Surf Fx at southport have heaps of SUP stuff and should be able to help you out. I use a C4 carbon fibre paddle and love it, i have not used a wood one so can't compare sorry.

Surf FX no 55313199

by far the best carbon paddles in Australia are in my opinion the Kia Kaha's made locally here in Noosa by Woogie Marsh who is known for making the best outrigger paddles around.
They are lighter than the C4 paddles and have a rounded shaft which is also narrower. The C4 shafts are oval shaped and have a palm grip. Kia Kaha's have a t-grip which i prefer over the palm grip. I was using the C4 paddle for a few months and liked it, but once i switched to Woogie's paddles i would never go back. there is just no comparison.
GSI has carbon paddles that they sell with teh Kalama and Bonga boards, but they dont compare with Woogies or the C4's. They are a lot heavier.
they are Ozzie made too which is a big bonus and they are cheaper than the other carbons as well.
www.standuppaddlesurf.com.au stock them and they regularly take trips down the coast or can post them as well.

I have used the carbon paddles from GSI, C4 and Kia Kaha's.

The C4 and the Kia Kaha's are definently the better of the lot.
It comes to personal preference if you like t-grips for palm grips.
Personally i like the tgrip better on the Kia Kaha's. So i have bought one of those.

The palm grip gets hard especially if it is wet and a bit of suncream on it.

The C4 and Kia Kaha's have narrower shafts which i find is much more comforatable.
Last time i checked in SUPS Noosa the C4 was $495 and the Kia Kaha's was $450. Both are great.

Only other point is that Woogie Marsh hand makes the Kia Kaha's locally in aus. So if you are all about the Australian Made thing. Perhaps that is a better way to go.

Also take a look at the Xylobladz. Beautiful Aussie built wooden paddles. Even have a soft edge on them to protect the board.

Cheers,

Sam.

Hey Sandy, could you clarify - what paddle came free with the Kalama / Bonga ?

There are no retailers offering free paddles round here.

I've bought a carbon paddle now, its made by Global Industries - I think the same company that makes the Southpoint, Kalama / Bonga.

This carbon paddle goes good - I have only the Naish alloy one to compare it to (big improvement in flex / response). The only thing I dont like is that it's SO light that when you're switching sides it's catching the air & flying - it doesn't have a positive controlled feel when you swing it - the balance point is very close to the middle. I'll try adjusting this with a small lead collar on the bottom of the shaft.

I guess the wood paddles are really nice for balance and flex - do they have the 10-12 degree blade ?