review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle

[swordfish1227]

My son took all of my Ke Nalu paddles to Coronado for the weekend... Even the paddle that said
DON'T TOUCH THIS PADDLE on a sign above the paddle. I decided to cut him a break and not make him get up at 4 to meet me for my surf. Kneecap lent me an old Kanaha. Wow!  That was a really tough session. Using an entirely different paddle... On a small volume SUP, let's just say that there wasn't a ton of confidence.   Fun little waves. I missed
My Ke Nalu something vicious. Still trying to work out an appropriate punishment for Jr.  So far, I am stuck on "grounded for life."

I say you get him an aluminum and plastic paddle and make him use that until he can pay for his own KeNalu

[Ucycle]

I say you get him an aluminum and plastic paddle and make him use that until he can pay for his own KeNalu

Now that is child abuse, we would have to call police on that.

[jdmotes]

 Relax Strand... I've raised three of them buggers. Castration always worked pretty good for me  ....   Paddle on;  JD

[Beasho]

People have been complaining that Pono's an ass, I think they meant that KeNalu Kicks Bass

[PonoBill]

I confused some folks and created some grief for our dealers by adding the option of choosing xTuf shafts for the elite paddles--it made the price on the website read "from $335" which is what an elite blade with an xTuf shaft costs, but having that combination as an Elite Paddle doesn't really make sense since it's already covered as "downwinder" paddles and you can choose anything you want with the custom paddle option. I was just being clever--sorry for the confusion.

[stoneaxe]

Nice fish Beasho...I saw a huge school of pretty big stripers yesterday tearing up a bait ball. I need to at least start bringing a hand line all the time on my distance paddles.

Geez...will you stop screwing with the site....

[Beasho]

People have been complaining that Pono's an ass, I think they meant that KeNalu Kicks Bass

Just kidding of course, I realize this is a review site and Pono's products and service and even his demeanor are top knotch.  And, the paddle works well for fishing because it is . . .  light and stealthy.

[PonoBill]

No reason for delicacy. I firmly believe that if you live your life honestly at least half the people you meet will think you're a jerk and half will think you're great. If more than half think you're great you're a fake or a politician (redundant).  For many years my stated goal for leaving parties was to have someone ask "who WAS that asshole". I've mellowed a bit

[swordfish1227]

Wow. That paddle feels so much different than my old one(BW carbon/wood). Noticeably lighter and a much more precise feeling instrument. It's like switching between an M4 and an AK. Both do the job, one is just much less refined. Definitely feel like I was getting the same results out of less effort. Need to cut another inch or so off it, but I'll get it tuned in in a couple days.

Also the stacking effect of the Xtuf shafts that Bill mentioned - its not a joke. You get a tiny bit of flex at the beginning of the stroke, then the paddle stiffens up, and then you get a little flick as you go to pull it out at the end. Very cool feeling and feels very good.

Only thing that was a little strange was the size of the handle. I got the ergo, and it's about half the width of the handle on my BW paddle(that's what it feels like anyways). But its definitely not uncomfortable or anything


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[Strand Leper]

Thanks for the punishment suggestions folks. As jr had my favorite 20 year old black cap toe oxfords recrafted, and paid for it himself (a pretty penny) ... I cut him some slack.  But if he touches my paddle again without asking, it's gonna get ugly!

[Fog City Rider]

Apologies if this question has already been addressed, but...

any word on the Kenalu adjustable?  what will be the maximum length?

I am in the market for my 1st paddle - new to the sport, will be touring & surfing, and I'm a little overwhelmed with all the info on correct paddle length out there.  I think it might be easier to start with an adjustable so I can try different lengths before one day investing in the ultimate, perfectly customized  one-piece... 

Also I'm tall with long arms (6'2"), would need something that gets up there in length (maybe to around 88-90)

Thanks!  Oh yea - any recommendations on other brands that make a good adjustable, possibly (but not necessarily) at a price point?

/mitch

[swordfish1227]

Just get a Kenalu with the extended Ergo T handle.  The hot glue adjustment makes it no problem to change the length.


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[kayadogg]

Any user feedback on the xTuf-S?  Curious to hear feedback from anyone that has grabbed one already and has spent some time with it.

[swordfish1227]

Any user feedback on the xTuf-S?  Curious to hear feedback from anyone that has grabbed one already and has spent some time with it.

I got an xTuf-S. You can definitely feel the initial flex and the unload right at the end, but it's not so much that it like a wet noodle. It is right about where you want it IMO. I think there might be times where I want an Elite 100, but I think as an all around paddle the xTuf-S is it.

[jdmotes]

 Surfed with the xTuf-S all day yesterday... My other xTuf (regular) is hot-glued to a Wiki blade but the xTuf-S is currently glued to a Maliko. I'm kinda leaning toward the Maliko blade size as best for me as I like the blend of power and cadence it gives me. The xTuf-S shaft is sure stiffer than the regular xTuf which has a ton of flex. Just can't decide, at this point, which I like better. Gotta get more time on it!...       Paddle on; JD