that will be obsolete next year. For instance, now that I have my 200??? pre-preg 350 grams paddles with a new shape giving max power on a moderate surface, it will be hard to use my old heavier paddles...

Noooo they are terrible!!!
For around $280-$290 you can get the new fanatic innegra paddle that some of the worlds best are using or the new Naish makani for $260ish yes it's $100 more than what ur looking at but sideways paddles are just a generic Chinese made import it will be heavy and poorly made.

A wise man once said to me he will paddle any board and every board but will only ever paddle said boards with a bloody decent paddle!

I'd rather paddle a crap board with a good paddle than paddle a good board with a crap paddle.

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DavidJohn said..

I'd rather paddle a crap board with a good paddle than paddle a good board with a crap paddle.

At 200 - 300 for a paddle, that you are likely to break and change, I would much rather get my 2000 dollar board choice correct.

So a adjustable like this would be a good bet, the Fanatic adjustable

www.briskites.com.au/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1299

Mate, Fanatic carbon 40 is a really nice entry level paddle at under 200 bucks. I bought one as my second paddle after having a full carbon no name paddle as my first. Never picked up the no name paddle again. Some of the other name brands are also doing some really nice entry level paddles at around the 200 dollar mark now.

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cyberhusky said..

Mate, Fanatic carbon 40 is a really nice entry level paddle at under 200 bucks. I bought one as my second paddle after having a full carbon no name paddle as my first. Never picked up the no name paddle again. Some of the other name brands are also doing some really nice entry level paddles at around the 200 dollar mark now.

Oh yeah, I'd never buy an adjustable paddle.

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cyberhusky said..

cyberhusky said..

Mate, Fanatic carbon 40 is a really nice entry level paddle at under 200 bucks. I bought one as my second paddle after having a full carbon no name paddle as my first. Never picked up the no name paddle again. Some of the other name brands are also doing some really nice entry level paddles at around the 200 dollar mark now.

Oh yeah, I'd never buy an adjustable paddle.

So if you do not have the luxury of owning a few paddles how would you have a surf paddle, a flat water paddle and a downwind paddle then, without being able to adjust the length.

Plus what if your better half wants to use it?

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antonfourie said..

cyberhusky said..

cyberhusky said..

Mate, Fanatic carbon 40 is a really nice entry level paddle at under 200 bucks. I bought one as my second paddle after having a full carbon no name paddle as my first. Never picked up the no name paddle again. Some of the other name brands are also doing some really nice entry level paddles at around the 200 dollar mark now.

Oh yeah, I'd never buy an adjustable paddle.

So if you do not have the luxury of owning a few paddles how would you have a surf paddle, a flat water paddle and a downwind paddle then, without being able to adjust the length.

Plus what if your better half wants to use it?

If I'm "new to SUP" I don't think I'd have a surf sup, a downwind sup and a flat water sup.

IMO.. One paddle.. at one length for everything.. is easy do'able.

KCB i dont see anything wrong in buying a cheap adjustable paddle to start with,once your skills and technique improve you can than buy a better paddle and cut it to a length that suits.

I have nothing against buying cheap stuff and I've always said "If it's all you can afford and it gets you on the water.. Fine"

But.. I would like to say there's more to it than that.. I have a mt biking background and it's like someone who's building up a mt bike and asking if cheap handlebars are ok.. If it's just a gentle ride around the block or along a bike path.. Fine.. But if you're going to charge downhill or keep up with fast guys on a technical cross country trail then that's another story.. Having a handlebar break can be nasty.. You can not ride home with one side only.. You'll be walking all the way back..

Same with paddling cheap stuff.. I've broken at least four paddles (btw none Kialoa) and it can also be nasty.. You can fall hard onto your board.. and getting back if you're a long way out can turn into a drama if you're all by yourself.. There's also the risk of a nasty hand cut.. So.. If you're paddling gently around a small lake in glassy conditions chances are all will be ok.. But paddling in the ocean.. or along way from shore.. or even surfing or downwinding IMO you're pushing your luck with a cheap paddle.

Btw.. There's cheap.. and there's cheap.. The cheaper of the big brand paddles should be fine.. and the mid range of these big brand paddles are now excellent.. But cheap no name brands.. That's where I would draw the line if it was me.

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cyberhusky said..

antonfourie said..

cyberhusky said..

cyberhusky said..

Mate, Fanatic carbon 40 is a really nice entry level paddle at under 200 bucks. I bought one as my second paddle after having a full carbon no name paddle as my first. Never picked up the no name paddle again. Some of the other name brands are also doing some really nice entry level paddles at around the 200 dollar mark now.

Oh yeah, I'd never buy an adjustable paddle.

So if you do not have the luxury of owning a few paddles how would you have a surf paddle, a flat water paddle and a downwind paddle then, without being able to adjust the length.

Plus what if your better half wants to use it?

If I'm "new to SUP" I don't think I'd have a surf sup, a downwind sup and a flat water sup.

Sure, but you still would not use the same length paddle for flat water cruising as in the surf, there would be at least 4" difference even on the same board, even on my 14' I use a different paddle on flat water to what I use doing a down winder.

Buying a quality adjustable, gives you the options to change the paddle length to suit the conditions and what you are doing without having to own multiple paddles.

Plus if you are starting out you will take some time to work out what is the best length for you and what is most comfortable, it is all about having the options till get get the stoke and blow huge cash on a range of boards and paddles.

Thanks for all the info everyone.

Unfortunately being new to the sport I decided to try the cheaper paddle and see how it goes first. It is very light and seems okay to paddle with in the surf and the flat water. However, I can't compair it to anything apart from a aluminium paddle that was rubbish.

That said, I'm happy to try a better paddle and compair it. I'll even right a review... Hint hint Gold Coast paddle!

Thanks again everyone.

What ended up happening with the paddle KCB? Quick review?