Hey crew,
Over the last two years I've had the privilege to use a KeNalu paddle.
To be honest I haven't tried a lot of different paddle types over my three years in the sport, but I can say everybody that grabs one is super impressed with the weight.
It's funny to watch people twisting and throwing it around saying, "I can't believe how light it is", then they will put it on the ground trying to flex it out! but again impressed with the strength and stiffness v the weight.
When I'm doing a long paddle or a 20k race it's so rewarding having a super light paddle.
The other thing I'm stocked with is the Maliko paddle blade size, over the last year I've been using the Wiki, it's a little ripper and I still use it for sup surfing but loving the extra power you get from a bigger blade size.
Just did a PB at the Kawana lake last night with the Maliko paddle.(4.2k loop in 27:30 on my 12'6)
As for the paddle shape, it works!! I don't understand all the scientific bull**** that goes into it but I just love the way it feels in my hand when I'm padding it.
I would be interested to here some other paddler's feed back that have used a KeNalu.
Cheers Jonesy
Yeah I migrated from the Kialoa Pipes to the Ke Nalu Wiki a year or so ago. I have spaghetti arms so I have to use girly paddle blades. The Wiki is considerably bigger than the Pipes but there's something about it that feels so easy to use yet still provides plenty of power. It's a terrific high cadence paddle blade.
PS. Not sponsored by Ke Nalu, the mongrel who distributes them won't even give me a free vizor. 
Jonesy, I can only but agree, I went from a well known but not premium brand paddle to the Ke Nalu and just love the lightness of it, I have the mid sized Maliko and due to I think the flex in the shaft have no further shoulder issues and recommend that anyone with shoulder issues try mine for a session.
I like that you can swap and change and (thankfully) can get the Ergo T extender handle, cause being the kook that i am cut the shaft to short (
), no problems use the extender (
), which BTW if you get water in the paddle, no problem heat up get out the handle tip out the water, re-glue.......
Been thinking about getting the Wiki for surfing, and after your post, thinking Santa might bring me one 
Seriously such a top paddle
Greg
i have the maliko and i'm really happy with it. i would get another one if i broke it.
just about everyone who has tried it likes it too.
they just seem to hold cleaner for me
..... no SIC paddle geez mate 
I have two things in common with Tony Abbott, first I breath and secondly I am not a "tech head", so with that in mind the Ke Nalu paddle, well the "design by physics" is crap anyway, I go on the feel, weight and performance and the wiki ticks the boxes.
Broke a couple of other named paddles in the surf, had the Wiki for over a year, paddles fast in the surf and is still intact. I wouldn't mind the bigger blade paddle for flat water so I can keep up with all the young **heads, maybe after the car rego, power bills, rates, food etc are paid it could on the cards...
I've been using the 100 flex shaft this week and the stiffness and light weight feel is great. WindSurfnSnow have just got their Ke Nalus in so I'm going to play around with a few different combinations and see what suits me best. So far I'm impressed.
I started out with a Kialoa methane, which was my go-to paddle for a while... until I tried out the Ke Nalus. I am 183cm / 100kg, but even so, find the cadence I can achieve with my Elite Wiki (100 flex) quite incredible. I remember the first time I actually had a decent long distance paddle with it, PT Woody actually commenting on how much my cadence had improved.
The other thing I love is that the paddles are quite unforgiving; a strange comment you make think, but let me explain...
If you don't plant the paddle deep and long, or you drag it further back than you ideally should, that is if you work against the physics behind the paddle, it kind of lets you know. It makes a little whoosh sound, telling you your form is crap. So what I found was that it actually improved my technique by letting me know when I was getting lazy or shabby in form.
I have since also purchased a Maliko (the middle one) elite 100 flex, which I love for downwinders. It's harder on the shoulders, but really pulls you through the water.
Great to have a local disty and a network of stockists growing around the country.
Worth having a demo of one, they are SO light and well balanced IMHO. In comparison my Methane feels sluggish.
It will be interesting to see how they compete head-to-head with other paddles with different paddlers, when SUP VIC do their annual tests - this time we are looking at paddles. Stay tuned...
* in the interest of full disclosure... I do their website for them, but I get paid by them for the work. I was into their paddles way before I did the website.
I have a Maliko and a Wiki, both with 100 flex shafts and the extendable ergo-T. I tend to prefer the Maliko for distance runs on my 17, the big girl seems to want the extra grunt to keep her up and dieseling along. Also prefer the Maliko on DWs but wiki for most other uses. I tried the Molokai with an x-tuf shaft a couple of weeks ago - it's a beast. I'd love to try it on a decent downwinder, it launches....but I'm not sure I have the horsepower to back it up for long.
It took me a while to get the length dialled on both (partly because the hot glue/extended handle combo lets me dick around with it too much). The sweet spot for me is a good bit shorter than other paddles I've had - not sure if I understand that fully, maybe extra length takes the edge of the quick recovery. Pono Bill told me to go 2" below the wrist with the Wiki and it's the sweet spot for me. I set the Maliko shaft to the same length and that feels about right too.
Agree with Teeps, they will let you know if your form is crap, but IMO the Maliko is arguably a bit more forgiving that way.
Just to provide a bit of balance, I tend to prefer my Starby Enduro 550 in surf ...possibly because it feels more progressive to me than the Ke Nalus, which IMO tend to be a bit like an on-off switch. As a kook noob I'm usually too busy trying to keep up with everything else that's going on to be bothered much about precise paddle form.
I recently bought the wiki for surf and the Maliko for flat water and DW, after trying a mate's paddles.
I bought the xtuf blades for both as I tend to be over reef most of the time and the weight difference is minor.
-xtuf wiki, with a 90% elite shaft. I'm rapt with the feel in the surf, light and positive. I like the volume and shape of the blade, particularly in the surf, there is some floatation from the blade that helps with stability. Some other light weight paddles have a very flat blade that has less feel or feedback.
-xtuf maliko, with a 60% xtuf shaft. I find the larger blade gives good power for longer distance runs but the flexy shaft reduces shoulder fatigue.
As one of the first retailers in Oz to sell these we have had a while to gain feedback on these.
So far every owner is happy.
I've been forced to paddle without my Malico recently as it is out on demo. The main thing I notice when going back to other paddles is difficulty in getting power to the water. I know this might not make sense but I was notably slower on my paddle this morning.
Something to consider for new buyers is their "Forever" policy as outlined below. It's certainly proof of a company standing by their product even after warranties expire. They are just simply great paddles to use.
“Forever Paddle” Policy:
If your paddle is damaged by accident, improper use, or is out of warranty you can use the “Forever Paddle” form below to request special discount pricing on repair parts. You must supply both a photo of the damage and proof of purchase to qualify for the discount. If you purchased the paddle from our website, your name and approximate purchase date is sufficient. If you bought from a dealer then the dealer name and approximate date may be adequate proof. You may also check with your dealer, many of our dealers participate in our “Forever Paddle” program and can supply discounted repair parts for paddles purchased from them.
Hi Peeps,
We have been selling the Ke Nalu paddles for a few weeks now and they are really an excellent product. The beauty is you can create a perfect paddle for any user as the paddles are shipped in component form and then we assemble them as required.
I find the Wiki a little small for me personally, I like the Maliko, and am scared of the Molokai
In terms of weight, the elite level paddle is just one ounce heavier than the elite racer and magic Quick blades but is cheaper. Stiffness in the 100% carbon shaft is a little brutal and I reckon the 90% would be more suitable to most paddlers, it's VERY stiff.
The 60% and 70% stiffness X-Tuf shafts are much nicer if you have shoulder or elbow issues or if you don't have the strength to really power the paddle up. The flex seems to help on DW'ers allowing the blade to follow the shaft at a better angle due to the speed of the board. Sort of like the way a golf club follows the golfer and the shaft.
We also sell Quickblade, Fanatic, YOB and and smaller numbers of other paddles. The pure interchangeability of the Ke Nalu makes it fit nicely into our product range. It truly is a paddle that can be customized to suit ANY paddler, especially paddlers looking outside of the norm.
Stoked to have such an impressive range of paddles in store. We also have demo's of the Ke Nalu's in Wiki (90%), Maliko (100%) and Maliko (70%).
DM
hey dralyagmns will have all 3 size blades to demo at the sa sup crew beer & bbq format surf comp on sunday at uee's from 12pm
Yeah Mags wanted to be there but Sunday is race day at the yacht club
Next time... Hope it was a good day and there was a peeler or two around
Is it true these are more forgiving on the shoulders I got a bung shoulder and it has been killing me lately after longer sessions if so this paddle may help and offer some relief..?
PS how well do 2nd hand QBs sell?
N8wx said "Is it true these are more forgiving on the shoulders I got a bung shoulder and it has been killing me lately after longer sessions if so this paddle may help and offer some relief..?"
I'd recommend the smaller blade head "Wik"i or mid size "Maliko" blade with the 60% or 70% carbon shaft then, the bit of flex will be easier on your shoulders than a 100% carbon shaft.
Also consider a shorter overall paddle length, I now have dropped down in length to my height plus span of hand. Also try ensure your elbow of the top arm is not above your top hand. Hope this makes sense...
The xTuf shafts are a great option for anyone with shoulder issues as they soften the catch and are easier on the body than the Elite shafts.
They also give you a nice little twang at the end of your stroke that is great for giving you that little bit extra for getting into waves or runners on a downwinder.
hey jaggerlee, have demo's of all 3 sizes. always around the coast just pm me we can hook up. cheer's Mags
I'm still in the process of playing around with the Ke Nalus and am finding them great to paddle with. Recently I did the paddle clinic with Pete dorries and he said everyone is beginning to use shorter paddles. I'd be interested to hear what overall length paddles you guys are using for racing.
