Doing my head in trying to guess what paddle width and depth would suit me.
Hello, i just bought a 9'8 x 31 x 4.5 SUP which comes with a motivation killing aluminum, plastic paddle with no sweep on it which looks like something you'd give to the kids for their blow up boat. It's a shame, cos it's a nice board and the paddle doesn't do it justice. I need a decent paddle. I'm 115kg and a keen surfer and plan to use the SUP 70% surf 30% cruising.
I figure being a big strong guy I need a larger paddle, but don't know wether to go wider or longer or what size. I'm a SUP beginner but want a paddle thats right for me and the board for when I get good. I'm a quick learner.
What sort of paddle shape and dimensions would be best. I don't want to spend more than about $250 max and a carbon or carbon/glass mix, probably a fixed shaft. The cheapest decent paddle in the right size.

BTW, do adjustable paddles have holes/notches in the shaft where water can get in? I can't tell from the internet photos. Are there any good shops to go to around Sydney's south. Was going to buy from the internet.

Fishrider said...



I figure being a big strong guy I need a larger paddle, but don't know wether to go wider or longer or what size. I'm a SUP beginner but want a paddle thats right for me and the board for when I get good. I'm a quick learner.
What sort of paddle shape and dimensions would be best. I don't want to spend more than about $250 max...

Hi and welcome.

Don't think because you are big and strong you need a big blade on your paddle..IMO.

I'm 6'4" and 95kgs and paddle daily.. (and have for the past 7-8 yrs).. I use 7-8.5" blades with the 8" being the most used.

I recommend a blade that's about 8" wide and a shaft that's thin.. Big blades and thick shafts are very old school.. and they're common with cheaper brands.. IMO.

There are a few good brands to choose from... I'd recommend the Naish adjustable Makani with the RDS shaft.. (the skinny one out of the two) or the fixed one (non adjustable) that's also 8" and skinny shaft.. Pretty sure they're in your price range.

Let us know what you end up with.

DJ

In Sydney South you have 2 choices Eastcoast Sup (Lou and Pete) or Cronulla Stand Up Paddle Shop (Tommy or Todd) either should be able to sort you out of a paddle.

And DJ, as always correct, i'm big and find an 8" does the job the bigger blade just works the shoulders to hard

Looking for a unique paddle, check out

www.longshaftpaddles.com

Mate I am only a newby myself . Bought my 1 St SUP about 2 months ago second one about a month ago . Absolutely hooked .
My 1 St paddle is a Magoo carbon fibre adjustable With an 8 inch blade . Reason I bought an adjustable had no idea what length the paddle should be . Used it a fair bit ( about 50 ) paddles mainly in surf but also on a few flat days .

Just bought an alloy Naish adjustable with an 8 1/2 inch blade for the kids to use . I actually prefer it to the Magoo paddle which I think is because of the bigger blade . as a beginner I certainly don't notice much difference in weight . Probably different for the blokes that have paddled for years .

My adjustables don't take up any water in the surf , not that I have noticed anyway .

I started on a 10 foot board have now moved to a 9,2 as found the 10 footer a bit dull in the surf .

Surf, 8" blade cut the shaft so that the point of expansion is at eye level.

In surf you need speed to pull on to a wave. Too long a shaft and too big a blade= too much work!

Carbon, the lighter you can afford

The better.

KISS is always best