Some asshole stole my paddle off the beach - the upside is it gives an excuse to upgrade. So I got a crazy beautiful Smik 3k carbon. But now I need to commit to a length ! What are you using ? and what length is best to get up and planing ? Some some have said go really short - but its an expensive cut. Right now I have cut it 2" taller than me but it does feel long. what do you think?
Some asshole stole my paddle off the beach - the upside is it gives an excuse to upgrade. So I got a crazy beautiful Smik 3k carbon. But now I need to commit to a length ! What are you using ? and what length is best to get up and planing ? Some some have said go really short - but its an expensive cut. Right now I have cut it 2" taller than me but it does feel long. what do you think?
You height is the base for a paddle length in the surf. Just use a paddle your height for some time, and then you can decide if you want less or more length.
It's no different to my Surf Sup length I'm an inch above my head or head height , I've broken so many paddles foiling so had few goes at changing length. Shorter tends to be better let's you switch sides without moving hands can't do that with a longer paddle.
Shorter tends to be better let's you switch sides without moving hands can't do that with a longer paddle.
Please explain..
If you watch the young frother Sup riders on cut backs some don't move their hands at all , they simply lift the paddle head from side of the board to the other. Gives much faster transition in a cutty. If the paddle is say 4 inches above your head you can't lift the head over the deck without moving your hands.
Yeah thanks - but this a 1 piece carbon - I can make it shorter - but it's a 1 way trip!
I meant, go with your height.
Then, after some years, you can decide to try another longer/shorter one. But first, hone your skills with a paddle your height.
Forehead height is perfect for foiling or sup surfing....I've been using the same fibreglass Jimmy Lewis paddle for 18 months to foil & sup surf & I haven't had one breakage or problem.... My mate who i've foiled with this whole time has been using the same paddle as well with no problems... I tried my carbon race board paddles & hated them (I have a Ke Nalu & a Starboard)... Firstly because it's a few inches longer & secondly of the stiffness...
My fibreglass paddle is a Jim Terrell QuickBlade shape that he gave to Jimmy Lewis to use & it has nice flex & release... Not sure why guys break so many paddles whilst foiling...