Hi broke carbon star board paddle, no idea what to get or where on the gold coast or online. Any one have any good suggestions for a paddle, I only ride in surf and ride an 8'6 quad. (Are the top brands that much better than the $200 paddles)
Also are there any SUP surf clubs here.

Agree with DJ that the Ke Nalu are great. I had broken 2 other brand paddles before getting a Ke Nalu over 14 months ago, and have not broken a single shaft or blade since. I race and surf with mine. Highly recommend them!

I snapped my Kiaola Methane by pole driving my head through it on a solid wipe-out. Great paddle, did me well for two hard years of surfing,.and definitely my head velocity that caused the break!

I would get another one, but I tried one of the new Starboards and liked the stack/ rebound/recoil effect of the slightly more flexible shafts. I am hoping this will make my surfing a bit more lively.

After a bit of research on SUP Zone.(The people there are extra helpful), I am seriously considering a Ke Nalu Maliko Elite blade on an Xtuff(S) shaft. Apparently these are the bees knees for what you could call controlled rebound?

Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to demo the Ke Nalu and the ultimate decision might come down to the best paddle for the best price (Or even which dealer responds to my enquiries before my remaining ultra short and stiff contraption reeks more havoc on my shoulder and ability to stand for prolonged periods in challenging conditions!).

surfershaneA said..

ChrisClarke1 said..

Agree with DJ that the Ke Nalu are great. I had broken 2 other brand paddles before getting a Ke Nalu over 14 months ago, and have not broken a single shaft or blade since. I race and surf with mine. Highly recommend them!

Chris,

So which Ke Nalu are you using surfing?

Thanks, Shane

I'm using the Maliko for my surfing!

I used to use a Kialoa Shaka Puu and loved it but after a two week holiday in Bali where I was paddling everyday my shoulder was starting to give me major grief, I actually had to have the odd day off the water and was taking anti-inflammatory tablets daily.

When I got home I purchased a Ke Nalu Wiki Elite blade on an Xtuff(S) shaft and found it much easier on the shoulders.
I have had no further shoulder issues and use it all the time for surfing.
I also have the Maliko blade now and alternate between them, I'm not sure which size I prefer but the beauty of the Ke Nalu is you can change the blade in no time with a hair dryer or heat gun.

Also I have heard lots of good things about the new Fanatic Innegra Carbon paddles and on the couple of little tries I have had they do seem nice.

weiry said..

DavidJohn said..

I'd suggest the big brands like Kialoa, KaNalu and QuickBlde but they are expensive..

The Naish paddles are very good and it's rare to ever hear of one breaking.. and they are much cheaper..

maybe for you DJ
my NEW QB Kanaha AC with a QB cover was cheaper than the my Naish LE wave

Yeah.. That's one pricy paddle.. Even for me..

Just picked up my Ke Nalu Maliko xTuff(S) from Windsurf & Snow, Collaroy Sydney. Totally full of energy just holding it. Pity I still have the Manly Ferry then a three hour train ride to get it home later tonight. The measures some people will go to to get decent service and the right paddle!

Will report how it goes soon!

LilD said...

surfershaneA said..

Just picked up my Ke Nalu Maliko xTuff(S) from Windsurf & Snow, Collaroy Sydney. Totally full of energy just holding it. Pity I still have the Manly Ferry then a three hour train ride to get it home later tonight. The measures some people will go to to get decent service and the right paddle!

Will report how it goes soon!

Hi surfershaneA

did u go the elite or xtuff blade?

The xTuff(x). Seems to have just the right amount of flex for the rebound/stack to work for me. The fibreglass content should also make it a lot tuffer than high content carbon shafts.


The tappered shaft has a nice thickness where I hold my bottom hand,.not too different from my old oval shaft paddle.

Next step, get it out there in the morning!

Let us know what you think surfershane, I'm sure you will love it.

I really don't know much about the Naish paddle Rossall but I would def go the smaller 8", I used to think the larger paddles would be the go to shoot you onto the wave but now fully believe there is no need to go bigger than 8" and I don't even think you have to go that big.

When you say you are over paddling I take it you are starting to turn to much and not go straight down the wave.
Im not sure about this back stroke you are talking about, just have the board a little more side on before starting to paddle for the wave.
I few more strokes with a smaller paddle will keep you straighter and more balanced than 2 or 3 with a large one.

tightlines said...
Let us know what you think surfershane, I'm sure you will love it.

I really don't know much about the Naish paddle Rossall but I would def go the smaller 8", I used to think the larger paddles would be the go to shoot you onto the wave but now fully believe there is no need to go bigger than 8" and I don't even think you have to go that big.

When you say you are over paddling I take it you are starting to turn to much and not go straight down the wave.
Im not sure about this back stroke you are talking about, just have the board a little more side on before starting to paddle for the wave.
I few more strokes with a smaller paddle will keep you straighter and more balanced than 2 or 3 with a large one.

If you like the smaller blades, the Ke Nalu's might not be for you. The blades really catch and are a lot more powerful than others of the same size. If you go through the.reviews on SUP Zone there are a lot of requests for a smaller again blade.

If you like a smaller blade, the new Starboard Enduro has a nice balance of flex, which should be forgiving on your shoulder.

I get the backpaddle bit. It is a stall while you wait for the right moment to take-off. I do the same on critical waves, also putting my weight back then thrusting forward with the three paddles. Personally, I would want to be holding a paddle that can instantly generate a lot of power like the Ke Nalu Maliko. Regardless, each to their own!

surfershaneA said..

If you like the smaller blades, the Ke Nalu's might not be for you. The blades really catch and are a lot more powerful than others of the same size. If you go through the.reviews on SUP Zone there are a lot of requests for a smaller again blade.

A lot of people love the Ke Nalu Wiki for surfing.....even some of the bigger crew.
Even though it's only 84 sq" it's still got quite a powerful catch that is great for those few quick strokes when launching into a wave.
It's a really nice little thing to flick around.

There's a few crew surfing with the new Ho'oloa blades.
7.5" wide (84sq") and 8" wide (95sq")
They have a very different feel to the Maliko / Wiki......softened catch but more drive through the stroke.
Awesome for racing and downwinders.

There will be a mini Wiki available in Australia soon.
It's 7.5" wide (74sq")

+1 for the Wiki.