Hi folks, wondering if anyone's tried either the carbon or balsa Sunova paddles? I'd love to hear any thoughts/opinions. Thanks : )

if you mean like this one below they're bloody good and at a good price, Ive had one for 2 or 3 years and it was a significant improvement (reduction) in weight to any previous surf paddle. (Inc. the standard naish + fanatic surf paddles from a few years ago) It was also pretty cheap (think it was about $250?)

Ive heard others complain theyre maybe not strong enough but they were big fat blokes ;) I use mine lots and havent managed to snap it yet

Being a Sunova guy, I am very familiar with all their paddles.

The Sunova Carbon is my goto for everything. Surf or flatwater, I use the same paddle.
The shape, flex and grip is perfect for me.... narrow enough to keep close to the rail for a vertical stroke.
My back and shoulders like the slight flex of the shaft, which also has a nice texture for positive grip.
The handle is the only one I will use anymore.... comfortable with positive control.

They are assembled with hot glue, so it is easy to replace parts along the way.... like when I ran my blade over with the car.
Just heat up, and replace.
The carbon blade is bullet proof from wear. ... it looked the same after years of beating it and jamming it into the sand.

Never owned a Sunova Balsa paddle but they are strong like the Carbon paddles and totally beautiful.
My friends that own them are all very happy.

A word of caution on the Blue Wave and Nalu blades (the colored Sunova paddles with plastic inset around blade))
I have had 3 Blue Wave and Nalu paddles.
The artwork is awesome on the Nalu paddles.... I frick'n love it BUT:
I am a rail banger and find that I wear them excessively on my strong side.
The Blue Wave and Nalu paddles have a plastic inset that protects the rail of your board actually is a weak spot IMO.
I have worn down all 3 of the Nalu and Blue Wave blades.
They still work well and never gained any water weight... but I have worn them down over an inch on my "strong" side

So, if you are a thug rail banger like me.... stick to the Carbon or Balsa.

I have one and love it, very nice paddle

Thanks all, really appreciated!

Awesome!!! I have had my bamboo paddle now for a few years and its copped a flogging. Super light and stiff. Best value paddle on the market IMO.

Yep. Got one of each (carbon & balsa). They're both sick.
Balsa is far and away the favourite for me.
As per all of the above - light, strong and a beauty to behold - there's an added joy using finely crafted timber.
I wouldn't use anything else now.

Thanks MangoDingo (best username!) - does the bamboo one have a protective edge on it - as I'm told the carbon one does?

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MangoDingo said..
Yep. Got one of each (carbon & balsa). They're both sick.
Balsa is far and away the favourite for me.
As per all of the above - light, strong and a beauty to behold - there's an added joy using finely crafted timber.
I wouldn't use anything else now.

I have only seen my personal paddles... Carbon, Blue Wave and Nalu
My experience is:
Only the Blue Wave and Nalu Art paddles have the protective edge.
My Carbon paddle does not have the protective edge and never showed any wear.
I just talked with RbGar and he said his Balsa paddle does not have any plastic insert either.

I have only seen my personal paddles... Carbon, Blue Wave and Nalu
My experience is:
Only the Blue Wave and Nalu Art paddles have the protective edge.
My Carbon paddle does not have the protective edge and never showed any wear.
I just talked with RbGar and he said his Balsa paddle does not have any plastic insert either.

Yep - STC's on it.
Here's some pics of both.














I run a bead of electrical tape around the blade - (black on the carbon above).
I've taken the tape off the balsa blade to show the edge.
I'm 6'2 and 104kgs. I give all me gear heaps of use and treat it all hard. I'm not one to wrap my boards and paddles in cotton wool. They're art and they're surf craft - use 'em.
I've had no problems at all with the paddles.
TIP!

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supthecreek said..
I have only seen my personal paddles... Carbon, Blue Wave and Nalu
My experience is:
Only the Blue Wave and Nalu Art paddles have the protective edge.
My Carbon paddle does not have the protective edge and never showed any wear.
I just talked with RbGar and he said his Balsa paddle does not have any plastic insert either.

Thanks heaps!

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Thanks greatly MangoDingo!!


MangoDingo said..
Yep - STC's on it.
Here's some pics of both.














I run a bead of electrical tape around the blade - (black on the carbon above).
I've taken the tape off the balsa blade to show the edge.
I'm 6'2 and 104kgs. I give all me gear heaps of use and treat it all hard. I'm not one to wrap my boards and paddles in cotton wool. They're art and they're surf craft - use 'em.
I've had no problems at all with the paddles.
TIP!