Well i have finally taken the plunge and got myself a SUP. After much deliberation i chose the *Board 10'5x30.

Having surfed(shortboards) for over 25yrs i have been hesitant to make the transition. Due to a stuffed back (have had a spine fusion) its been hard to surf for more than a an hour due to my back just giving me hell.

Anyway i got the new board out on saturday and had a ball. i cant believe how much fun it is. The board turns really sweet off the bottom and i was even able to do a couple of floaters.

I am hooked. I now a have a no wind option.

I have just made a paddle using the top of a snapped 490 mast(100% carbon) . I will post pictures later.

Why is the paddle no good. It has a nice timber blade( off an old outrigger paddle) and the shaft is feather light, unlike my ally one i got with the board).

I will post a picture later today so you will have a better idea.

Here is some shots of the paddle i have made. The blade is the same size as my starboard one.

Is this paddle going to effect the way i can paddle and surf on my SUP?

After using the ally starboard one i have,






I prefer my custom one as its heaps lighter and feels more powerful when paddling

Cool. Thanks for the advice DJ

I have not used one but from reading here on the forum, the Kialoa Methane paddle is a little narrower than a standard paddle (anout an inch). This lets you get the paddle through the water faster and get a higher stroke rate and more acceleration for catching waves.

One of the more annoying things in catching waves is paddling like crazy and feeling you are not accelerating as the wave approaches. I am guessing the narrower paddle might help with this. Certainly improving your wave catching technique does help.

Be careful with how you stroke when you start out. I found digging in hard to catch waves caused lower back pain. It's easier to catch waves and kinder to your back to stand a little straighter and do a series of faster, more gentle strokes than to dig in hard and try to muscle yourself onto the wave.

I have found a massive difference in feel between the paddles I have tried and my Starboard carbon paddle. The Kialoa paddle I tried felt really lively.

I suspect when you get to try a proper paddle then you'll find it as different as you found your home made carbon to the aluminium paddle.

Im new to SUP. I bought a 11 ft Jimmy Lewis . I have been having a ball on it. Last weekend went out for a paddle and ended up catching waves...for 3hrs...bit tired that evening! My one problem though is it seems twice now i have hurt my thoracic spine carrying the board. Felt like a lateral disc protrusion.. initally pain in central back then later on the left side. Im really keen to do more SUP ..any advice carrying lifting would be appreciated.

Cheers Jeremy

Cheers DJ .......That looks really helpful for me.