Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists => Topic started by: ForeverBlue232 on October 28, 2015, 06:53:35 AM

Title: Paddle question
Post by: ForeverBlue232 on October 28, 2015, 06:53:35 AM
I'm brand new to SUP, and have only been on a board twice.  Once was a beginner lesson at Folly Beach, SC and once on a local (IN) reservoir on the board (11' Liquid Shredder soft board) I bought.  I just bought a cheap paddle (Airhead metal shaft and fiberglass blade) when I got my board.  I plan on buying a more expensive board before or by springtime, and I want a good paddle to go with it.  I'm wanting an all carbon paddle.  I really love the look of the RealTree patterned Axe Paddle sold by Bote.  But in beginning to read this forum now that I just joined up, it seems the only words I've seen on here have not been favorable on their paddles.  I don't want to spend $250 for a paddle that isn't that good.  Is there anyone on here that can give a positive review of their paddles?  Or... is there another brand that puts out a paddle done in RealTree, Mossy Oak, or similar realistic camo pattern?  I just love the look.  In general, should I avoid any brand that sells an all carbon paddle under $200?  Will all of those be crap?  Until I saw the Axe RealTree, I was thinking of getting a Rave Sports all carbon paddle for about $168.  Considering I paid $68 for the paddle I currently have, I would think anything carbon would be better? 
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: PonoBill on October 28, 2015, 08:26:27 AM
Any paddle will work. the lifeguards at Kanaha in Maui use paddles whacked together from broken windsurf masts and plastic blades. But if you want to get an efficient stroke, and you think SUP is going to be a big piece of your recreation, then get the best you can afford. There's a million paddle threads on the zone, just search through some.

I have no idea about the bote paddles, I wouldn't buy a paddle based on a paint job, since carbon paddles they shouldn't be painted to begin with (paint adds weight).
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: Tom on October 28, 2015, 09:17:25 AM
 When you get a good SUP board, you'll progress or maybe go in a different direction and continue to buy and sell your boards. If you get a good paddle, you'll keep it for a long time.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: PonoBill on October 28, 2015, 12:11:51 PM
Tom was the first ever Ke Nalu customer. I have a vivid memory of cutting the shaft to length and putting the paddle together for him at one of the picnic areas at Doheny because there was power to run my heat gun. It was at either the second or third Battle of the Paddle.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: burchas on October 29, 2015, 08:24:51 PM
I would think anything carbon would be better? 

Take your time before you pull the trigger. If it says it's all carbon that doesn't necessarily means it's
all good.

Do you know what kind of paddling you gravitate towards (long distance, surf, sprint)
which kind of water you're going to spend most of the time (ocean, flat water, river).

Keep paddling and see what's growing on you. You'll find tons of info here in the forum and you'll see certain brands keep coming up over and over. Try to test some of these brands as much as you can over time and keep coming back to answer  questions that came up. I know I found here all the answers I was looking for.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: ForeverBlue232 on November 14, 2015, 06:11:01 AM
I'll probably mostly do flat water/river.  More cruising/touring than anything else.  I kind of more like the casual laid back vibe more than trying to be extreme or fast.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: SUPflorida on November 14, 2015, 07:24:31 AM
One thing that drove me to Ke Nalu was the interchangeability of parts. Everything is fastened together with hot glue. The whole line of Ke Nalu Paddles allow complete interchangeability of parts. It allows you to constantly evolve as your skill improves. Unlike many other paddles, they will not hold you back or pigeon hole you into mediocrity. It probably isn't apparent right now, but this ability to mix/match/replace/upgrade any of their parts is priceless.

Interchangeable handles, shafts, blades. You break a shaft (highly unlikely) you can replace only the shaft...cut a shaft a bit too short...there's the extended handle with the rigidity and security of a fixed shaft while still allowing as much adjustment as most people will ever need  (via a heat gun or blower dryer). Something very important as you explore what length paddle works best for your style and change boards.

If/when a new improved blade is developed....you can buy just a new blade and have the latest and greatest for a lot less than buying a entirely new paddle. They are ridiculously light and strong.

About the only thing you could do wrong choosing a Ke Nalu is pick the wrong size blade....You don't say how big you are, but I would caution you against going too large in blade size.  Try different sizes before you buy...this is one place bigger is not always better, and some really big guys prefer some (relatively speaking) small blade sizes for maximum speed/efficiency.

I pay retail for my paddles...well sort of...order from JimK here on the SUP Zone....he give all us Zoner's a sweet discount and great customer service.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: PonoBill on November 14, 2015, 07:43:30 AM
It was the smartest thing we did when we started Ke Nalu, and I'm still surprised that no one has really copied it. You can buy the cheapest Ke Nalu with a bulletproof plastic blade and upgrade later to any other blade. Most people with Ke Nalus wind up with several paddles and extra parts that they switch in. While I'm no longer associated with the company it's the only paddle I use, because I can put a paddle together that suits conditions, the board I'm on, and how my dodgy shoulders are doing. Completely interchangeable, from the earliest design to the latest.
Title: Re: Paddle question
Post by: TEX_SUP on November 14, 2015, 10:14:25 AM
Ke Nalu xTuf with extended handle.  Lots of adjustability with hot glue.  Choose the blade based on your size and use case.
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