Werner Nitro vs. Kialoa GL Surf II vs. KeNalu

[APPST_Paddle]

I'm mostly doing SUS, and I started with a Werner Carve, good paddle, but once I tried a carbon paddle I moved to it. I had a no-name Carbon paddle which I really liked, 78" length (I'm 6'0") and then I left it on the beach one day and it was gone.......

So, I'm in the market for a new carbon paddle and would like to keep it around $300 or so. I demo'ed a Kialoa carbon paddle (not sure which one) and broke the paddle just paddling for a wave, I've broken a shaft on an adjustable paddle previously as well. I think these were both equipment failures, not my sheer strength, but I definitely want something that is durable.

Any suggestions?

[Fog City Rider]

My first paddle was a ke nalu xtuf(s) maliko w/ the extended ergo handle, and it's still my favorite for surfing.  Easy to make minor length adjustments, and the flex in the shaft is nice on the joints compared to something super stiff.

[anonsurfer]

I use a Werner Nitro Small for surfing and like it a lot.

[stoneaxe]

I haven't tried anything else in a long time so can't really offer comparison but I can't really see much room for improvement for me. I like the feedback and stiffness for bracing that 100%  shafts give and I use either a Molokai or Maliko. If my shoulders are bothering me I switch to an xtuFs. Any chance at further demos...only way to be sure. Paddles may be more personal than boards.

[1tuberider]

I picked up a Laird for 300. It works.

[APPST_Paddle]

I picked up a KeNalu Ho'oloa 84 and I've got to say so far I'm not that impressed. It's extremely light, but it doesn't have the power that my older paddle had, I think I may have went too small on the paddle size. I go for more long power strokes when catching a wave, not a lot of short, quick movements. I'm afraid this paddle is not the best choice for me. It's only been two sessions, any suggestions?

That and I'm 6'0" and I cut it to 77" which may be a bit short for me.

[furia]

I have been very happy surfing with a Werner Nitro-S for the last year. Previous to that I used a Kialoa Pipes (also a good paddle). 

7'4" x 28.5" SimSUP ST
8'0 x 30 Skip Smith round pin
Werner Nitro-S 72"

[capobeachboy]

Where ya at?  I got a Ho'oloa 95 and if you close by we can swap blades.  I'm in Capo Beach.

[andygere]

I think the Nitro is tough to beat for performance and durability.  My go-to surf paddle for the last 4-5 years is a Nitro that I bought used from a forum member.  I later added a bent shaft Nitro for my distance/race board, and just recently purchased a new 3 piece Nitro for travel.  Quality of all three is top notch, and I love the way the blade performs in the water.  Werner shafts seem to be a bit stronger than some others that I've used, and the new Nitros have a carbon fiber grip which is a nice improvement over the durable-but-not-sexy molded ones on the older models. I also like the larger oval shaft shape of the Nitro compared to the thinner feeling shafts on the Kialoas that I've tried.

[LM]

I picked up a KeNalu Ho'oloa 84 and I've got to say so far I'm not that impressed. It's extremely light, but it doesn't have the power that my older paddle had, I think I may have went too small on the paddle size. I go for more long power strokes when catching a wave, not a lot of short, quick movements. I'm afraid this paddle is not the best choice for me. It's only been two sessions, any suggestions?

That and I'm 6'0" and I cut it to 77" which may be a bit short for me.

From your description of how you like to paddle for a wave I can say that yes, you would be happier with the 95 since the 84 supports a faster cadence...Since we can't take used paddles back, but you're paddle is fairly new, I could sell you a replacement for the price you sell your 84 for (as long as it's within reason). Since your shaft has been "personalized" already you might consider just selling the blade & then we can get you just the 95 blade...easy. I'm sure you'd be happier with this size. You can PM me here or email me at lane.mead@kenalu.com & we'll do our best to make you happy. By the way, you'll also get an extra inch of length from the 95 if you think you're too short now...I like my surf paddles just a couple inches overhead but it's all personal preference. We also have the Extended Ergo-T if you think you need it.

[LM]

Where ya at?  I got a Ho'oloa 95 and if you close by we can swap blades.  I'm in Capo Beach.

...I guess I should read ahead looks like you guys could help each other out with the swapping. Let me know if there's any way I can help.

[APPST_Paddle]

Yeah JimK is sorting me out. great customer service from him. The extra inch of length is definitely needed, I had a 78" before, and I cut this around 76.5", so that extra inch should be perfect.

Thanks again for the posts.

[APPST_Paddle]

Update - JimK is the man, the larger paddle works a lot better for me. Obviously it's just a personal preference, but the larger size helps me initiate paddling for a wave when I'm turning the board around to get going. It worked great in the surf this morning, really easy to get into a good cadence with.

[JimK]

Glad we got you the blade (size) you like and its working for you
That is what it is all about ... thanks for the props too

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com