Flat water, open water and some racing
The only one I can think of is the pipes 2
There is the hulu range ?
The GL Wahine is marketed as a women's surf paddle but it makes a good distance paddle too.
It usually means smaller blade, girly graphics, narrower diameter shaft. Pretty obvious really. We live in a gender-biased world, and some people like to identify with a particular gender stereotype through just about everything they own from cars to pens. Men are just as bad - otherwise why else would Jimmy Lewis name his boards like he does: Mission, U-Boat, Stiletto etc. There is a man who is afraid of being thought girly... and SICs are called eg. "Bullet", "F14" etc. Deliberately macho too. It wouldn't be surprising if some women might find this hard to identify with.
In any case, making paddles aimed at smaller paddlers surely isn't an unreasonable thing to do? A large proportion if them will be women. So maybe this goes beyond mere gender stereotyping, even if it is helped along by it.
Thanks but after flat and open water only so I guess the only choice is the pipes
Select to expand quoteArea10 said..
why else would Jimmy Lewis name his boards like he does: Mission, U-Boat, Stiletto etc.
Still I like a woman in stiletto sometime but definitely not a man....even in Brazil...
Got it. So actually no different to a small guys paddle just with chicks graphics. Like I said a marketing exercise.
Select to expand quoteFoam said..
Thanks but after flat and open water only so I guess the only choice is the pipes
My 2 cents...
As Area 10 has mentioned I would not rule out the GL Surf Wahine. The Slim diameter shaft + softer surf flex = comfort. Smallest blade area (79 sq IN) out of your choices but the heaviest by a tad but obviously the most durable.
Symmetrical blade for easy skimming and round edges to protect board.
Shaft may be too soft if you go racing later on but also that's personal preference.
Pipes II = Standard shaft and 83 sq IN. Perhaps stiffer flex than wahine surf.
Blade profile has slightly more catch and thinner blade so may paddle slightly more efficiently and little more power.
Hulu Small = Lightest out of the bunch and 87 sq IN and standard diameter. (Stiffest out of this lot but actually MED compared to other race paddles or SIC battle race paddle in particular). More solid catch than the Pipes and more efficient by having the thinnest blade of all and dihedral face. Smooth through the water but may feel more powerful than the rest. Great all around paddle for racing/downwinding/surf race. This what I use now, I'm 65kg.
Just heard new stock arriving very soon. I can't wait!
If you don't know already, you can ask him here about the paddles and stock: gaastra.co.nz/contact/
Thanks for the info but I have trouble buying on own paddles now I have to choose one for her as well .
I am just going on what kialoa site is saying as a woman spacific paddle Being the pipes 2
Have a Hulu small and it suits me perfectly. 5'8" 68 kgs. No Sheila graphics either!
Flat water down winders what a abomination .
Different lengths for each discipline. ..
