Paddle blade size?

[Brian]

Does anyone know the pros and cons of blade size in regards to racing and downwinding?

[DavidJohn]

I can only speak for myself but I have the Kialoa Nalu (Lg) and the Shaka Pu'u (Med) and the Methane (Sm).

I like to use the Nalu when paddling slow and just cruising around but if I need to paddle hard or into a head wind it's just too big (for me) and the paddle that I use the most is the Shaka Pu'u.. Even it can feel too big at times.

I find that if I'm doing a 1-1 1/2 hr down-winder it's fine but any longer I need to use the Methane because I get too tired pulling the Shaka through the water.. btw I'm 6'4" and about 200lbs.

I also find that with the bigger blades I often pull myself off balance paddling hard for a runner and then I miss it because I need to re balance myself to stop myself falling.. I hate that.. 

I think racing is much the same as down-winders.. I think it depends on how long/how far as to what blade size is best... I'm thinking smaller blades are better.

DJ

[Brian]

Thanks for the info. For racing do you think smaller is faster?

[DavidJohn]

Thanks for the info. For racing do you think smaller is faster?

IMO small blade is faster.

DJ

[Brian]

Any theories on why a smaller blade is faster.  I am currently using a qb 9".  Again thanks for all the information.

[colas]

I am really not an expert paddler, but for surfing, I found out that you can paddle much faster, especially with the tahitian paddling movement, where basically your paddle runs vertical circles like a locomotive rod, a wide paddle blade will stop when hitting the water and break the circular momentum you are able to build with a narrow blade.

This is especially important for me on a 8'11", as this boards stops very fast after a paddle stroke - especially for my 220lbs. If I paddle fast enough I am able to keep it "on top of water" and not have to re-launch it on each stroke. I guess if you have enough paddling muscle you can manage a wider blade, though.

[Lobes]

Smaller blade is faster because it encounters less resistance when taking a stroke due to having less surface area in contact with the water

[SUPer Dave]

Brian... smaller blades are much faster going downhill....
Bigger blades slower going uphill..

[DavidJohn]

Brian... smaller blades are much faster going downhill....
Bigger blades slower going uphill..

I agree.. well sort of.. It is very much like gears on a bike.. 

The question is like asking what is better.. The big front chain ring.. or the small front chain ring.. on a bicycle.

Some would say the big ring is faster and maybe it is but it will be very hard (and slow) to get going from the start and when you come to a hill it will be harder (and slower).. btw a hill is like a headwind.. 

..and at the end you will be more tired (and slower) if you use the big chain ring.. 

DJ

[SUPer Dave]

DJ...i have no idea what my comment should of meant..i was just bustin Brians balls a lil..  Opps..

[1tuberider]

If your talking racing
It is the biggest muscles pulling the biggest blade.  The motor is most important. A big motor might get acceleration out of the smaller blades but it tops out sooner than the bigger blade.

I don't like the smaller blades.  Not enough power. I am using around 9.5 for surfing.  I have a 10.5 also that I'll use to workout.  I also like the longer shafts.  

It is a personal thing and you need to figure out what works best for you.

[Brian]

Thank you guys for all of yhour input. I really appreciate it.  I think I am going to buy a smaller blade.