OK, I thought it might be time to have everyones latest inputs on all paddles, what you like, and why.

Who won which events recently, with which paddle, surf and flat water events.

And Paddle Theory - is there a one stop shop (web site that gives the low down) ???

Here's my 2 cents worth, and I'm happy for people to agree or disagree....

Shaft Length - it's probably unanimous that a short shaft (for your height) is more suited to surf, and longer shafts are suited to thicker boards / racing boards, longer strokes.

Shaft stiffness - more stiffness, more power. But I think too stiff can cause some shoulder niggles/soreness for some paddlers (???).

The Grip - The T Grip is a bit of a no brainer. I think every 99% of paddles have the T Grip now.

The Blade, big blade - say around 9 inches wide - I don't mind a big blade for pure flat water, and a slower stroke rate. But bigger blades kind of have that effect of pulling you off balance every so often in choppy conditions, and down wind conditions. Doesn't as easily allow short sharp stokes for acceleration.

The Blade, medium blade - say 8 inches wide - probably a good all round size. Good mix of power. But must have the right shaft for you too.

The Blade, small blade - say around 7 inches wide, or a shorter than average blade - I have one, and I don't like it, but the it has a small diameter flexible shaft that I don't like. Any other comments ??

The Blade, surface area - probably a better way of measuring.... but hard for a punter to check....

(only my opinion)
(date started, 20 June 2010)

PS - the paddle is a little more important for flat water racing.

No substitute for strength, fitness, and technique though !

Makaha, fair comment !!

Hey Simondo
Great topic and cant wait to read everyones opinions, I have only owned 2 paddles a glass GSI paddle then I bought a woodgie Kia Kaha a couple of months later and love it for the surf,but as it was cut for me to use in the surf I am finding it a bit short for my DC17 as it sits a lot higher out of the water, would love to know what everyone uses for the different standup disciplines
cheers Boof

boofy said...

Hey Simondo
Great topic and cant wait to read everyones opinions, I have only owned 2 paddles a glass GSI paddle then I bought a woodgie Kia Kaha a couple of months later and love it for the surf,but as it was cut for me to use in the surf I am finding it a bit short for my DC17 as it sits a lot higher out of the water, would love to know what everyone uses for the different standup disciplines
cheers Boof

plenty of good paddles around. don't spare the dollars for a flatwater/downwind paddle. you aren't going anywhere without a good one at this part of sup ping
cheers

I honestly did not think a paddle was that important for surfing at the begining i was using a $350 carbon paddle and thought that a more expensive paddle would not be worth the extra coin so i stuck with the cheaper option. Then one day i tryed a Kialoa Methane and wow i could really notice the difference the release out of the water was so much quicker and i found it easy to get onto waves so i went and brought one and havnt even gone near my old blade. So i feel a good paddle helps

The Quick Blade Paddle has sold me for life I can't even pick a fault with these paddles I like everything about the qb there is no other paddle on the planet that even comes close! your just p###ing into the wind when using any other paddle! 90% of elite SUP paddlers use only qb know thats telling you something. I am so looking forward to meeting Jim Terrell in person when I go to Hawaii in 2 weeks.

Jim Terrell is a 4©\time Olympic Canoeist and has won numerous National Championship Titles.
His passion for building the finest competition paddles available today began at the age of 11 in his father¡¯s garage in Milford, Ohio.
Jim has been very involved over the years with scientific testing of paddle mechanics, including under water high speed photography and strain gage force analysis.
Jim has an extensive background in a variety of composite technology applications, including aerospace and motor sports. He applies all of his experience and knowledge into very innovative new designs and shapes, utilizing the most advanced aerospace products on the market.
Resume of James Ross Terrell
Olympic Games
1992 Barcelona, Spain Semi©finalist C©2 500m
1988 Seoul, South Korea Semi©finalist C©1 500m
1984 Los Angeles, California Alternate C©2 500m
Pan American Games
1999 Winnepeg, Canada 1 Bronze C©1 500m
1995 Mar Del Plata, Argentina 1 Gold C©1 500m
1989 Barcelona, Venezuela 3 Silver, 2 Bronze C©1 500m, C©2 500m, C©2 1000m
1987 Indianapolis, Indiana 1 Gold, 1 Bronze C©1 500m, C©2 1000m
World Championships
1999 Milan, Italy Semi©finalist C©1 500m
1995 Duisburg, Germany Eighth C©1 200m
Semi©finalist C©1 500m, C©1 1000m
1991 Paris, France Semi©finalist C©1 500m
1990 Poznan, Poland Semi©finalist C©1 500m
1987 Duisburg , Germany Semi©finalist C©1 500m
1986 Montreal, Canada Finalist C©1 500m
Semi©finalist C©2 1000m
1985 Mechlin, Belgium Alternate C©1 500m
1983 Tampere, Finland Alternate C©2 500m
United States Olympic Festivals
1991 Los Angeles, California 4 Gold
1990 Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 Gold, 2 Silver
1989 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 3 Gold, 1 Silver
1987 Raleigh, North Carolina 4 Gold
1986 Houston, Texas 4 Gold
1985 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 2 Silver, 2 Bronze
1982 Indianapolis, Indiana 2 Silver
1981 Syracuse, New York 1 Bronze
1979 Colorado Springs, Colorado 1 Silver
National Championship Titles In Multiple Events
1999 Lake Placid, New York
1998 Gainesville, Georgia
1997 Seattle, Washington
1996 Orlando, Florida
1995 Seattle, Washington
1994 Indianapolis, Indiana
1993 Indianapolis, Indiana
1992 Sacramento, California
1989 Indianapolis, Indiana
1988 Raleigh, North Carolina
1987 Chicago, Illinois
1986 Indianapolis, Indiana
1985 Sacramento, California
1984 Lake Placid, New York
1982 Jasonville, Indiana
1981 Jasonville, Indiana
1980 Lake Sebago, New York
Special Awards
1998 Honored with the ¡°Jim Terrell Park¡± in hometown of Milford, Ohio
1994 Inducted into the Clermont County Hall of Fame, Ohio
1994 Voted in Top 100 most influential people of Newport Beach ¨C Costa Mesa, California
1993 Voted #61 in most influential people of Newport Beach ¨C Costa Mesa, California