Best downwind paddle

[Scotty Mac]

I might need to buy a paddle soon for downwind/cruising. Any recommendations? Does anyone have the Kialoa Kole?

[Scotty Mac]

Great Dane, Sam and other,
I would value and appreciate your opinions?

[Sam Pa'e]

Aloha Scotty,

I might need to buy a paddle soon for downwind/cruising. Any recommendations? Does anyone have the Kialoa Kole?

I really don't have a special paddle I use for down winders (I use C4 paddles). This pass race I used a paddle 3" longer then my surfing paddle but didn't feel any different.

Although.......others have said that using a longer paddle works good for down wind....

Aloha.....Sam

[StandUpPaddleSurf.net]

My surf paddles are 75" up to 78" although I prefer the 75".  My downwind paddle is 83" although an inch longer may be better for me.  I'm 72" tall. 

[stoneaxe]

I definitely like a longer paddle. I love my spanker but I'd like to try the peahi again. I only used it briefly at the showcase and didn't care for it but I don't think I've paddled anything else that grabs water like it does.

[greatdane]

I've only used two paddles in my short SUP life.  A C4 and a Zaveral

http://www.zre.com/catalog/standuppaddle19ozcarbonfibercanoepaddle-p-142.html?osCsid=059de9e531e2f6059860e68607a10608

The C4 is a two piece, carbon shaft and graphit blade.  It is very flexible, which I know is better for my joints, but it drives me nuts.  It just feels less efficient than my Zaveral.  The Zaveral is all carbon with an oval shaft that is stiff!  The Zaveral is almost 4 inches longer than my C4 and 10 inches taller than me.
I think longer is better for racing/downwind, but would get in your way when surfing regular waves.
I really want to try some other paddles, maybe with smaller blades to cut down on arm fatigue on 2 hour + paddles.

[DavidJohn]

Scotty I'm just guessin' here but I'm thinking that you may even need a different paddle for racing and for  downwinding.

Downwinding you have a much higher speed and you may need a bigger blade to keep the power going.

Racing may be dead calm or even headwind..Using too big a blade may result in tiring yourself out and loosing technique.

I reckon a nice middle of the road size blade..as long a shaft as you can paddle..and something with good flex..(but not soft)

DJ

[stoneaxe]

I agree DJ. The more I play the more I think that a quiver of paddles is necessary for different purposes.

[wadadli_waterman]

I love my Werner adjustable Spanker paddle for downwiners; and surfing.

I am 5ft11 (71 inches) and use the shortest length of 78 inches in the surf on a 10ft board.  I extend the paddle 3 inches for dowwinders on the Vortice XP or F16 boards. 

My first paddle was a C4 one piece, 8.5inch but I broke the shaft in the surf.  My next paddle was the Kialoa Kole but I am of the dihedral (no wobble) school. 

I do not notice the extra couple ounces in weight at all and the swing weight feels as light as any other carbon paddle.  The fit between parts has remained nice and snug after a lot of use.  The catch and release of the blade is particulary nice regardless of being in the surf or on a downwind run.

I made my own bag for the adjustable Spanker with an inner pocket for the handle.  I remove the handle when the paddle is not in use so the overall length is a lot shorter than a one piece making it easier to transport.

I am not even considering going back to a one piece paddle.

[stoneaxe]

I'll have to look into the two piece. What is the max range they extend over? I know they have them in different lengths.

[DavidJohn]

I'll have to look into the two piece. What is the max range they extend over? I know they have them in different lengths.

This is the specs on the Spanker..I'm not sure if the new paddles will be the same.

I remember asking Werner about a paddle more than 84" (maybe a special order) and that I thought their recommended 6" over head height was wrong..imo..I wanted one 88" long.

They told me to buy a paddle from someone else.. 

It's great to see they go up to 90" now..and changed the length recomendations..I must have not been the only one.. 

DJ

Surface Area 106 sq in
 
Blade Length x Width 19.5 x 9.25 cm
 
Weight for 78in
1-piece 567g/20oz
2-piece 567g/20oz
Weight for 78"-82.5"
Adjustable Length 680g/24oz
 
Recommended Length add 8 in for surf and 10 in for touring over height
 
Available Lengths: 
1-piece 65"-85in
2-piece 65"-85in
Adjustable Length 74"-78.5", 78"-82.5", 82"-86.5", 86"-90.5"

[stoneaxe]

You weren't the only one. I'd like an adjustable longer than my one piece. Mine is 85"

[kurtr]

Yeah, seems like a lot of us SUPers are tall.  I guess they were a little slow to pick up on it.  I use and 87" myself, and it feels just right.

[DavidJohn]

Well I'm surprized about this... 

Still nothing longer than 84" in one piece or two piece.

You have to buy the adjustable to get one any longer than 84"....Sheeesh!

DJ

[river]

That's a misprint DJ.  it should say 87 inch because it is 84inch shaft and the handle adds another 3 inches and this is how they come in the uncut 1-pc version