Just wondering if most people have 2 paddles, with distinct differences in length between what they use down winding and surfing?

I have only got one, I am happy with the length of it for down winding etc, but I have always suspected it may be a little too long for surfing - but I have put up with it to date. Went for a surf on the weekend using it, for the first time in a few months, and all of a sudden it feels way too long and inflicted a fair amount of pain in my arms and shoulders.

Adjustable paddles aside - do most people use a different length paddle for down winding and surfing, or is it just a matter of finding the optimum paddle length for both?

Thanks,
Scott.

2 here, one longer for flat water, shorter stockier one for surfing. Influenced by personal preference too. Didn't like the adjustable for surfing at all. The adjustment knuckle was uncomfortable and the shaft kept filling up with water.

I have one paddle, it's a Ke Nalu with an adjustable collar.......works a treat

Scott79 said..
Thanks to all, sounds like a second paddle is the way to go.
Will probably spend the money on the DW'ing paddle, and shorten what I have already for the surf.

Thanks again,
Scott.

I have one paddle -- a Hoe Nalu carbon paddle which I got for a very reasonable price of $100 here in Honolulu. But don't shorten anything too early before trying things extensively. I had my paddle cut for both "long-distance" and "surfing" - after waiting for a few months - but even that was not enough. It is fine for surfing, but horribly short for long-distance/DW/flatwater racing. It's not so much the paddle itself that is too short -- it's that a proper DW board is so dang tall (thick) that I am so much higher out of the water. Now I have to get another paddle.

One other thing I notice - for surfing I now want a blade that is not as wide, so I can do those quick paddle strokes last-minute to get on the wave. Having a full/wide blade slows me down.

Speaking of shoulders - pay attention to how your shoulders feel after various combinations of boards and paddles and paddle heights. I am trying to track down what is causing my right shoulder to hurt occasionally - but I don't have enough information yet.

Also, a shorter length for surfing:
- reduces row, as you tend to have the shaft more vertical
- better fit in the wave, so you can have your paddle on the side of the board, not trailing to the rear in turns.

I actually have 2 main surfing paddles: one my height and the other at +4cm to vary efforts. I tend to use the longer one when I am in the mood of a more relaxed surfing.

Simple answer, Yes. A different length paddle for every shape, volume, style of board you own. 2 boards (flat and surf) 2 paddles.

I've had an adjustable werner nitro for years. You have a good 120mm or so of different lengths in the one paddle. It's a 3piece, so the only catch is that it is a bit stiff sometimes As there are two join sections. Light as a feather and tough as. Packs down to a package about a metre long, easy to travel with. Can surf with it or distance paddle no worries.
Ano I have two other old paddles that I lend to mates/first timers, or have for back up, but have never needed them. They did come in handy when I left a paddle at bells though.....

Another reason to justify having a couple of paddles