Hi ,I know this question gets asked heaps of times,but I need some advice.Im just on 6' 98kgs old bastard I need a good all round paddle.I surf (not Kelly Slater) and paddle my 14' glide distance and small surf.Im not sure about the different blade sizes ( remember old ),not sure if I should go fixed or adjustable.,not a millionaire either.So ,I'm after the impossible ,one good all round paddle.Any advice,suggestions would be greatly appreciated thx.

Fixed length and small blade is the way to go.. IMO..

Thx David John,any particular brand?. Do I need flex?..

I used this one for quite awhile on my 14ft Glide and 10 ft Mana/surf sup, very tough, takes knocks and not too heavy.

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Fitzsup said..
Thx David John,any particular brand?. Do I need flex?..

I've always bought Kialoa Paddles from back when there were only two or three brands to choose from but not many shops sell them and like Quick Blade paddles they are very expensive here in Oz.

If I didn't use Kialoa I think I'd use Naish or KeNalu paddles but other brands like Starboard and Fanatic make good paddles now.. The new Black Fish and One brand paddles look very good.

Check with your local sup shop and see what they recomend.. They often have some good deals.. They might even let you demo.. I'm not a big fan of shafts with too much flex but some people do.

Thx for advice Dj and Dave,I live where the closest Sup shops are the Gold Coast about an hrs drive away.So I rely on forums like this for advice.I have a small blade fixed carbon paddle from Surf board warehouse,not sure of its pedigree,but I seem to catch less waves than the people I surf with.I surf a naish mana I'm just wondering if it's the paddle,the board is great I'm reasonably fit.Surfed short boards,mals since I was a kid.

Hi Fitzsup,

Good boards the Mana, will never sell mine, the KeNalu paddle pictured is reinforced around the edge so rocks and sand cause less if any damage to the blade, it's a great surf paddle but I used it for long distance paddling Ng as well until I got a second KeNalu Mana 90 carbon which is now my DW' distance paddle due to its weight.

Hey fitz....I've always had naish paddle ...nothing wrong with them ..
I use the naish wave paddle ,tuff as nails ..has a 8.0 blade ..it's not flexy like the makani .
its just right ..I also have the Kaholo .adjustable .i use a few different size flat Water SUPS .at different thicknesses
so its great to have the adjustable some times .

The fixed paddles are the best for surf .lighter ,and don't fill up with water .i found cut at head height is the best for surfing ,or 1 inch over .

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Fitzsup said..
Thx for advice Dj and Dave,I live where the closest Sup shops are the Gold Coast about an hrs drive away.So I rely on forums like this for advice.I have a small blade fixed carbon paddle from Surf board warehouse,not sure of its pedigree,but I seem to catch less waves than the people I surf with.I surf a naish mana I'm just wondering if it's the paddle,the board is great I'm reasonably fit.Surfed short boards,mals since I was a kid.

Surf fx will help you out. They are a really good bunch of blokes.

Is the paddle you have the 7inch platinum paddle? If so its a really good paddle I love mine.

How long have you been sup surfing for? I had the same mindset of everyone around me catching waves but I was struggling. Time and experience fixed that more so than changing paddles ( unless you are using something large )

Hi,Does flex equal drive???
thanks to everyone that replied.
Tardy,I like the Makani looks like a good all rounder,but do I risk becoming a walking advert for Naish.Im thinking adjustable as I think a shorter paddle for surfing is needed,just my opinion.
Dave,thxs,
Nugdam,Yeah it's the platinum model,it's light but I don't seem to get the drive.
Maybe it's my paddling style,I'm just not sure.Im no Kelly Slater, I've been surfing for awhile,prone etc.
Maybe Im Just getting old and useless