need advice on a surf paddle

[Mattdog]

Hi,  my oxbow paddle blade is too big for me - 9.5 x 18 and is cupped a bit.  I find it really hard paddling out, would like faster cadence.

Could you suggest blade sizes and specific paddles, please?

Cheers

[DavidJohn]

The Kialoa Methane gets my vote.

DJ

[joemosq]

Make sure to check out the Werner Nitro and Carve.  They are both great surf paddles.  The Nitro is carbon and has a foam core blade and the Carve is the all fiberglass version.

http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/stand_up/performance_core/

Both paddles I believe are also available as a 1- piece, 2- piece, 3 - piece or adjustable.

[mikelefty]

Werner Carve is one tough paddle, I SUP surf almost always at breaks with exposed rock/reef, I have beat the snot out of the paddle blade, it still looks very smooth and clean.  The blade is tough as nails for rocky breaks,

[noworrieshawaii]

I love my Werner Carve.. bought it on the advice of a very good surfer of a much larger size.. he loved it.. for an inexpensive paddle.. it rocks...  I'm 130lbs, he's 200+..  nice narrow blade allows for higher cadence which is good for smaller boards.

[Rocker]

Kialoa Methane for me!!

[TonyGring]

I got a Kialoa Methane a couple months ago after using a Kialoa 9.5'' for almost three years.  Cause that's what I decided on when I got into the sport.  I absolutely love the Methane.  It's helped take my riding up a few notches and is SO MUCH easier on my right shoulder- which was always the one that got sore. ( I'm right handed).  For me, the oval shaft and T handle on Kialoa paddles are really  comfortable.  The smaller blade size ( 97 sq. in. ) on the Methane makes ALL the difference for me.  YMMV

[board-boy]

I've switched to Werner paddles because of the handle.  The Werner handle fits my palm better than the one on the Kialoa paddles.  This allows me to loosen my grip which puts less stress on my elbow -- I had been suffering from tennis elbow and the less forceful grip on the handle made all the difference.

I use the Werner Nitro exclusively now.

[stoneaxe]

How big are you Matt? I've tried smaller blades but only like them for downwind. The Oxbow is about the same size as my spanker. I find technique is everything for paddling out and have a much harder time getting the grab I need going over whitewater with a smaller blade. Bigger blade also helps more to check your balance on the backside of the whitewater...something I need. Best bet is to demo if possible...the "right" paddle will talk to you. Both Kialoa and Werner are great brands.

[Tom]

I'll put in another vote for the Werner Carve.

[Mattdog]

Hi,  I am 180 lb. I ride in sloppy choppy not often clean surf.   

[Neptune]

Check out....

www.neptunepaddles.com

[SUPer Dave]

KIAOLA METHANE

[Caribsurf]

Kialoa Methane came well recommended by so many I bought one and never looked back...can't go wrong with this choice

[Mattdog]

Thanks for the advice folks.  I just got my Methane yesterday. It is a thing of beauty.  The handle is a good design in that you can remove it and shorten the shaft if needed.  

I can't wait to try it ...