Having just had my first surf on a sup (see "a kook again" post) I noticed an extraordinary amount of flex in the adjustable paddle i am using, which has been fine for the flat water paddling I have been doing. It really did not feel as if it was going to last very long. I am 115kg and 5'10 so am putting a fair amount of pressure on the paddle when trying to catch a wave. Pretty sure I am going to have to upgrade but don't really know what to look for. Have tried manufacturers pages but just confusing the hell out of me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I hear you loud and clear...I had the same issue with a paddle - Naish Makani 8.0 - broke it after using it surfing. I am a light weight - 108kg 
and obviously wanted a good strong paddle that would last. I didnt like the flex at all of the Makani and could see this issue about to happen and low and behold snapped it and spearing myself in the stomach. Anyway, to cut a long story short I posted this issue:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Strong-paddle/?SearchTerms=strong,paddle
and fortunately the guys at North Freo SUP were able to replace the new handle. This is now officially the wife's paddle and I have bought the Ke Nalu with the 90 flex shaft and Maliko blade. There is limited flex in this shaft which is what I like when trying to power up onto a wave. That said I have only used this paddle about six times and so far so good. Have a look at the Ke Nalu website in au. as they currently have a sale on older stock.
Good luck.
Some flex in the paddle is a good thing, it gives you a power boost at the end of the stroke.
Adjustable paddles don't fair as well in the flex department IMO, the flex isn't as evenly distributed. For surfing I'd stick with a solid one piece shaft, cut it a bit shorter also, more better that way.
Thanks guys am looking at the kenalu with the same config as shi thouse on their website and sounds great. Bris kites has a 2014 version on sale, much difference with this and the 2015? How much shorter should I be looking at and anything special needed to cut the shafts? Learning a lot from these forums, great stuff and once again thanks to all.
Select to expand quotehbeat98 said...
Thanks guys am looking at the kenalu with the same config as shi thouse on their website and sounds great. Bris kites has a 2014 version on sale, much difference with this and the 2015? How much shorter should I be looking at and anything special needed to cut the shafts? Learning a lot from these forums, great stuff and once again thanks to all.
The only difference between the 2014 blades and the new gear is the logos.
Here's the new Ke Nalu paddle assembly vid.
Yep just placed the order and thanks for the video Deano it answers a hell of a lot of questions for me.
Select to expand quotehbeat98 said..
Thanks guys am looking at the kenalu with the same config as shi thouse on their website and sounds great. Bris kites has a 2014 version on sale, much difference with this and the 2015? How much shorter should I be looking at and anything special needed to cut the shafts? Learning a lot from these forums, great stuff and once again thanks to all.
It's different for everyone, for me my surf paddle is 4" shorter than my cruising paddle. All you need is a hacksaw, make sure the cut is good and straight so the handle sets properly on the shaft.
It will lower your center of gravity, which makes your cadence quicker for wave catching, and puts you into more of a surfing stance.
Finally arrived! Has been cut, assembled and placed on bed for safe keeping (wife relegated to lounge). Off to beach tomorrow morning and don't care what the conditions. Can't wait!
