Would a fiberglass or carbon paddle be best for my wife?
From what I read carbon is slightly lighter then fiberglass which explains itself and is a win for carbon.
But carbon is stiffer then fiberglass (or fiberglass has more flex) so does that make it harder to pull carbon thru the water? (If thats the case with her lower strenght levels thats a win for fiberglass.)
I would love to hear the opinion of some of the ladies out there, as well as the gentleman of course.
Cheers
Definitely carbon! Some carbon paddles will have more flex than others, but the lighter weight is definitely what you want, so an el cheapo no name carbon paddle that weighs as much as a glass one won't be too much fun either.
Once she spends some time on the water she (and you) should find that with good paddle technique you shouldn't be pulling the paddle through the water anyway - you should be placing your weight onto the paddle, and as the blade sinks, this allows the board to be propelled forward, rather than pulling the paddle back.
Although I believe a good lightweight paddle is really important and can make the sport a lot more enjoyable (especially if you're spending a lot of time on the water), making sure you've learnt the proper technique to avoid injury and straining the body in ways its not supposed to go is going to be much more beneficial than the differences between a good carbon and a good (as good as they come) glass paddle.
You dont need full carbon - try a paddle with carbon shaft with glass blade -- saves $ and is perfect weight and flex (depending on brand of course)
I use a quickblade carbon/glass for distance and surf and its fantastic. I believe JP are also bringing in a similar paddle that too looks the goods. If you stick to premium brands you definately do not need to spend a fortune on the top of the range full carbon.
^^^ Agree with Billboard - I've got both carbon & composite paddles and although I prefer the carbon in the surf, the QB composite (adjustable) is the favorite for flatwater and small runners and also offers a bit better balance (weight) and the shaft has a good flex to reduce the chance of shoulder & muscle fatigue.
I like carbon wood, but thats just a preference thing. I tend to agree most people wont notice the difference between an all carbon blade and a carbon/fiberglass blade. Dont skimp though a good paddle is still a good paddle and its the motor for the fun.
Yeah +1 on Billboards comment I currently use the QB Kahana with a fiberglass head and full carbon shaft , I like the extra flex in the blade head. It's cheaper than full carbon and the extra weight is only minimal 
JP/Neil Pryde have some news coming out as well which are a good mix of both.
What is the weight range for Carbon paddles through to cheapest aluminium shaft paddles?
There is a 3 piece aluminium shaft paddle on ebay. $95 delivered that weighs in at 1kg.
My only paddle experience is with surfski wing paddles and carbon is king. However, even with the carbon paddles, blade size and shaft flex determine usability for a given type of paddling. My epic mid wing weighs 660grams.
Is a carbon sup paddle similiar?
Hi Husky,
We've found the ladies really appreciate the lightest paddle possible. It is true that a fibreglass blade and carbon shaft will perform perfectly, but it isn't as light as a full carbon paddle. The weight of the CAFG Kanaha blade is all in the head of the paddle which effects the swing weight. For the ladies, the lighter the better. The Fanatic Pro Carbon is one of the lightest paddles on the market and is cheaper than the QB AC Kanaha. The Ke Nalu Carbons are cheaper and light too.
Steer clear of the aluminium paddles, they're crap and weigh a tonne. The cheap carbon paddles are no lighter than the fibreglass paddles, just stiffer and the weight is more important to the ladies than stiffness (leave the jokes alone fellas).
Quickblade has just released a new reduced diameter all carbon 92 sq in paddle for ladies to go along with their Flyweight 83" all carbon reduced diameter. The Ke Nalu Wiki 85" all carbon is small and light too.
Lots of great paddles for the ladies. Spending on a decent paddle is a great investment as a good paddle never needs to be updated and makes the sport so much more fun.
DM
Has anyone heard of or used the 'featherlite' all carbon paddle. I can only find info from the usa about it and the review was alright. I can one at the right price.
Personally I reckon quickblade/jp/starboard/naish are good quality paddles - have generally found equipment "at the right price" is shlt ! (just a personal observation over the years)
