Does anyone else notice that Ikaikas paddle looks quite long?

Do a comparison on these pics of his paddle length / to his height by marking on the edge of some paper.

I'm guessing that his paddle looks way more than 6-8 inches over his head-height, more like 9-12.

I have read alot of comments saying that for SUP-surfing guys use shorter paddles, but this does not appear to be true for Ikaika & this guy truely defines the term "Ripper".

Blane, Byron if you read this - do you know what length (comparative-overhead) paddle he's using?

Anyone else (not SUP racer/cruisers) want to list what length paddle vs height & what kind of conditions you normally ride?

I'm still trying to figure out my favourite length.

I'm about to cut down my carbon paddle but I haven't decided on the exact length.
So to kill two birds with one paddle I bought an adjustable for the kids/friends/dwarves/giants. I used it today with a friend about 4 inches shorter than me and he was pretty happy - it's a bit heavy and chunky but everyone from my 8 year old boy to my ageless wife can use it and I am slowly finding my optimum size.
Pretty handy family/friend toy.

Here's how I see this paddle length thing.

Here's some pics that I took of myself some time ago when I used to make my own paddles.

BTW.. I'm 6'4" and in these pics I'm using a paddle that's 12" above my height.

At the start of the stroke where you are about to reach forward and dip the paddle your top arm elbow should not be above your shoulder.



For me to get maximum power I found the my top hand needs to be pretty close to directly in front of my face as I push forward with it.



At this point the lower arm swings through an ark being almost straight and in order for the paddle blade to be fully dipped and maintain an upright stance with a slight knee bend but straight back there is a very specific lower hand position.



Because the lower hand position is pretty much set because of my above reason and if you were to shorten your paddle the only thing that can happen is to lower your top hand down but doing this reduces the leverage that you have over the paddle.



This pic of Laird shows what I mean.. Distance X is set... and distance Y is also set to get max power.. and shortening your paddle to distance Z will mean less power. (IMO)



So.. How does Matty, Blane and many other top surf SUP'ers paddle with a paddle that's so short (about 4" above their height).. They must either paddle with less power or bend at the back.. plus their sinky short boards has some effect also.

Anyway.. that's enough of me crapping on..

DJ

akhawk said...

So X+Y-Z=wtf

..Maybe all this should be a 'Just do it' thing..

DJ

Hey DJ, I am still learning about all this. Do you reckon the size - and therefore instability - of your board affects paddle length?

The reason being, on a more unstable board you have to bend your legs more therefore lowering everything and shortening the paddle length?

Mine is 7 inches above, but I doubt I would go shorter.

goatman said...

Hey DJ, I am still learning about all this. Do you reckon the size - and therefore instability - of your board affects paddle length?

The reason being, on a more unstable board you have to bend your legs more therefore lowering everything and shortening the paddle length?

Mine is 7 inches above, but I doubt I would go shorter.

IMO.. Defiantly.. A thick corky board requires a longer paddle to insure the blade is fully dipped without needing to bend at the knees or back.

The thiner sinky boards will often require more knee bend to help you balance on them and that also allows for use of a shorter paddle.

My paddle for my 6" thick Naish Glide is about 11" over my head height.. On my 4" thick Naish 11'4" wave board my paddle is only 8" over my head height.

Hey Blane.. Thanks for your expert input over here on the Breeze.. Much appreciated..

DJ

Yesterday Melissa and I swapped paddles half way thru a surf session. Both paddles are identical kia kaha's exept hers is 3" longer than mine. Immediately obvious was the higher lift required to swap sides when paddling. When spinning and paddling for a wave both the same, but lay into a cuttie and the difference was dramatic! The increased length enable the paddle to remain in the water much longer thru the transition increasing the rudder effect heaps. Just before you start to come back around into your bottom turn to recover the cuttie it just give you the ability to tweak it just that little further. The result is just that bit sexier and the Kelliesk radical slam that your ego is telling you your doing is just that little closer to reality.

Glass off said...



Does anyone else notice that Ikaikas paddle looks quite long?

Do a comparison on these pics of his paddle length / to his height by marking on the edge of some paper.

I'm guessing that his paddle looks way more than 6-8 inches over his head-height, more like 9-12.

I have read alot of comments saying that for SUP-surfing guys use shorter paddles, but this does not appear to be true for Ikaika & this guy truely defines the term "Ripper".

Blane, Byron if you read this - do you know what length (comparative-overhead) paddle he's using?

Anyone else (not SUP racer/cruisers) want to list what length paddle vs height & what kind of conditions you normally ride?

I'm still trying to figure out my favourite length.

for me, i use 9 foot and under sups,the best thing i ever did was to drop me paddle to 6 inches above my head. everything was better

B Chambers said...

"Thanks Blane for your input, interesting
to hear you are now using +8" "

Always stoked to stop in here. I wish I had more time!

I also notice I like my paddle lengths different depending on the blades. Some blades I prefer the paddle shorter. The Methane I prefer at 8" over my height. The Shaka Puu which pulls more water, I prefer at 6.5" over my height.

I really think paddles are like shoes. Some fit you so well and are so comfy you can run for miles. Others give you corns and blisters in the form of aching muscles.

interesting, my paddle is a shaka puu
cheers