I am a bit confused as to what size paddle I should use. I am 1800 tall and weigh 110 kg and paddle mostly on flat / choppy water (lakes). When looking at the Quickblade site I should be using a 9" paddle having an area of 110 sq in. But looking around shops and online 8" seems to be most common.

Also I want my paddles to be 2 or 3 peice for space reasons.

What are your thoughts

How healthy is your bank account?

The best 3- piece IMO is the new(ish) Quickblade V-Drive 3-piece. Given your weight, you might like the 101 sq inch one. You don't need to go any bigger in that model. The cool thing about it is that it screws together using a hex key so that once it is assembled it is just like a normal paddle. Usually, multi-piece paddles have annoying clips, notches etc to hold it together, but the QB doesn't and is a work of art. Comes in a nice bag too. You cut it to your size just like a normal paddle - it's not an adjustable.

I think it's pretty much top of the tree right now in terms of multi-piece paddles. But it's for people who are serious about their paddling and it is expensive. So only you can judge if you belong to their target demographic for this paddle. I got mine as a Christmas present so I didn't have to wrangle with my conscience about the expenditure. But if you travel a lot and have had the experience of your paddle breaking after air travel (very common unfortunately), then you'll see the value in having a top-flight paddle you can put in your hard luggage case, or as a carry-on.

Area10 said..
How healthy is your bank account?

The best 3- piece IMO is the new(ish) Quickblade V-Drive 3-piece. Given your weight, you might like the 101 sq inch one. You don't need to go any bigger in that model. The cool thing about it is that it screws together using a hex key so that once it is assembled it is just like a normal paddle. Usually, multi-piece paddles have annoying clips, notches etc to hold it together, but the QB doesn't and is a work of art. Comes in a nice bag too. You cut it to your size just like a normal paddle - it's not an adjustable.

I think it's pretty much top of the tree right now in terms of multi-piece paddles. But it's for people who are serious about their paddling and it is expensive. So only you can judge if you belong to their target demographic for this paddle. I got mine as a Christmas present so I didn't have to wrangle with my conscience about the expenditure. But if you travel a lot and have had the experience of your paddle breaking after air travel (very common unfortunately), then you'll see the value in having a top-flight paddle you can put in your hard luggage case, or as a carry-on.

Thanks. I will have a look at that paddle.

DavidJohn said..

seasdes said..
Space reasons - while travelling

Fair enough..

Kialoa now do a three piece travel Insanity paddle.. http://www.kialoa.com/insanity-fiberglass-travel-sup.html

Would you use a fiberglass paddle when surfing? I haven't used a fiberglass paddle, but I do travel. I looked at the Quickblade version which is over USD$600 (before you pay shipping).

DavidJohn said..

cantSUPenough said...

DavidJohn said..

seasdes said..
Space reasons - while travelling

Fair enough..

Kialoa now do a three piece travel Insanity paddle.. http://www.kialoa.com/insanity-fiberglass-travel-sup.html

Would you use a fiberglass paddle when surfing? I haven't used a fiberglass paddle, but I do travel. I looked at the Quickblade version which is over USD$600 (before you pay shipping).

I would and I have.. You are welcome to try my Kialoa Insanity paddle one day..

I have both fixed and adjustable.. But not the three piece but I'm sure it will be very similar..

Thanks. Hopefully the swell will pick up (without too much wind) soon!