Probably an obvious one, but what is the easiest paddling longboard? Being over 50 with buggered shoulders, paddling is now number one criteria for a new board. I know length and flat rocker are important. A few older gents in SA use Surftech Mickey Munoz ultraglides or Takayamas at 11'- paddling wave catching beasts. My old Bennett 10' from the mid 60s, at 17kg is a shoulder wrecker. Would a more modern say 10' by 24" by 3 1/2" log; flat rockered; around (I'd imagine) 10kg with double 6oz deck and 6oz bottom, be as easy to paddle as a big surftech? Flat water paddling is only one aspect; a bit more weight can make a board enter the wave earlier with momentum, especially with offshores, and make riding chop easier. I also need to be able to knee paddle; it takes some strain from shoulders by way of a different paddle action. I know I've probably answered my own question, but would appreciate feedback from others who may have the same issue. I'm 6'1" and 85kg. Thanks.

u have answered your own question. Few things i have experienced when wanting easy paddle power

1- yes a big wide board is a good start
2 - the flatter the better
3 - make it heavy, those epoxy big boards are good if you are a strong paddler to start with, they are very light for their size and thats because the poeple who own them want them to be manoverable. If you can try 2 similar boards out, 1 being glass and heavy, and 1 being epoxy, you will notice the difference.

as for early entry against offshore winds and dealing with chop, i would image someone who owns an old mal would realise the benefit to owning a heavy board, nothing destorys chop and deals with offshore winds like an old mal.

for knee paddling you will need width, how much?, will depend on your own coordination


also any chance that old mal is for sale?

It's worth trying to fix those old shoulders too... See a good specialist.

My Brewer 9'6 Nose Rider is my best paddler. Performs awesome too.
It's high volume for a 9'6, with a significant concave up the front, to assist to early lift and glide.
By Surftech...
www.surftechaustralia.com.au/?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=446

That big 11 foot Price Kuhio by Takayama must be a beast too...

The Brewer 9'6 is also extremely versatile. Rides really well on Points, Beachies, and shin high waves, through to what even you can handle before reaching for your Big Guns... Capable board at Double Overhead, provided it's not a hollow wave.

Thanks all, have had both shoulders operated on end of 2011 (9 weeks apart). Went well for 6 months, then fell apart. Those whose surgeons say thay need clavicle excision (where they grind of the last 1-2cm of your collarbone to stop AC joint arthritis) say NO. The Bennet is not, and will never be for sale. I bought it in 1983 for $70 from a bloke who bought it new, got married and never surfed it. It is still mint (9.9 condition), and I field offers everytime I take her out. When you have owned a board for 30 years you get very attached to it. I had been riding a single then twinnies since starting in 1977, and this board actually taught me how to slow down, smooth out my style and trim.

A flatter rocker is better so if youre looking at the surftechs then the Takayamas are generally flatter. I had a 10'6 Munoz and although it had a fair bit of rocker it paddled pretty good as well. I prefer glass over surftech epoxy and a single fin on a board 10 foot and over.

I love single fins !

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Simondo said..

I love single fins !

are you still in HI

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Simondo said..
I love single fins !

ill second that

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DaveBasher said..

Thanks all, have had both shoulders operated on end of 2011 (9 weeks apart). Went well for 6 months, then fell apart. Those whose surgeons say thay need clavicle excision (where they grind of the last 1-2cm of your collarbone to stop AC joint arthritis) say NO. The Bennet is not, and will never be for sale. I bought it in 1983 for $70 from a bloke who bought it new, got married and never surfed it. It is still mint (9.9 condition), and I field offers everytime I take her out. When you have owned a board for 30 years you get very attached to it. I had been riding a single then twinnies since starting in 1977, and this board actually taught me how to slow down, smooth out my style and trim.

atleast post some photos of it

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smh said..

A flatter rocker is better so if youre looking at the surftechs then the Takayamas are generally flatter. I had a 10'6 Munoz and although it had a fair bit of rocker it paddled pretty good as well. I prefer glass over surftech epoxy and a single fin on a board 10 foot and over.

+ 1 for the surftech's, should be a little lighter than a standard PU/glass board.

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62mac said..

Simondo said..

I love single fins !

are you still in HI

Yep, still in HI.

Rashie & Boardie Tan Lines, and a Wedding Ring Tan Line!

If I stay much longer, I'll be the proud new owner of a Yater Spoon!

Simondo, it is Canada Day today and as we say back home.

GIT R DONEEE!!