Hi, so got my board, a nice Naish Nalu 10.65gt, now the paddle. O my god, how confusing trying to get my head around which is best? Width, material etc... Basically I plan to both flat and surf paddling, hopefully a bit more surf once I get my confidence and balance better.

I can't justify the top of the line paddle. Some I have been looking at are:

Naish Makani Fixed Carbon Glass Paddle
Coreban Full Carbon Paddle
Trident Elite Carbon/Glass Paddle
Select Wave Pro Stand up Paddle board Paddle
Stand Sure - Carbon Fixed
Starboard carbon power.

As you can see, choices galore? Help please!!!!

After a lot of back and forth I ended up with an adjustable paddle as I could not settle on a paddle length at this early stage of my SUP life. I now have a Quick Blade carbon adjustable 76" - 84" that I haven't used yet. I am homing in on 12" taller than me for flat water. Note I have a thick board.

I previously used a Quick Blade that was 10 1/2" taller than my height and I found it a smidgen short for relaxed cruising on flat water due to cavitation issues. I am 5'8" tall and on a thick 14' board. Note many other opinions thought that at 10 1/2" taller than me, it was fine. However it just felt a fraction short and some opinions backed my instincts. I based this on almost zero SUP experience. This shows that it takes a bit of trial and error to work out the best paddle length for you.

Ke Nalu paddles can be adjusted by melting the glue if you get the extendable handle option (assembled with hot glue gun I believe), but they are expensive. They are very good paddles by all accounts. Even though expensive, you could be sure (if the Ke Nalu glue system system works as claimed without tech problems) you will not be left with a paddle of the wrong length as you can change it.

Advice given to me is that a 90 sg inch paddle is OK as paddles with an area around this size are increasing in popularity.

Note I am a total newb and defer to more expert opinion.

I've paddled with most of those paddles and I would put the Naish paddle at the top of the list and not just because its the Naish brand.. (8" blade and skinny shaft).

The Starboard paddles would also be a good choice.. They all work.. Remember paddles can be a personal preference and what you're use to using can influence what you think's best.

It's just my opinion.

DJ

haven't really used any of these paddles but i do own a naish makani, and it is a great paddle, it is light, has good flex for surfing and paddling, i find the shaft good to hold, and it is also very nice price wise, whatever you buy just make sure you like it

Jarryd

If you look around you can pick up a nice Kialoa Methane on sale for around $360,
IMO a prefect match for my 10'6.5 GT

Dave, The Ke Nalu is definitely easy to adjust though you wouldn't want to do it every time you changed from surfing to flat water. It is water tight and a great feeling paddle.

I also have an adjustable carbon Naish paddle. My daughter and wife use it as it is easy to adjust. Not sure how strong it would be for surfing.

I personally like the Ke Nalu but as DJ says it's what you get used to. My first paddle was an Art of Surf carbon paddle and it is still a great feeling paddle today.

As for paddle height. I posted a question on Sea Breeze about this some time ago and had a number of responses and heights. As I was racing I took Angie and Jacko's advice and have my paddles set 8 inches above my head. For sufing you might go a bit shorter and for recreational paddling a bit longer. Borrow an adjustable paddle and see what feels right before hacking into a carbon shaft.

Any good SUP shop should have a few demo paddles to try first.

KeNalu I reckon for all around paddling, its almost like having a custom set up. I also love my Mike Fry paddle for surfing, feels nice and soft in the hand. Just my opinion though and I dont really know what I am talking about

Hi, I just got a package deal, new to sport and love it, and was wondering if there is a paddle best for surf. The paddle I got with package seems a bit narrow and I want something that will get my 10' board moving quick onto waves..Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Suphead said...
Hi, I just got a package deal, new to sport and love it, and was wondering if there is a paddle best for surf. The paddle I got with package seems a bit narrow and I want something that will get my 10' board moving quick onto waves..Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi and welcome to the Breeze..

A lot of us use the very narrow Pipes and Merhane paddles from Kialoa and you don't get much smaller or narrower but they work very well.. (between 7-8" wide blades). Often a small blade of a high quality brand will have more power than a larger blade in a cheaper brand.. Paddling technique also has a lot to do ith it.. Make sure you always fully dip the blade and try to get more reach but shorter strokes by not paddling past our feet.

DJ

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DavidJohn said...

Suphead said...
Hi, I just got a package deal, new to sport and love it, and was wondering if there is a paddle best for surf. The paddle I got with package seems a bit narrow and I want something that will get my 10' board moving quick onto waves..Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi and welcome to the Breeze..

A lot of us use the very narrow Pipes and Merhane paddles from Kialoa and you don't get much smaller or narrower but they work very well.. (between 7-8" wide blades). Often a small blade of a high quality brand will have more power than a larger blade in a cheaper brand.. Paddling technique also has a lot to do ith it.. Make sure you always fully dip the blade and try to get more reach but shorter strokes by not paddling pat our feet.

DJ

Thanks, just practise I guess.

i have paddled, mikana, fanatic carbon, starboard enduro and qb elite race, and qb slim jim. for value i'd go starboard enduro. good paddle for a good price. qb slim jim is a great all round paddle, but def more expensive.

the mikana and fanatic have a little morr flex which i found nice in surf

good luch :)

I was in the same boat as you... what paddle??
I ended up going for a Naish Makani 8.0 Vario adjustable. I really really like it, As I surf and flat water paddle I constantly make use the adjustable feature having it shorter for surf sessions and lengthen it for flat water cruising. The thin shaft is comfy and the overall weight is very light. Good flex and strength. I use the paddle in 3-4 ft surf on a 10.6 board no probs.. I like playing around with paddle lengths and it is handy if you want to give someone else a go on your board. The adjustable latch has been very good (about 1 year old). The paddle also breaks down into 2 pieces for space saving... I would make my next paddle an adjustable again because I like the flexibility..