Where can I purchase a SUP tail handle like the one shown by Sam Pa'e in his video (luckily typing with only jammed fingers).

Sorry, I would add a photo of the version I saw on Sam's post, but as a new member, I don't yet have photo posting privileges yet. Thanks for your insights as to where to purchase the best tail handle these days. Mahalo!

It's a great idea and Sam is a legend for coming up with these ideas but I don't think they are available to buy anywhere because you would need inserts in the tail of your board similar to foot strap inserts..

You could get a surfboard/windsurfing repair shop to fit some inserts and then you could just use a windsurfing type footstrap as a handle.. There are some kitesurfing board hard handles available that would also work..

Thanks for posting the pics and video DavidJohn. That is exactly what I was trying to do as a new subscriber, (but understand the needed caution for new users).
That is exactly the product that I think that I would like to purchase if commercially available.For Sam's versions are the strap ends bolted directly into the deck or are the handle ends screwed into a plate that is then attached to the board using 3M VHB (Very High Bond) adhesive? (e.g., "NorthShore 2 Hole Surface Mount Foot Strap Insert Screw Plates for Kiteboarding, SUP, Windsurfing Bindings Deck Attachments and.")

I do see a strap handle version that is close to this, but doesn't look to have as rigid of a handle so still worry about the inadvertent finger crush situation. On Amazon, it is the "NorthShore SUP Board Handle".

Thanks for ideas as to the best commercially available options.

A word of warning, though: As I age, I get very sensitive to unexpected sudden push/pulls on my body.
I strained my arm for instance when putting it in the wave on a ride and have mini-chop pull on it, and it took weeks to recover.

So I would avoid anything that connects me rigidly to my board in the whitewater. Plus the farthest you are from the board, the safest.
Sam Pa'e was young and fit when he made this video 15 years ago, at or near 60 yo it is a different game...

Also, when I was young I tried to grab the rail saver of my surfboard leash, missed, and the leash in passing removed the skin ("degloved") on my thumb... (yes, it hurts as much as it sounds). Since then, I take care to keep my body parts away from the board, leash and fins!

Had a look at these but did not buy

liquidsurfandsail.com/sup-and-wing-board-handle/

Now use a technique of back to wave, pushing tail down with kicker. If pull too strong then can get clear.

I use a waist leash - bad knees

www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=59&idproduct=251

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BetterIwas said..


Had a look at these but did not buy

liquidsurfandsail.com/sup-and-wing-board-handle/

Now use a technique of back to wave, pushing tail down with kicker. If pull too strong then can get clear.

I use a waist leash - bad knees

Can you explain your technique a little more. I don't quite get the movement you are performing yet. Of course, we all want to be safe in the white water for ourselves and any fellow surfers that might be within 20 feet of us (board length plus outstretched leash length)

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Hoppo3228 said..
www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=59&idproduct=251

Thanks very much for the link to the company site! Unexpectedly, their shipping charge to Hawaii is 1/3 the amount that Amazon would charge for the same item.

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TonyDumptruck said..

BetterIwas said..


Had a look at these but did not buy

liquidsurfandsail.com/sup-and-wing-board-handle/

Now use a technique of back to wave, pushing tail down with kicker. If pull too strong then can get clear.

I use a waist leash - bad knees

Can you explain your technique a little more. I don't quite get the movement you are performing yet. Of course, we all want to be safe in the white water for ourselves and any fellow surfers that might be within 20 feet of us (board length plus outstretched leash length)

In whitewater (if wave to break on head I push board 45 deg away from me).

Board pointing to beach - heel of hand (or hands) on back of kick pad - grip with finger/hand pressure.

Push back of board down - nose comes up. I then try to twist board a bit so wave does not hit flat surface. Push board to outstretched arm - do not want twisting board to hit me in face with fins.

Sometimes board get pulled away but not carried by wave and pops out the back . Mostly able to hold on.

If whitewash too big and powerful push 45 deg away from me. Do not wish to tumble with board.

Try to make sure surfers are not behind me. If too close will generally try to hold onto railsaver and drag but i really hate to do that. Bit too risky for fingers.

Board handle would work I think. My problem with it is if board twists and timing is off to get hand out before shoulder ligaments tear further. They are stuffed anyway which is why i SUP.

I had a tail handle 15years ago on a 10'6 SUP and I wouldn't bother with one.

They are a good idea but in the surf with rip your arm back and damage your shoulder. The weight, force and pressure placed upon your bicep and shoulder joint is more than you would expect.

Just bail out and climb up your legrope on the whitewash.

The bigger the surf the more risk.

Don't bother IMO.

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wazza66 said..
The weight, force and pressure placed upon your bicep and shoulder joint is more than you would expect.

This.
+1000.