I posted a while back regarding Paddle Choices where I was looking between a few different paddles. Well, its been about 6months and I still haven't committed, that said I've narrowed it down to 3 choices from 5! Look at the Kenalu Mana 90, Black Project Hydro 88 or the new Starboard Lima - 82.

They all seem to have slightly different takes on how to get the best performance, but there's a few things I'm not sure about. The blade size of paddles seems to be getting smaller in general - would this be an accurate take? If so, would the Mana 90 be somewhat 'dated' as it would appear new paddles on the market are theoretically getting the same effectiveness from a smaller paddle? ie the Hydro is 88 and the Lima 'Large' is 82.

Also, the angle of the blade - the Hydro is only an 8 degree blade angle which seems very minor - does this impact the stroke in a big way - cause extra shoulder stress perhaps?

As I said, I'm getting closer to a decision, hopefully I can get my hands on a new one for January!

Nice choice of paddles stubear. What's your weight and height? Best to check them out at your local shop and do the test if you can?

I'm 6'4 and 85kg. In the previous post it was mentioned that a 90 blade size is quite big, but just not sure if 82 (Lima and Mana 82) is too small!

Not much chance of teating these paddles, I did have a go of a fellas Hydro, hence the surprise at how straight it was.

imo at your height/weight ratio anything above 82+ blade is good unless you have shoulder problem or like smaller blade. Also, don't forget about the paddle length to match your need (racing, touring & surfing). Have a chat with your local sup shop for advice and you might find that paddle.

I have just gone to this little beauty and I looked at the Ke Nalu Mana 90 and was told it would be great for me and I am a little shorter and lighter but not much.
I have a Naish 75 which is great on windy days but I kept loosing top end speed and had trouble keeping up with others on DW'ers. This wider blade should help and the Mana 90 more so but I did not have $600 to drop so I went one down for versatility.

hey...stubear....i don't know if the naish paddle measure the same ,but i use a 2017 naish wave 80,which is a great size .
so i would 't be afraid of getting a 82 ...
i'm 98 kgs .i use to use 85 ,but 80 is better.is waves ...

low degree paddles are for fast paddling for waves .and steering ..which i feel is easier compared to my kaholo..
.....you just adapt...after a while no matter what paddle you get ..
.tuff call some great paddles out there now ...if its for waves get a dedicated wave paddle ...wave on right.

nice paddle Dave sandan .your grass needs mowing.

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
hey...stubear....i don't know if the naish paddle measure the same ,but i use a 2017 naish wave 80,which is a great size .
so i would 't be afraid of getting a 82 ...
i'm 98 kgs .i use to use 85 ,but 80 is better.is waves ...

low degree paddles are for fast paddling for waves .and steering ..which i feel is easier compared to my kaholo..
.....you just adapt...after a while no matter what paddle you get ..
.tuff call some great paddles out there now ...if its for waves get a dedicated wave paddle ...wave on right.

nice paddle Dave sandan .your grass needs mowing.

Good pick up on the grass Tardy, lots of rain and sunshine this week i mowed less than a week ago! Cant wait to try the new paddle and compare it to the Naish 75, should make keeping up with others a bit easier.