I've been contemplating a new paddle for some time since I bought my Werner nitro second hand about 10 years ago!!! It has been excellent, solid, light and pretty much bombproof, but I have come to realise that it is also unforgiving in stiffness and blade size and less suited to the fact that I only paddle in surf these days.

I was looking at Ke Nalu paddles, but simply couldn't seem to source the right one in the UK, so went up to the Sup Shack in New Quay (Wales) a week or so back. They stock the Blackfish range of paddles and I was impressed by the quality of the stock they had there, so I immediately ordered a 520 bladed carbon Nootka. The paddle got delivered on Friday and I've had a weekend on flat water and surf and am wondering why I didn't make the switch sooner. The new paddle is epic, easier on the shoulders, faster to catch waves, easier to switch hands, oh and it's lighter too!!

I'm a very happy bunny.

Adjustable or fixed Nootka

Photos please Haddock!

Here you go Mango, Blackfish at the bottom, Werner at the top. The Werner has a super stiff shaft and a bigger blade. While it's very light it is also unforgiving, but is amazing as a touring/racing paddle. The Blackfish is built beautifully, has a nice diameter (smaller) shaft with much more flex. The blade is smaller and quite neutral, so it just feels a million times better in surf. Oh and for the record it is lighter too!

Lizardman, I'm hoping it's obvious, but both paddles are fixed. I did have a look at a two piece, and the joint was very solid, but I still prefer a once piece!

Cheers Haddock - it's good to see what other crew are using , as I've been toying with the idea of a new paddle also. I just got my tax return - spent half of it on a new board, and the other I've wasted


(there is a bit left over for a new paddle though!)

Hope you're getting that Placid of yours into some nuggets cob!

I have decided To get a fixed paddle most likely a Sunova Balsa/carbon model when they are in stock. There is nothing anywhere until November.

Hi Haddock,

I got the same, also a Blackfish, only in the silver skin, but also the 520 Nootka! the difference was 20 gram with the carbon version and my Nootka is already very light 409 gram, cut at 182cm.


BTW those fins don't work, I'm not using them anymore but the pic is for the paddle ;)