Hi All,
looking at buying a new surf paddle with the Ke nalu Mana 90 in mind. Looking at their website this paddle is not recommended for surf. The recomended paddle is the Ho'oloa or the xtuff. Recent posts on this forum have stated that the Mana 90 is a good surf paddle so somewhat confused. Could any Mana paddle owners give me some advice please?
I have been using a Fanatic carbon 90 with 86 square inch blade. Nice paddle but find it way under powered, no grunt!
Thanks in advance Greg

Great surf paddle, I have owned a few different brands and the Ke Nalu paddle is by far the best for strength and comfort.. Its the only surf paddle that hasn't given me tennis elbow :)

The Mana is an awesome blade for surf racing!
The main reason it's not the number 1 pick for surfing is due to the winglets not being quite as durable as a normal blade edge like the Ho'oloa. If your a rail basher there's a chance youll damage it......if you don't bash your rails it would be great.
Also keep in mind that the Mana has a higher aspect ratio than the Ho'oloa (longer blade length)......this can sometimes be a disadvantage in the surf as you often need to do a few quick little taps to get into position......that is much easier to do with a shorter blade.

Thanks for the info Gareth and Deano, all clear now much appreciated!
cheers

So the Mana would be a good pick for downwind?

Select to expand quote

chucktheskiffie said..
So the Mana would be a good pick for downwind?

Everyone that has one froths on how good they are for racing and downwinders.
Of the hundreds of them sold around the country we haven't had a single complaint!

Select to expand quote

chucktheskiffie said..
So the Mana would be a good pick for downwind?

Absolutely.

Select to expand quote

chucktheskiffie said..
So the Mana would be a good pick for downwind?

I run the 82 Mana with the 100Flex for downwind and it is buttery smooth.

i use the Mana 82 for downwind and racing and the ho'oloa for surfing, both been used heaps (3-5 times a week) for around 18 months and no problems at all!!