Hi,

I have bought a PSH 8 9 wide ripper and I'm choosing a paddle for the surf, and advice for a adjustable vrs fixed paddle ?

I'm 185 cm and 76 kgs.

There are a few different full carbon fixed and adjustable ones of different blade sizes and brands around the $200 mark on ebay, has anyone tried any of these ?

any they can recommend ?

should I start with an adjustable then get a fixed later ?

is carbon fiber the only ones worth considering ?

some of the paddle brands are Sunjam, Blackhawk , collektiv industries, anyone tried them ?

They'll more than likely be rubbish. A good carbon paddle is around $500.
Naish have some nice paddles both fixed and adjustable.
I have a Kialoha and a Quickblade both recommended.
If money is the issue, you'd be better off buying either a second hand carbon or a new fibreglass and carbon composite.
IMHO.

Hi Jacko 44, before others jump on the old "let's bag the crap out of no name brands" I can at least offer some advice on the Blackhawk paddle. I currently own a couple of different types, both well known and not so well known. My Blackhawk has proved to be a good first paddle. It is relatively light and appears to be robust. It has taken a beating. I still use it for surfing and I have cut it down to eye level (Colas writes a good related article on this topic). If you are going to use the board primarily for surfing then a shorter paddle will work however if you plan to also use it for a bit of flat water then a carbon adjustable may be better if you only plan to buy one. Don't be put off by others on this forum about buying a cheaper product. If it does the same job and you save a few dollars then so be it. There is no doubt that brand name paddles have their place however how much are you paying just for the name? Good luck.

My first paddle was an adjustable carbon "Sup Dog" ebay special for $179. Its still going strong but its as heavy as buggery. Its great for the family on flat water but in the surf it takes on water.
It was useful for determing the ideal length to cut my fixed surf paddle.

Thanks all for the good advice, as a learner I thought an adjustable paddle would help me work out my ideal length for the surf, where most of my paddling will be done.

Select to expand quote

Jacko44 said..
Thanks all for the good advice, as a learner I thought an adjustable paddle would help me work out my ideal length for the surf, where most of my paddling will be done.

That's what I did at the start but I had a longer SUP and took that on coastal trips too. I didn't spend too much and now that I only really surf my paddle is a fixed one - just above head height - and the adjustable is there as a back up only.

Hey Jacko44, mate buy the best well known brand you can afford or wait a little longer and get it.

Reason I say this is that you will get a warranty and have someone to return it to if anything goes wrong e.g. replacing a broken shaft.

I own about 5 paddles from homemade timber to Kiahloa and Quickblades and have had broken both and had them replaced or repaired with no problems.

Hope that helps you make a wise decision.

Some adjustable paddles will take in water too, so look out for that.

Werner.