New Kai Zen Paddle project launches tomorrow

[blueplanetsurf]

There are only 4 more early bird specials left ($150 off retail price) and only 3 more days left in the campaign:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/677219836/kai-zen-high-performance-stand-up-paddle-by-blue-p

[PonoBill]

Nice job, what a fine launch for a new product.

[blueplanetsurf]

Thank you for the support!
The campaign was a success and ends in 11 hours from the time I'm posting this.  The "early bird" reward was already sold out but we added 5 more paddles at the early bird reward level, last chance to get in on this sweet deal:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/677219836/kai-zen-high-performance-stand-up-paddle-by-blue-p

[Glowmaster]

I'm in for a February delivery.  There are several innovative features I am looking forward to experiencing.

Keep innovating.

ed

[blueplanetsurf]

Here is a video update on our Kai Zen Paddle project:

[PonoBill]

I know you and Lane are buddies, you might want to see what he's up to and consider some coopetition.

[Glowmaster]

Interesting word Bill.

I had to look it up.  I have a Konihi and am getting a Kai Zen, and I love to see if I can measure a difference with my puny horsepower.  I'll post results next Spring when I get them tested.

I do wonder how Robert's relations with Jim Terrrell and Lane will be as he transitions from dealer to competitor. I am not sure coopetition will be their first response.

But that is just me being nosy.

[blueplanetsurf]

Bill, yes Lane is a good friend and I have discussed our new paddle with him and am certainly open to the "coopetition".
You and Lane pioneered the hot glue system with the Ke Nalu paddles, so I have to thank you for that idea.
At our retail shop we have been selling Ke Nalu and Quickblade paddles, as well as Kialoa and several other brands alongside our own Blue Planet paddles and we intend to keep doing that.  Our goal is to match the customer with the best paddle for their needs and budget, which makes it a very individual choice.  The Kai Zen Paddle is not intended to replace the other great paddles available on the market, just another good option to choose from.

[PonoBill]

Every serious retailer is looking at building their own, you have to be lazy or silly to ignore the opportunities in private labelling. Good to see that you came up with something worth branding, the seamless ferrule approach was something I always thought made sense, both for breakdown length and for strength.

I don't know why everyone doesn't do hot glue. It requires some minor design changes and radically changes shipping costs and the cost of servicing a warranty, besides the obvious benefits for the customer.

[tautologies]

I just got my paddle. So far I am super impressed....even if I have not had it in the water yet.  I've always preferred an oval shaft, and this one really has taken grip to the next level.

The blade itself also looks super impressive, though the details of that isn't really my expertise...for me the proof will be in the pudding or the water as it were. I can report back.

[PonoBill]

Me too. Very impressive paddle. There are a few things I'd like to be different, but I'm that way about everything. I like the potetntial to use it as a super-portable three piece paddle, and the clever bag design that works either with the paddle assembled or taken apart.

I've shot some pictures, shortened and assembled mine. I'll post pics and comments later.

[harrison.withers]

It's later guys, inquiring minds want to know about the paddle....

[Fog City Rider]

Here is a video update on our Kai Zen Paddle project:

WOW really impressed.  The bag alone is a revelation!  It's rewarding to see great design from people with the experience & creativity to make it happen.

[blueplanetsurf]

It's later guys, inquiring minds want to know about the paddle....

You are right, it's been a while and it's time for an update. 
I will put together the Beta Tester feedback and some photos of the new packaging and other things we are working on and will post it shortly.  The expected ship date for the paddles is still February, so all the Kickstarter backers will get theirs soon and we will have the paddle available on our website and through our dealer network at that time.

[blueplanetsurf]

Here is the link to the update I just posted on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/677219836/kai-zen-high-performance-stand-up-paddle-by-blue-p/posts/1461282

Once again a big thank you to the Beta Testers and to all the early backers!