I am going to get a new paddle (Kia Kaha) and was wondering what length overhead others are using in the surf. My current paddle is 6.9 inches overhead. I would be interested in feedback as to what length others are using and the benifits of why they use that length.

I have read that the power zone is when your top hand is level with your forehead during the stroke and that the paddle length should be about 6" overhead. I am interested if anyone thinks this rule changes for in the surf. Please let me know the benifits of your choice.

Cheers for your feedback.

Thanks Rod
I appreciate your advice.
Cheers

When you pick your paddle up from jodie , she will sort you out.

Thanks Jodie
I posted this prior to speaking with you initially. I would appreciate trying the different paddle length but I think I will go with your advice of a 181cm length as that is my height. I have another that is 6 inches over my head. I mainly want this for the surf and will use the other for the river. This works well as my wife has taken a keen interest in the sport aswell and she will use the shorter one for the river.

My concern was for back injury as I had a major spinal injury 5 years back that put me out of the surf for 18months. I have found paddling has really strengthened my core and would highly recommend the sport to anyone who has hurt their back. The injury left me with half the strenghth in the right foot and hamstring which greatly effected me on the short board for getting up to take the drop. Being able to stand all the time has elliminated this issue.

On another note I highly recommend getting your partner into this sport. As this sport is addictive like crack to a junkie and the product not cheap, I found having both of you into it makes it easy to convince the other half of the need for more craft, paddles, days out chasing a wave etc. I currently have a 11'6 southpoint and a 9'8" uberfish but would love to get my hands on a 9'6" naish or similar after I saw Dogman though something similar around at Noosa.

I still have a long way to go to acquire those skills but I am loving the journey.

Thanks for the advice as I appreciate it all and the points of view.
Cheers