lightweight paddle flutter/wobble

[supgrandma]

Is it normal during the power phase for the paddle to move side to side slightly? I believe that Im holding the paddle correctly and that there is nothing wrong with the paddle. It is a lightweight paddle and I have been using a very heavy paddle in the past with a bigger blade. Could it be that the heavier blade did the same thing I just did not notice. And if this is normal does it not effect your speed during the power phase? thanks for any advice


 

[stoneaxe]

Depends on the paddle. There are some that will flutter for me no matter what I do. Brand? Dihedral, flat, or other? Are the blades different? Weight shouldn't be much of a factor. At least in a normal range...you said very heavy....aluminum adjustable?

[PonoBill]

Two things cause flutter--blade design and how you hold your paddle. Try holding your paddle with just your fingertips and see what happens--upper and lower hand. If it still flutters then it's the blade design.

You'll get used to it, and it will flutter less, but generally that means you'll tighten your grip on the paddle which isn't good. You might try some other blades. I don't think anyone could get the Ke Nalu Konihi to flutter, but it's not inexpensive. the older Ke Nalu designs are also very good for limiting flutter. Quickblade paddles generally have very little flutter. Some Kialoa blades flutter a little, especially the non-dihedral power blades.

[Eagle]

Not an expert - but it seems that some paddles have a bit of flutter.  Paddle with it long enough and often the flutter will minimize or even go away.  Maybe it has something to do with an improved stroke technique or muscle memory or stroke compensation.  Not really sure.

Often paddlers will get rid of perfectly good paddles because of this reason or other perceived reasons real or not.  You know what they say - one person's garbage is another's treasure.  Patience can be a virtue - or not - if there is pain .....

The Konihi 95 is a nice blade also and does pull hard with minimal flutter.

[magentawave]

I second blade design as being the issue. I thought it would be good to have a second paddle and this guy on Craigslist was selling cheap paddles that were carbon everywhere except that the blade was regular ol polyester resin and fiberglass. They looked good but it became obvious during the first few strokes how terribly it fluttered and no changing of technique would stop the flutter. The shape/design looked to be the same as any other sup paddle so I assume the problem was because the blade being polyester flexed with each stroke because it lacked the stiffness of carbon. I only used that paddle for five minutes before going in to get my carbon paddle.