Morning SUP'ers, I've tried searching the archives but with little luck, so I'll post my questions instead: My sup paddle [Fanatic, bamboo shaft, 7.5" wide, 580cm squ area} is on its last legs. The Fanatic has been great but amate suggested I needed something with a bigger area. How do others feel about this, and, what brand/type would you recommend? I'm 76, reasonably fit, weigh 72kg, surf up to head height, probably good intermediate [and at my age, not likely to improve but I'm very happy where I'm at].
I've heard more area could lead to shoulder problems so I'm keen to avoid that. Also have some arthritis in a couple of fingers on each hand and use paddle wax to help with grip.
Thanks for any advice.
Jimbo

At your age and especially you weight, you should not go for a wider or bigger blade, much too risky for your joints with no real performance gains.

Also, the smaller the blade, the smaller the swing weight, it makes quite a difference.

Thanks Colas. I thought a bigger blade might lead to shoulder problems.
Now to find a brand that will suit without a ridiculous price.
Cheers, Jimbo

I have had no shoulder issues since going to a small blade. It is a bit like 1st gear on a bike so I need to paddle a lot faster to get on a wave but my shoulders thank me every session!

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Supster7 said..
I have had no shoulder issues since going to a small blade. It is a bit like 1st gear on a bike so I need to paddle a lot faster to get on a wave but my shoulders thank me every session!

Yep. No issues at the moment but finding information on paddles is not that easy. I thought that KeNalu had a great reputation but I think they've gone out of business so my search goes on. Anyone with recommendations feel free to chime in, please.

VMG has a great paddle that comes with its own paddle bag, highly recommend it.

This is the VMG in action, I am only 4kg heavier than you and a few years younger, it's full carbon and very light and allows you to increase your stroke rate very easily.

Thanks mate. I'm checking their website now.
Cheers, Jimbo

hi Captain Jimbo i recently got a bamboo handle ,blade bamboo and fiberglass Sunova paddle . It is so good very light and strong , I am 71and find it a great paddle ,no tiredness from it at all .

75 years old, 107 kg
4 years ago, I switched to a 6.5" wide blade

My cadence and stroke improved immediately.
I am able to get up to speed much quicker and catch waves easier.

So easy on my shoulders, hands and back!
I would never go back to a wider blade.

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supthecreek said..
75 years old, 107 kg
4 years ago, I switched to a 6.5" wide blade

My cadence and stroke improved immediately.
I am able to get up to speed much quicker and catch waves easier.

So easy on my shoulders, hands and back!
I would never go back to a wider blade.

Thanks for that Rick. You've sold me! Now I just have to research what manufacturers/sellers have decent quality paddles in that size.
I'll let you know.
Cheers, Jimbo

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CaptainJimbo said..

supthecreek said..
75 years old, 107 kg
4 years ago, I switched to a 6.5" wide blade

My cadence and stroke improved immediately.
I am able to get up to speed much quicker and catch waves easier.

So easy on my shoulders, hands and back!
I would never go back to a wider blade.

Thanks for that Rick. You've sold me! Now I just have to research what manufacturers/sellers have decent quality paddles in that size.
I'll let you know.
Cheers, Jimbo

I am 65 and 150 lbs. Had Medium sized blade paddle and then bought a Black Project size small blade with more flexible shaft. Great paddle in the surf and definitely easier on my back and shoulders.

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scsuperfrank said..

CaptainJimbo said..

supthecreek said..
75 years old, 107 kg
4 years ago, I switched to a 6.5" wide blade

My cadence and stroke improved immediately.
I am able to get up to speed much quicker and catch waves easier.

So easy on my shoulders, hands and back!
I would never go back to a wider blade.

Thanks for that Rick. You've sold me! Now I just have to research what manufacturers/sellers have decent quality paddles in that size.
I'll let you know.
Cheers, Jimbo

I am 65 and 150 lbs. Had Medium sized blade paddle and then bought a Black Project size small blade with more flexible shaft. Great paddle in the surf and definitely easier on my back and shoulders.

Ta superfrank. I'll check them out today.
Cheers, Jimbo