I'm looking to upgrade my paddle to have a little more flex and a smaller blade.

I have had two fanatic carbon 80s.. broke them both.
Currently using a 7inch carbon paddle from surfboard warehouse. Which I've had for a longtime and it's getting a bit worn out now.

Would love to hear some opinions on paddles. What size and brand blade you use and your size.

I should mention this is for sup surfing.

I have same semi carbon starboard, Mr booth uses, got it on sale.
Also have a top of the line JP carbon paddle obtained shop used for half price. The 800 carbon paddle leaves me with no fatigue but I like the added weight of the starboard. I would go fixed shaft first then, worry about full carbon.
If you paddle daily get at least two paddles as you will want to rotate them. Paddle comfort also improves with gloves.

I use this paddle every day and love it, flex is very nice and i never get any shoulder or muscle pain from paddling with it and i do a lot of paddling. I use it for both surfing and racing.
They are already one of the best priced paddles for the high end quality at full retail but right now even cheaper.

Blade size is 84.5sq


www.oneoceansportsaustralia.com/shop/carbon-kevlar-paddle-elite

I also use KeNalu with xTuf shaft. The flex is just right for my worn out shoulders. You have three other options for shaft flex and many options for blades and handles. All components are interchangeable and because you use hot glue for assembly you can easily set up the right configuration. I use Elite 84 blade for surfing at 100kg.

kenalu.com/collections/paddles/products/elite-paddle

Another vote for the Ke Nalu xTuf. Light weight and with a forgiving flex and a modular design. Tons of blade sizes and designs to work with too.

I keep a 27 North Kevlar paddle as back up for the great lifetime warranty, but its probably too big and stiff for what you are looking for.

With the kenalu xtuf. Are you using which version?

I tried most of them and I keep coming back to Quickblade trifecta vector net on general paddling and surfing

gibo said..

Nugdam said..
With the kenalu xtuf. Are you using which version?

xTuf shaft (60KFI)
kenalu.com.au/home/product/elite-shaft/

same

Another vote for the Ke Nalu Wiki 74 / X-Tuf S shaft.

I have 2 [different lengths for the variety of boards I use]. One of them is my original Blade/shaft which I think is around 7 yrs old, lots of use, still going strong and it's survived kissing my foil mast.

Nugdam said..

gibo said..

Nugdam said..
With the kenalu xtuf. Are you using which version?

xTuf shaft (60KFI)
kenalu.com.au/home/product/elite-shaft/

Any idea on the weight of it? Google tells me about 500grams. My current paddle is 395 grams. Quite a big difference.

The xtuff sounds good. Not sure what blade I'd put on one either.

The flex and durability is worth the (minor) extra weight. As a surf paddle, which is to around eye height, the weight has never bothered me. That said, I take my paddle outs are pretty relaxed since I started foiling cause the rides are sooooo long. I have a qb v drive for non-surf paddling.

As for blades, I used to have a wiki and had no complaints, but much prefer the longer/narrower kohini since swapping over.

Final tip, I have always wrapped the whole blade with a layer of nitto electrical tape. Stops a lot of chips and scraps, cheap and easily replaced. DJ has an installation video somewhere on SB.

gibo said..

Final tip, I have always wrapped the whole blade with a layer of nitto electrical tape. Stops a lot of chips and scraps, cheap and easily replaced. DJ has an installation video somewhere on SB.

+ 2 for electrical tape 3 or 4 layers around the blade edge works nice and i dont notice the weight. need to change the top layer every year or so

BigZ said..

Nugdam said..
Cheers for the input mate. I'm looking at the xtuf with possibly the mana 82 paddle or the wiki 84. It's great you can buy parts if you need them.

Maybe I need a few beers before I pull the trigger ha..

You can always ask Lane at KeNalu if you are not sure what combination would work. He has always been very helpful.

Do you happen to have a email for him?

XTuff shafts are good I have the same one on both of mine.

DaveSandan said..
XTuff shafts are good I have the same one on both of mine.

Which blade do you prefer out of the wiki and the mana?

Shoot me a PM if I can help with any Ke Nalu related questions.....or email us via the Aussie Ke Nalu website.
I'm the Aussie distributor.

Nothing wrong with a Naish Carbon Plus. Very happy with mine . Over 120 sessions and still going strong besides wear and tear . Excellent flex