Paddle for bad shoulder

[kelvinpumba]

Any recommendations for paddle to help paddle with problem shoulder my 91 carbon v drive can cause problems on longer paddle. Are the vector net more flexible. Or other options

[tautologies]

Get the smallest blade you can find. Just increase cadence.

[Foilman]

You also have to make sure it's the right length. A paddle that's too long can also cause shoulder problems. What shoulder problems do you have? I had the problem that my infraspinatus randomly cramped up and that mostly happened when I didn't have the correct stroke and had a wobble after the catch. Could it be that you're getting tired on longer paddle sessions, your technique starts to lag and you have problems because of that? Just a thought but worth considering I think.

[burchas]

Any recommendations for paddle to help paddle with problem shoulder my 91 carbon v drive can cause problems on longer paddle. Are the vector net more flexible. Or other options

Quickblade has the Fiberglass blades V-drive 71 and Trifecta 76. At this sizes you'll feel a big difference
even with the carbon. Trifecta is a lot smoother entry so the 76 feels better than the VD 71 IMO.

It would probably be easier jus to switch the blade on your current paddle. with the Fiberglass blade
it's going to be a lot cheaper than any other option.

[Night Wing]

Looks like I'm not the only one looking to downsize my blade size in square inches because of my right and left surgically repaired shoulders.

Hope you find the smaller blade size you're looking for.

[SUPvol]

I started this thread last month and ended up ordering the Ke Nalu

https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,31510.0.html

[Night Wing]

Right now, as my first choice, I'm leaning towards a 73.6" Starboard Enduro adjustable paddle.

[Eagle]

The lowest impact paddle we have is the SB Enduro 67 in full carbon.  Ok catch and easy power phase with very low windage clean flick release.  Really good paddle for AW distances over 12 miles and upwind in 15 kts.  Zero soreness zero pain at race pace.

[TallDude]

The key for me is a very flexible shaft. I have a lot of different paddles from Werner's to QB's all different size blades and shaft lengths. My KeNalu XTuff shaft was night and day with the pain in my shoulders. Basically the distance pain went away with the XTuff. It's super flexible, but still loads up enough that I can race with it. It has a 95 sq inch blade on it. Like senior flex shafts on golf clubs.     

[spirit4earth]

This is a very helpful thread.  I have a Werner Flow 85 that I got for a steal.  I haven't even had a chance to use it yet!  My left shoulder is pretty bad, so I'll eventually go with one of the smaller blades and more flexible shafts.  For now, I can't get another paddle.

[kelvinpumba]

Thank for the reply .  Think I look at ke nalu xtuff. Just wondering which blade would be best for mainly flat water racing

[eeck62]

Check out the Mana 82 with the Xtuf shaft.

[Luc Benac]

Thank for the reply .  Think I look at ke nalu xtuff. Just wondering which blade would be best for mainly flat water racing

Mana 82 or Kohini 84 would be a good choice.

[stoneaxe]

One of the things I noticed about the Konihi is lack of shoulder pain/weariness. It's weird because the paddle doesn't slip (which is what makes a smaller face easier). I think it's because it simply doesn't flutter. Konihi (94 in my case) and the xtuf shaft is very easy on the shoulders.

[fpjeepy05]

To summarize and agree with what everyone else is saying, and maybe add my 2 cents...
1) Smaller blade
2) More flexible shaft / smaller diameter shaft.
3) Shorter paddle length
4) Don't over extend at the catch
5) Push out your chest during your catch.  Rolling your shoulders down, hunching, or dropping your head will put more pressure on your shoulder. Paddling split stance sometimes helps me keep a more upright posture.
6) Strengthen your shoulder. Scapular push-ups, scapular pull ups, interior/exterior rotator cuff rotations. (I think this is the most overlooked)