Hi All,
I have a Fanatic Innegra Carbo Pro paddle which is 7.25 inches. Its a great paddle, flexible shaft and so on to put less stress on the shoulder joints, but, I wonder if the blade size at 7.25 is too big for me. On Saturday after about 2.5 hours in the surf I was obviously getting tired, but, my shoulders especially felt worn and this is often the case after a surf. I am using a Waterborn Evoke 7'11 carbon for the record.
I know my core is very good as I have been doing pilates for years (excellent exercise regime for suppers btw). I also know my shoulders are weak having fractured the left one some years back which finished prone surfing for me. That's when I took up supping. I'm only light at 65kgs and not especially broad through the shoulders and I do want to protect the movement and range I have left. So, does anyone have any thoughts about a smaller blade size that won't load up my shoulders so much that might be suitable? Also, a smaller blade might cause less row effect? Of course my technique could always improve I suppose. Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.
that blade size and shaft is one of the most forgiving out there for shoulders. I'd have a look at technique side of things first. How high is the paddle compared to head height, and are you mostly using it for surfing?
Hey Carter,
I only use it for surfing. My paddle length ensures my elbow is below shoulder height on the down stroke. Usually I paddle with bent knees leaning forward, driving the paddle into the water vertically if that makes sense. I fractured the left Greater tubercle and Acromion about 15 years ago, but, being a bloke I didn't do anything about it and it then it set poorly with a lot of scar tissue ( I didn't know it was fractured at the time - 18 months recovery). I know I have dodgy shoulders, it might be something I have to live with, but, I thought maybe a smaller volume blade may preserve the joint better. You are right about the paddle, the difference between it and my older oval shaft carbon paddle was chalk and cheese in terms of wear and tear on the joint.
ta
Us blokes are a bit like that - my list of niggle list is pretty reasonable and I know better than most how to resolve them, haha....It sounds like (and you've probably come across it before no doubt) that you'd benefit from some rotator cuff strength and control work to develop some resilience in your shoulders. Obviously the left one has a history and the greater tubercle is the attachment site of 50% of your rotator cuff, so some dysfunction there wouldn't be surprising. Start your rotator cuff exercises below shoulder height for at least a month, then slowly progress to more challenging positions and so on. Pop into a physio down your way - just say you're looking for some self management stuff and if they're reasonable they'll assess you and give you a bunch of tips / exercises
