Hi all,
I thought I would turn to the forum for advice on a specific paddle for the surf. I have had contrasting advice as to what type of paddle is best for me. My SUP is carbon 9ft, 29.5 inches and 123 ltrs volume, I weigh 72 kilos. I come from a stand up background. My current paddle is a carbon oval shaft generic style shape, which I find hard to get initial momentum on in the surf. It also pulls the board off target after only a couple of strokes making wave catching/timing a gamble. It is fine in flat water. I also have another paddle exactly the same which is shorter by about 3 inches which I have tried in the surf. It gives me a sore back (dodgy technique perhaps)
The various things I have read on this forum tend to agree on a narrower quicker cadence paddle as suited best in the surf with fiberglass or composite construction for flex. However, upon talking with others locally they say a squarer fuller volume paddle with a "cupped" bottom profile is better to grip the water early and grab the wave sooner.
So I'm stumped. I have an old shoulder injury which forced me out of prone surfing and SUP has since proved to be perfect and not aggravate it at all, but, no doubt my shoulder is weak. So, I thought a smaller volume paddle that I could stroke faster would work better and also decrease the tendency to drag the board offline. There does not appear to be a local option to test a paddle so I would be buying blind when I go ahead, hence some advice would be really appreciated for those with the time and knowledge.
Thanks
Yes it does sound as if a paddle with a blade area roughly in the range 85-95 sq ins might suit you. Maybe also with a softer shaft. I'd be considering Ke Nalu Wiki with xTuf shaft, or a Kialoa Methane or Pipes, or a Quickblade Slim Jim in e.g. a 92 size. But unless you are a serious SUSer, many brands' paddles in a smaller size would probably do fine.
hi mate
Cant speak to much as i haven't seen you surf, but when i see a lot of people surfing and when paddling into waves they will stand with their feet parallel, this leads to the board turning from side to side after a few strokes, if you watch videos of guys surfing (i've attached a link to Casso's video, i believe it's also Sparx(maybe) from Vic), most people tend to paddle in with a staggered/surf stance, this enables you to move your weight to control the board more while paddling mostly on one side,
With a bad shoulder, you want to minimize trauma to to your joints, that is a smaller blade to slip a bit in the water under effort, and/or a more flexible shaft. Note that oval shaft are stiffer than round ones. Lighter paddles are also a great way to reduce stress. If you get a sore back, try to bend your knees more, and lower your upper hand compared to your shoulder.
"cupped" paddle blades are grate for surfing as they give a very positive grip. Strighter paddles are more efficient at entering/leaving water and thus better for racing / touring. Slightly cupped design work great in both cases :-)
"It also pulls the board off target after only a couple of strokes" is only technique. Try to understand the physics of it at: www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=15897.0 to practice. After some time you will be able to aim the board left or right without changing paddling sides.
Also, be careful to have the shaft vertical:
This will get you row:
This will counter the row, and even give you anti-row:
Thanks everyone for the advice and the link. It has really helped and I will try out that new paddling technique this weekend.
