Hey All
I broke my cheap plastic/aluminuim paddle today while out in the surf. I wasnt doing anything crazy... just paddling to catch a wave....
Anyways, while I can fix that old one, I'd like to buy something stronger and more dedicated for the waves.
I have an Alley Designs 10ft /32" board, I use it mainly for flat water paddling but occasionally into the waves (2-3ft max).
Is it really worth to spend the $400+ on the elite paddles like these??: surffx.com.au/product/2016-naish-kaholo-paddle/
I'm a big fan of Naish gear, as I use their kites, but I've read that any paddle can be subject to breakage (even the high end ones). And not to mention, getting lost/stolen/damaged etc.
Given I could buy 3 of these for the same price: http://www.sunjampaddleboards.com.au/full-carbon-flexishaft-paddle-p184/
Are the Naish paddles going to be that much better??
Advice appreciated, thanks 
Probably no need to go for an elite but once you go black you'll never go back.
The extra cost of a decent carbon paddle over a cheapie is worth it.
Everything breaks. Look after it and it will serve you well.
IMO all carbon is not created equal once it has gone through the manufacturing process. This certainly true from my experience in cycling and fishing.
The cheaper paddle may look the same, but you don't want to find out when you're trying to remove shards of carbon fibre out of many places where it's not meant to be that it doesn't perform the same.
When I first started SUP a mate told me to buy the best paddle I could afford so I bought a Kialoa, it was the best advice I ever received
AND six years later I still have the paddle AND although I have two others, I still use it in the surf!
Gidday breakzmaker.
I have naish paddles ..yeah they're good ..I have a Kaholo vario .which is what I use For flat water and waves .
very stiff and rigid great for waves and quick action ..but I also have a fixed makani .
the makani flex's alot more but just as good .it is easier on the joints. Both are good .The fixed makani
is better if your falling off or duck diving alot as it doesn't fill up with water .
I have tried a few of my friends paddles ,the full carbon ones where good but some where terrible .
And theirs broke ..even though carbon ..can't remember what brand they where ..( made in china )but hey have naish ones now.(they brought the Hele 30% carbon glass very light ,also good )
i have had mine for 1-2 years now no problems ,no chips .
If your going from alloy to carbon ..good move . 
I just went from alloy to carbon for surfing. I got a Fanatic carbon innegra (however it is spelt) for $380nz. I have no idea how it compares to other carbon paddles, but the minute I got it in the water I knew it was worth it. Feels better, paddles better.
the only downside is that I'm constantly worried about bumping the carbon (no reflection on Fanatic), but I'm sure I'll get past that.
Go for the carbon.
Cheers HB
There are middle range paddles, don't buy cheap or pay $5-600 for carbon pay up to $250-300. I got a Fanatic carbon/ bamboo combo for around $300, it's light strong and looks good. My thoughts are if your a pro buy full carbon if not go the middle range!
kenalu.com.au/home/
They have a stock clearance for superseded logo blades at the moment. I picked up two for my wife and I not long ago as my Naish Kaholo was giving me sore shoulders. Awesome paddles, my shoulders are thanking me.
The beauty with Ke Nalu paddles is you can mix and match your paddle. You can choose what size blade and style of handle you want and choose the flex of your shaft. If you break a blade or shaft you do not need to buy a complete padlle you just replace the busted component.
Kenalu for sure 100% I've never regretted getting mine, wish I had bought it straight away rather than stuff around with cheaper, inferior paddles.
OK well, thanks all!!!
I repaired my broken one..... using a splint style "DIY bunnings special repair" :) That one will be for the Mrs now....
And I also bought the Sunjam Ebay special one... (carbon, but a cheapy).... So I'll give that one a go for a few months... then I'll look at a mid-range paddle!
Thanks
Hey Mate
I brought a sumjam $200 surf paddle a bit over 12 months ago after breaking my Fanatic $400 job twice. Note fanatic did replace it both times under warranty. The sun jam I use in the surf all the time with no trouble. I use the fanatic on flat water. I would say I prefer the fanatic more so as it feels better to paddle but there as some size and construction differences between the two. I think you'll love the carbon sun jam over the alloy cheap one
Dave
Select to expand quoteSupsailDave said..
Hey Mate
I brought a sumjam $200 surf paddle a bit over 12 months ago after breaking my Fanatic $400 job twice. Note fanatic did replace it both times under warranty. The sun jam I use in the surf all the time with no trouble. I use the fanatic on flat water. I would say I prefer the fanatic more so as it feels better to paddle but there as some size and construction differences between the two. I think you'll love the carbon sun jam over the alloy cheap one
Dave
Awesome man thanks for the info.... yeah im sure itll be better than the bunnings repaired alloy one!
