Hi lads!

So for a while Im going to be a bit of a weekend warrior. I already have terrible paddle fitness, and the fact that Ill only be able to get out once or twice a week isnt going to help.

So in comes the SLSA Mal. How well does the paddle technique from these craft transfer to surf board?

I just figure that these probably paddle a little better than a standard surfboard. Plus I wouldnt feel like an absolute knob jockey paddling it in the bay/river.

Cheers
Poop

Can't really comment the SLSA Mal, but getting out in the water even if your just swimming is going to help with paddle fitness for sure. I have a SUP for knee & below, a longboard for knee to waist & a few shortboards for over waist

Unfortunately I don't always have time to get out in the water as much as I'd like either

If your asking on advice about these things, your probably better off hopping over to the longboarding room. Personally I think if your gonna be longboarding, you may as well have something thats an allrounder.

hi mate
it's not really gonna help with your paddle technique, but if you do a few long distance paddles it will help with your paddle fitness and is good cross training, and it will be a good general fitness tool when the surfs flat, www.geartrade.com.au/ is a good website with lots of good second hand equipment, plenty of it in QLD and you can find some good bargains if you do decide to pick one up, hope this helps

Jarryd

I paddle a SLSA racing board for fitness. I was lucky enough and got one very cheap and I use it very often. It paddles significantly faster than a shortboard but still utilizes the same muscle group so it's the next best thing to paddling a short board...and yeah, saves on the embarrassment.

I'm using mine a lot more now as I'm kayaking to rottnest in lesd than a month and need the extra bit of upper body endurance training.

Suba do you think the paddle board would aggravate lower back pain. I'm looking for a way strengthen the core improve paddle fitness without stressing the back.

^^^
Swimming (freestyle)?

I crushed L2 and had a lot of back pain. Swimming was very good for pain relief and maintaining strength and fitness...

I found that you need to set yourself a goal otherwise it can become very boring.