The other day the shop called to say my new Kialoa race paddle was in and I couldn't get down there quick enough to pick it up.. It's called the Toro.. The next morning the guys called to say that it's on for a down-winder and I quickly glued the handle on my new paddle and got down there.. It was cold, wet and windy and I was a bit suss that the wind might change direction before we got to the end but it was still worth going for it.
The wind did change.. It was lumpy and there was a lot of paddling across the swells.. It was messy.. but it was still great fun.. and the paddle.. it was awesome.. Kialoa said that it would be lighter, stiffer and stronger and I thought yeah,yeah but it is.. I was glad to see they've kept the traditional Kilaoa shape shaft.. The blade size is slightly bigger than the Methane (that I normally use).
The paddle is extremely light.. The blade is very thin and it slips in and out of the water like no other paddle that I've ever used.. It has amazing bite with no slippage at all.. When you dig hard the stiff shaft didn't rob you of any power from flex and I feel like I need to work out more to get the most out of this paddle.
I took a little vid.. I also took some pics that show it better and how it compares to the Methane.
DJ
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