Hi all,

I've broken 2 x paddles since January and both times paddling to catch waves.

Yes they were both adjustable aluminium. The first broke around my bottom hand which cut me to bleed.
Today was paddling for a set wave and paddle broke at the bottom of aluminium shaft.

How often do we expect to break paddling shaft

You should use fiber (carbon and/or glass) paddles!

Aluminum paddles feels dead and heavy in comparison. You will not believe the difference.

I guess what happened to you is that aluminum paddle are made for beginners, as no one with some paddling experience would buy them, so it is likely the brand you used did not make strong enough to be used in waves to keep them light, considering them a beginner item. There is no reason for a quality aluminum paddle to break, but I guess it makes no sense producing them nowadays.

Yes fair call, carbon is the way to go.
I've used one and quickly gave it back as not to have paddle envy
Was on a budget at the time but realise its a performance and durability advantage.

Did get some great waves yesterday and swell is going to be around this week

Paddles are the item you should spend the most money on.
River/lake/harbour
IF you paddle on the weekend, plastic blade, glass resin shaft, or a good quality plastic one travel, red paddle etc.100-200.
2-3 days week, want glass/carbon weave construction. 200-250.
4-5 days week, carbon composite, 250-350. Might have two paddles to rotate through week.
6-7 days week, full high grade carbon 350-650. Also might have up to three paddles to rotate through week.

Wave riding
Surf only is same guidelines, however you can also include, carbon/glass composite shaft paddles with fibreglass blades which tend to also hold up well in the surf for anyone who goes out more than 3 days a week.

When starting out invest more in the paddle than your board.
As Colas points out Aluminium paddles are cheap to make and easy to break. Sell them on or keep them as a second paddle for SUP fishing.
They are not for the surf. River rapids or open waterways.

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pumpjockey02 said..
Paddles are the item you should spend the most money on.
River/lake/harbour
IF you paddle on the weekend, plastic blade, glass resin shaft, or a good quality plastic one travel, red paddle etc.100-200.
2-3 days week, want glass/carbon weave construction. 200-250.
4-5 days week, carbon composite, 250-350. Might have two paddles to rotate through week.
6-7 days week, full high grade carbon 350-650. Also might have up to three paddles to rotate through week.

Wave riding
Surf only is same guidelines, however you can also include, carbon/glass composite shaft paddles with fibreglass blades which tend to also hold up well in the surf for anyone who goes out more than 3 days a week.

When starting out invest more in the paddle than your board.
As Colas points out Aluminium paddles are cheap to make and easy to break. Sell them on or keep them as a second paddle for SUP fishing.
They are not for the surf. River rapids or open waterways.

Not sure if you mean that first sentence literally or comparatively but I sure wouldn't be paying more for a paddle than a board

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515 said..
Yes fair call, carbon is the way to go.

Not only carbon, but fiberglass too. A fiberglass paddle will be heavier than carbon but incredibly more lively than metal ones, and less stressful for your body.

And if you are on a budget, there are now quality ones available cheap, and also plenty second hand choices. Just ask, people may not bother to put them for sale, but most of us have old fiber paddles that collect dust somewhere. For instance on the Gong shop I see a second hand 30% carbon paddle at 49 euros, whereas the cheapest alu paddle on the site is at 39 euros (in the beginner gear section).

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micksmith said..

pumpjockey02 said..
Paddles are the item you should spend the most money on.

Not sure if you mean that first sentence literally or comparatively but I sure wouldn't be paying more for a paddle than a board

In my opinion, you should buy high quality paddles. The price difference between an average paddle and a high end one is not a huge amount compared to the price difference between boards, but the impact on your surfing is huge. You get the most enjoyment for your dollar in a paddle than in a board.

Yes been looking online to get a great deal in NZ.
A mate lent me one of his carbon paddles.
Was bit offshore windy and helping a mate learn surfing so went surfing today.
Good change being looser on the wave

@515 you're based in nz? My
mate owns pacific paddle co. I'm sure I can get you a deal on a new carbon or fibreglass paddle. Pm me

@515 you're based in nz? My
mate owns pacific paddle co. I'm sure I can get you a deal on a new carbon or fibreglass paddle. Pm me

and don't chuck out broken ones - I want them for repair :)

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colas said..

micksmith said..

pumpjockey02 said..
Paddles are the item you should spend the most money on.

Not sure if you mean that first sentence literally or comparatively but I sure wouldn't be paying more for a paddle than a board

In my opinion, you should buy high quality paddles. The price difference between an average paddle and a high end one is not a huge amount compared to the price difference between boards, but the impact on your surfing is huge. You get the most enjoyment for your dollar in a paddle than in a board.

Yes I agree about buying high quality equipment but that doesn't necessarily mean paying more for paddles than boards, Percentage wise they're about the same, $300-$500 paddle difference 40%, $1800 - $3000 board difference 40% yes its worth buying great paddles but its no good to you without a decent board.
Prices are approximate and relating to surf ( Australia coz that's where this forum is )

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Mark _australia said..
and don't chuck out broken ones - I want them for repair :)

Hi Mark,

From WA to Auckland probably not worth it dude.
Years ago when had house on taranaki coast would be a good excuse to wave sail and surf (before sup).

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micksmith said..
Percentage wise they're about the same, $300-$500 paddle difference 40%, $1800 - $3000 board difference 40% yes its worth buying great paddles but its no good to you without a decent board.

The difference between a cheap alu one and a decent 100% carbon one is just 90 euros here (145 AUD). And a good 30% carbon would be just 80 AUD more than an alu.

And if you break your alu paddle often, you will spend much more than 145 AUD quickly... without counting the nasty cuts to your hands, and maybe the encounter with the local wildlife that is attracted to blood :-)

Hi Colas,

The retail of carbon paddles in New Zealand is higher.
Under control that I am getting a carbon paddle. I used a mate's today and was great on a left hand reef break until too shallow.

Actually I've been enjoying surfing a 9ft softtop. It's the best modern shape and works well. My real surfboard I scrapped the was off to put EVA deck grip, I find its better than wax (personal preference from windsurfer/sup - I hate the sometimes not enough slippery feeling). Found ding under was that I've now repaired just needs sand and grip applied.

Good waves to all

Auto predict spelling was and wax and last paragraph wording

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colas said..

micksmith said..
Percentage wise they're about the same, $300-$500 paddle difference 40%, $1800 - $3000 board difference 40% yes its worth buying great paddles but its no good to you without a decent board.

The difference between a cheap alu one and a decent 100% carbon one is just 90 euros here (145 AUD). And a good 30% carbon would be just 80 AUD more than an alu.

And if you break your alu paddle often, you will spend much more than 145 AUD quickly... without counting the nasty cuts to your hands, and maybe the encounter with the local wildlife that is attracted to blood :-)

Your prices are not worth jack here, but we do agree on quality is paramount.