I am hesitant on which one is the right orientation for the T grip. The Kialoa paddles come with a T grip that is asymmetrical so one side is straight and the other has a curve. I am not sure if the curve should fit the palm or the fingers. Which one of the 2 options is the best? I found that fitting the fingers is more comfortable but it seems that Kialoa recommends making the curved size fit the palm as it is shown on this tutorial on how to glue it to the paddle: http://www.kialoa.com/documents/t-topSUPWEBphotoguide.pdf
Congrats on getting a Kialoa.. No other paddle will ever feel as good once you're used to it... IMHO.. 
Re. the handle.. Curve to palm and straight side to fingers is the right way.
Check this out for more info.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/SUP-paddle-cut/?SearchTerms=cutting,a,carbon,paddle
DJ
have kialoa paddle also for over a year now just changed t grip to opposite of what it was, now curved to fingers love it, had it like this for past 3 weeks both in the surf and flat paddling cant believe didnt try sooner, guess was on the "Merry Go Round" and couldnt get off
Yes, I agree, I think it has to be in the opposite direction as what the Kialoa instructions say. I think that curved to fingers is the most comfortable way. It is just a question of placing the T grip handle in your hand and feel which way feels better. To me it just feels better curved to the fingers. Is there any theory against this way? Maybe there is, but the "feel" issue seems to be important to me at least.
You can put it anyway you like.. Casso once put his backwards once (by mistake) and liked it.. so did Lummers.. I have tried it the other way (backwards) and for me it just feels wrong.. To me it's like those who have their racing bicycle handle bars upside down and back the front.. or their seat at a steep weird angle and you can suggest how it should be and they often just reply saying they like it that way (mostly because they're used to it).. I once saw a guy with his helmet on backwards.. I was embarrassed for him.. I told him.. and he said he knows and likes to wear it that way.. So.. Sometimes it's best to just say nothing..
DJ
I just tried it today on the water and it feels good. Like if the fingers can bend way more than your palm, since they can adapt more to a curved surface and then you can grab it more firmly.
The point to the curve towards your palm other than just comfort to your palm is that as your top comes down and across your body as you untwist and pull yourself towards the paddle the curved t-piece allows the palm of your hand to have a more relaxed angle to the top of the paddle and blade direction. If you are using a flat surface this twists your wrist and breaks the power of the stroke for you to keep any hold to the t-piece.
This is hard to explain and unless you are keeping your paddle vertical throughout the stroke on both planes for as long as possible probably not an issue anyway.
Just a thought to expand on the previous post, your fingers aren't actually doing anything, just briefly holding the paddle during changes.
Your palm is supporting all of the load of the paddle generated by your arms, legs and torso as you pull the shaft. It makes more sense to have the comfortable side into your palm.
Of course, whatever floats your boat is fine.
(Slightly off Topic)
CMC, how is your "Wood & Carbon" paddle going ?? Is it durable, and stiff enough, etc. Have you been using it ??
