My old Kenalu XTuf paddle is getting a bit long in the tooth. Quite like the look (after all, it would look pretty shmik with my XXX construction Speeed!) of the Sunova Balsa blade & potential flex of a bamboo shaft, but I must admit I'm curious about the methods for cutting a bamboo shaft to length and assembling the handle. I've done plenty of carbon shaft paddle assembly, but any advice on how these go together? I'd assume a hot-melt glue scenario (per Kenalu) to put it together would not be great for the bamboo or balsa?
Any performance/durability feedback from longer-term users also?
sunovasurfboards.com/en/accessories/paddles/balsa/balsa-paddle
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Thanks Rick 
Have you heard of any issues cutting the bamboo shaft to length (ie. with carbon, you know you're getting a specific diameter internally on the shaft (re. inserting handle) but I can only assume bamboo might be a bit more variable? Or is it just a bamboo veneer over an internal carbon shaft?
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Hi rick , Just curious your view between the carbon and the balsa if you tried both ? Is there such a weight difference?
cheers!
Hi guys ,i also have a carbon shaft ,but balsa blade cut longer for my flat water fun ,really light well balanced paddle ,and great grip on the handle ,with all the small ridges on the shaft ,never has my hands slipped off...unfortunately i leant it to my daughter ..and i have not seen it since ,looks like i will have to buy another ,I would love to try the bamboo shaft ...i reckon you would get some nice drive out of it .I think the price is great too .
Select to expand quoteTardy said..
Hi guys ,i also have a carbon shaft ,but balsa blade cut longer for my flat water fun ,really light well balanced paddle ,and great grip on the handle ,with all the small ridges on the shaft ,never has my hands slipped off...unfortunately i leant it to my daughter ..and i have not seen it since ,looks like i will have to buy another ,I would love to try the bamboo shaft ...i reckon you would get some nice drive out of it .I think the price is great too .
Excellent - thanks Tardy 
Select to expand quote808-Obsession said..supthecreek said..
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Thanks Rick Have you heard of any issues cutting the bamboo shaft to length (ie. with carbon, you know you're getting a specific diameter internally on the shaft (re. inserting handle) but I can only assume bamboo might be a bit more variable? Or is it just a bamboo veneer over an internal carbon shaft?
I do not know exactly how they are built, but knowing Sunova, the shafts would accommodate cutting down either shaft in the same manner.
Maybe Dylan will chime in with more specifics..... I'll send him a link to this thread.
Select to expand quoteanchorpoint said..supthecreek said..
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Hi rick , Just curious your view between the carbon and the balsa if you tried both ? Is there such a weight difference?
cheers!
My gut wants to say the Balsa paddle may be slightly lighter, but either is very light.
Yes it's not actual length of bamboo it's veneer
I've played with a lot of them and all Sunova shafts are tops some other brands very light and weak
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..808-Obsession said..supthecreek said..
All my Sunova paddles are assembled with Hot Glue.... mine are all the carbon, but it is the same with the Balsa Paddle.
My friends that have the Balsa Paddle love it.... and they are very durable.
Thanks Rick Have you heard of any issues cutting the bamboo shaft to length (ie. with carbon, you know you're getting a specific diameter internally on the shaft (re. inserting handle) but I can only assume bamboo might be a bit more variable? Or is it just a bamboo veneer over an internal carbon shaft?
I do not know exactly how they are built, but knowing Sunova, the shafts would accommodate cutting down either shaft in the same manner.
Maybe Dylan will chime in with more specifics..... I'll send him a link to this thread.
Thanks Rick. Hope you're well over there!
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
Yes it's not actual length of bamboo it's veneer
I've played with a lot of them and all Sunova shafts are tops some other brands very light and weak
Thanks for that - much appreciated
