Hi guys I'm new to forum and was looking for some advice. I got into SUP recently and am around 4 weeks into progressing into the surf.

I got a waterborn evoke 2017 and have been pretty happy with it compared to SUPs I have used in the past. The paddle I got with the board was a standard aluminium adjustable.

When paddling for a wave on Friday the blade snapped clean off the shaft.

Basically I wanted to know is this normal with a basic paddle and what would you recommend as a replacement? Are carbon paddles stronger or would a more high quality Alu paddle be better? Any particular brands or bargains out there?

Aluminium paddles are not made for surf, they are a very very basic form of a paddle.

carbon is a must and you pay for what you get, you could get away with a very cheap carbon paddle if just recreational paddling flat water but the minute you are in the surf you want a decent carbon paddle. These start from high $200s to $800

A paddle needs to flex under load aluminium won't do that a carbon will.

With paddles I've found you pay for what you get.

If you want to stick cheaper option the surfboard warehouse higher price range options should be fine, or check out fanatic / naish / starboard paddles. Their mid price range are all top quality.

If getting right into it kenalu or quickblade are two of the best options around but will set you back $600 plus

AndyR is pretty much on the money but what might be looking at is the Fanatic Carbon Innegra paddles. They're pretty tough and cheaper than a full carbon paddle. I think the 2017 models have replaced the Innegra with Kevlar, which if utilised properly will make the paddles even tougher.

I don't have any affiliation with a SUP brand.

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AndyR said...
If getting right into it kenalu or quickblade are two of the best options around but will set you back $600 plus

Ke Nalu surf paddles start at just over $400 and will last for years.
There's not much need to spend any more.
The race paddles are the exe ones

Definitely worth spending a little more on a paddle if you can afford too IMHO. If you have only ever used a cheaper Ali paddle you will be pleasantly surprised how much better it feels with a good paddle.

I don't think you need full carbon if you are mostly surfing

There is 2 KeNalu and 1 Kialoa paddles on the buy and sell, which all look pretty good depending on how long you like your paddle and blade size.

All the big board manufacturers will make a reasonable paddle and most have varying price points. The fanatics get the good reviews (I haven't actually used any)

I have an older KeNalu Wiki which I am really happy with. So would highly recommend.

Hi Alex and welcome to the SUP forum. You have come to the right place to get your queries answered.

There are plenty of knowEdgable guys on here to help you out.

I do have one bit of sage advice for you regarding paddles.

When you finish your session and you put your board on your car, you get changed and off you go home.
Dont FORGET YOUR PADDLE you may have noticed that lots of SUPpers have a propensity for leaving their paddles behind.
DONT DO IT! Check your gear before you leave.

Have fun.

ET.

For better or worse, paddles come with a zillion options. There are a few decisions you will have to make (i.e. material/price/shaft shape/blade shape/etc.) but four key factors are:

1. Length: For surfing get one that is no more than 4" taller than you are.
2. Blade size: Not too big for surfing - 80-85 sq-in is sufficient for surfing. Logic might tell you than bigger is better - it isn't for surfing.
3. Handle type: If you can, try it (feel it in your hand) - there are "T" shape and others shapes. You can also have the handle wrapped in spongy material. I like the "T" shape.
4. Paddle flex: This is trickier, but a paddle with more flex will be easier on your joints.

Others will give better advice - above are my suggestions and what worked for me (I mostly surf).

And if you need an adjustable paddle, beware of the paddles that have the joints around where you will place your hands. If you need an adjustable so you can make it shorter for travel/storage, look at the 2- or 3-piece paddles that fit together seamlessly (and watertight) rather than adjustable so you don't have to deal with joints.

great advised everyone and demo demo the paddles if you can.

my packing order is to put the paddle 1st in the car then the board last. Leaving a board behind is wot was I thinking.

And then wife right right JEG ( if you still have room)

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Krist said..
And then wife right right JEG ( if you still have room)

that too ;)

Thanks everyone for the great advice. The Surfboard Warehouse covered the original paddle under warranty and instead of receiving a like for like replacement I paid the difference to upgrade to a Waterborn F1 Carbon paddle which will hopefully suffice for at least the near future! Looking forward to trying it out and seeing what the difference is! As i get further into it i expect i'll be coming back to the advice on this post for another upgrade!

I had a nice quickblade that was a carbon shaft and a fibreglass blade, that felt great for surfing. Cost about 500 aud.

My last two paddles were just the super cheap full carbon ones, and I don't notice much of a difference most of the time. But our conditions are so choppy/mushy here that paddle flex is not something I really have time to ponder when trying to surf