2012 SUP Paddle Reviews

[blueplanetsurf]

The good news is that there are lots of great paddles to choose from.  There are many new models available and they are are lighter, stronger and more efficient than ever before.
I just finished the latest post on the Zen Waterman blog, with video reviews of some of the best paddles we sell at our store, including paddles from:

Native Living Custums
Ke Nalu
Kialoa
Whiskeyjack
Werner
Quickblade
Riviera
Kahuna Creations

This is not a complete list of the best paddles out there.  At Blue Planet we want to have the most complete collection of the best paddles out there, so if we are missing any brands or models, please let us know and please post your own reviews here.

Here is the post with videos and links to the manufacturers:
http://zenwaterman.blogspot.com/2012/05/2012-sup-paddle-reviews-by-robert.html

[DESUP]

I got to try a Native Living Custums paddle this week. That thing was sweet.

[Argosi]

Thanks for your great work Robert.

I'd add ZRE paddles to the list. I tried one of their paddles recently and was very impressed. I believe they make the lightest SUP paddles available: 13-14.5 ounces! Great customization options in terms of blade width and even angle.

Here's a link:
http://www.zre.com/catalog/powersurgestanduppaddlecarbonfibersuppaddle-p-142.html?osCsid=42f668b317fc42f9f98df2b21e932e24

They're not that well known in the SUP world and don't do much advertising. They do have a strong pedigree in other paddle sports, especially outrigger.

Personally, I like the bent shaft shape of the Werner, the weight of the ZRE, the narrow diameter grippy shaft of the Ke Nalu.

[blueplanetsurf]

Personally, I like the bent shaft shape of the Werner, the weight of the ZRE, the narrow diameter grippy shaft of the Ke Nalu.

That sounds like a good combination, Bill are you listening?

I have heard about how light the ZRE paddles are.  How is the blade shape?  I sent them an e-mail, we might have to add them to our selection. 

[Argosi]

If Ke Nalu would make a bent shaft paddle, I'd be all over it.

The bent shaft design takes some getting used to - you definitely won't like it the first few times out -  but once you get used to it, it's hard to go back to a straight shaft. It has clear advantages in terms of less flutter, more ergonomic wrist/hand position resulting in stronger pull, and better reach.

I love my Werner Nitro bent shaft but it's fairly heavy. The light weight, narrow diameter, and grippy surface of the Ke Nalu shaft would add a lot to the bent shaft concept.

[blueplanetsurf]

Here is a preview of what's new at Quickblade:

This is a video of Jim Terrell showing the new Quickblade paddles at Surf Expo- the new Elite Race paddle with tapered/ oval shaft felt really good. We ordered some and will hopefully have them at the shop soon. Also featuring Talia Gangini and Bailey Rossen.

Surf Expo- Quickblade 2013 preview