JustCruising said..
Is the Kiaola double bend paddle any good or is a a bit of a fad? I don't see any of the pro's using them but I like the idea of a more ergonomic paddle to keep my overuse injuries at bay.
DJ, I saw you were using one about a year ago but have moved back to a straight shaft by the look of your most recent vids. Is this a correct observation and what is your current thoughts?
Been using a Hulu small 87 doublebend last few months and it's been a great paddle. I've previously used a Naish LE race paddle (too flexy), and then a kialoa hulu straight shaft (also a great paddle).
The double bend is a light paddle and I've found the top bend promotes the top wrist to be in a more natural comfortable position (much like bike handle bars also angle towards you for wrist ergonomics). The extra bottom blade angle I've found also protects your bottom shoulder and wrist as you have so much extra angle you don't need to over-reach (well you never should anyways). I paddle really relaxed now.
The hulu small 87 is a great size and really powerful for it's size (hulu large also available but I would steer most people on a small due to now paddle size trends). Shaft stiffness is more than my naish but not too much so feels just right for racing and cruising. SHaft diameter on the med-smaller side and handle is a nice size also in the med end. Paddle sHaft also gets grippy when salt water gets on it so no more slipping or having to add any extra wax etc, a great addition.
I use the paddle for everything on a raceboard: downwind, surf racing and rec surfing the raceboard, technical course and sprinting. I've been paddling better this year and better results, but may just be as I'm improving also?!
Can't adjust height so I use another shorter paddle for the surf sup.
What I've found: Paddle height the same as my straight shaft for downwinding, but have found in the 4km sprint technical beach racing we do in Auck this summer I want to get my cadence up a bit so am thinking half an inch to 1 inch shorter than normal paddle height to get cadence up. Just using the choke stroke at times at the moment and working fine. Just my feeling. Something to try but can't go back once I cut!
Not sure why more pros don't use it. I've been told the double bend was 3 yrs in development before releasing it so definitely something there for them to release it. Kenny Kaneko the SIC/kialoa rider has been using one from time to time.
Kialoa also have a big range of double bend outrigger/canoe paddles so the concept definitely works there.
The kialoa importer told me he's been getting feedback from overseas paddlers and importers that the double bend sales are going up, and mainly to recreational paddlers, mainly due to the fact of the ergonomics and feedback that it paddles more comfortably. Interesting to hear.
hope that helps.
