Kialoa Methane..

Naish Wave LE
small blade = high reps. Kevlar shaft construction = lots of flex, making it super forgiving on the shoulders and elbows and forgiving on the longevity of the blade.

I'm sure there are other good blades out there but this is the one that I love after trying HEAPS of paddles.

Whatever you do don't get something stiff for the surf, it will eventually get a stress fracture and snap or you will end up with bad joints.

Small blade is also better as it is far more efficient and allows for higher reps to get onto the wave earlier.

Hope this helps.

QB Kanaha Surf 91

Naish wave LE, after getting used to, better than my kialoas.

I disagree with the above mentioned school of thought that a bigger blade is better as it generates more power.

I started with a Kialoa Shaka Puu, it had a fairly stiff shaft and big blade so was hard on my shoulders.

Then went to a KeNalu xtuff S with a Maliko blade and found that heaps better, felt like the right amount of flex.

Next move was to step down to the 84sq" KeNalu Wiki as suggested by Deano72 and found that suited me better again.

I originally thought bigger was better, so I could get on a wave with minimum strokes but now find I would rather have a few more higher cadence strokes, the board doesn't yaw as much and it is easier to keep your balance when paddling for a wave on a low volume tippy board.

Also have gone shorter and shorter over time with paddle length.

Just my opinion on what works for me.

I use a Ke Nalu Wiki for everything now......with an Xtuf shaft and ergo handle. Light, strong and feels nice. Plus it is a little cheaper than some other top brands. Xtuf shaft has a slightly springy feel.

+1 for the wiki. Its also got a cool weave that stops the shaft slipping.

Antho said..
I've had my Kialoa Methane for over four years and still love it. It has coped with heaps of abuse which I think is also an important attribute for a paddle.

+1