Paddle related question. I can only afford 1 good paddle...around $300 ish. I will be doing about 60% flat and 40% surf (smaller stuff). Am I better off getting an adjustable or getting a fixed and cutting it to a length somewhere where its suited to both flat and surf

The way I see it

Adjustable
- Perfect length for either surf or flat. More comfortable and more effective/efficient then a paddle too long/short
- heavier then fixed
- potential issues with water leaking into shaft
- possibly weaker?

Fixed
- Comprising on having the perfect length (if only have 1 paddle)
- lighter
- no/less water leakage issues
- tougher?

Thoughts on which way to go?

paul.j said..
What board or boards will you be paddling? Might help to answer.

I would say fixed.. and at a good compromised length.

RogerRoger said..
10'6 Nalu. I'm 85kg

Yes go fixed at about 6-7 inch over head would be about right, if you had 2 boards say a raceboard which is thicker and a smaller surfing sup then a Ajustable might have been a better option but since you are just paddling the one board just use the one paddle.

I have found adjustable paddles to be super annoying in the surf most of the ones I have used don't "leak" water they fill completely with water each wipeout and then you have to empty them reset them, definitely a fixed length for me

Fixed is the way to go unless, for instance, you must shorten the paddle for travel. Both adjustable paddles I have fill with water. They are both well known brands. They both lack the better feel of the fixed paddles.