Hi People,

I'm really struggling with finding a good paddle. Shoulder and lower back pain that comes with being a mid 50 year old!! I weigh about 80kg, stand up surf only on an 8'2 board.

I've had the Blackfish Salish 460 recommended.

Anyone got one? Thoughts.

Thank you.

Had same problem a few years ago in my mid sixties - changed to a more flexible paddle shift and smaller blade size, from 92 to an 88 sq cm, went from a qb to a blue planet - check the blackish size and flex relative to other brands on market! Steve

The shaft are great and have a good flexibility and passed my own shoulder test. The Salish 460 is IMHO too small for surfing at 75kg and up (paddling out) but there is a Salish 500 and the Andaman 520 that work really nicely.

Thank you good info. More investigation.

Cheers

I can vouch for a Ke Nalu Ho'oloa, with a Xtuf shaft. I know it's a different brand from what you asked, but in the waves - I wouldn't buy anything else.

* just a happy customer, no relationship with the brand etc.

Cool Hoppo I'll check it out> Cheers

Hi Greentea, I agree with LucBenac, I would also increase the surface of the blade if you are using it for sup surfing (around 500 sq cm). If you use it for races I would keep go for a smaller blade (the 460 Salish). My experience is from different blades like probably everyone that used a paddle but I enjoy the Nootka a lot for it's weight and blade size. The flex is moderate, but more flex than the Blue planet that is laying next to it.

Paddles are always a personal choice and preference. There are good paddles out there, also from unknown brands or where you are not yet heard off. What do you use now for kind of paddle? How much flex do you want? What is your paddle cadence (slow, normal, fast or extreme fast), how often do you go? ect. with those questions answered can you determine the paddle size and brand better.

I just bought a Salish 500.
Super light with a nice bit of give when paddling.
Only critisism is that there is a tiny bit of blade chatter when putting a bit of power on but not too bad.