Last week I bumped into an old friend that I used to windsurf with and we talked about StandUp.. I knew Graeme would love it and he was very keen to have a go.

I gave him my number and I said I would bring both of my boards down to St Kilda one day and he could try before he buys..and yesterday we did it.

I loaded my Naish 11'6" and new 11'4" on the roof of my new little zook noddy car.. I also was going to try my new Kialoa Methane paddle for the first time..



Graeme was a natural..We paddled straight off into the deep water and across to the breakwater and he paddled my 11'6" board..We then paddled up to the kiosk.



Graeme used my old Naish aluminum paddle that I had converted to be adjustable..I remember the days when I loved that paddle with its huge blade.

He was hooked and within a few minutes paddling Graeme said he was going to buy one 'asap'..and although Graeme is not a heavyweight and has great balance and even surfed for years I suggested he buys the bigger 11'6" Naish because most of his paddling will be on flat water just like me.. He can join us exploring on the Yarra and also doing downwinders on those howling northerlys..and the big 11'6" is defiantly best Naish board for those days.

Here's Graeme testing the stability of the big Naish.. We paddled for hours and he never fell in once..We even paddled around the other side where it was pretty rough.



There's something special about paddling around St Kilda marina and Graeme agrees..We had perfect weather and next time Graeme will have his own board.



Now... About the paddle...The brand new Kialoa Methane.

I was wondering just how powerful this new little paddle would be..I found a pretty big difference between the Large Nalu and the mid size Shaka Pu'u paddle and the Methane is about the same amount smaller again.

When I first heard about the Methane I thought it would be a perfect paddle for women and children..and people have even joked with Blane Chambers (the Methane designer) about that and Blane is no kid and he's a very strong paddler so I thought it must be good.

I had just read on the Zone forum last night someone saying they had not noticed any power loss between the Methane and the bigger Shaka Pu'u so I had high hopes.

As I stepped onto my board in the shallows and paddled off I took a couple of paddle strokes and two words came to mind.. 'Gutless'..and 'Disappointed'.

I was able to stroke the paddle through the water fully dipped and there seemed no real power and yet I felt like I was not over powering it and it was not cavitating it just felt soft and weak.. My next thought was 'Bugger'.. Brooko is going to hate this paddle..and hate me. (cos I know he's ordered one)

After paddling for a while it did get better..I was able to paddle with a quicker cadence and it was very smooth through the water and no strain on the joints.

I had been watching Graeme paddle and we talked about paddles and I said swap with me and feel the difference.. He said Wow! this (Kialoa) is so light..and I thought Wow!..this (Naish) is soooooo heavy..it was like comparing a iron crow-bar and a drinking straw..Also we are talking about $200 paddle vs a $500 paddle.

But I instantly noticed Graeme paddle much smoother..His body was calm and still as he stroked and there was no wobble of the paddle and he pulled it through the water like you get when the paddle wants to over power you.

We soon swapped back because the longer he used it the wont want to swap back and I wanted to give this new paddle a real test.

After sitting at the pier having a drink I took my board for a paddle alone and put the Methane to a real test.. I pushed it hard..Real hard..and fast.. Just like I was in a race or trying to catch a wave and Wow!.. This little pissweak paddle really comes into its own.. It felt powerful.. It felt controled..and it felt fast.. I felt like I could paddle faster with it than any other paddle without worrying about pulling myself off balance.. I was starting to love it.

So when you get to try one don't be too disappointed with the first few strokes..once you get used to it I'm sure you will love it also.

Check out the size difference between the Naish blade and the new Methane..

DJ

DJ, it's great having you as a paddling buddy. We get to try out all your stuff before we make a commitment!
Looking forward to trying your new paddle at Torquay tomorrow.

What happened to the shiney new 9'6", Brooko?