Newbie paddle question

[whiff]

New to forum and SUP.  Have a question for all the experts on here:  Looking to buy my first paddle and I have it narrowed down to the Hippo Stick Al Pro, Quickblade Kanaha All Carbon, Werner Nitro, or Riveria Bump.  As you can see not that narrowed down.  I will be using it mostly flatwater as I am trapped in Arizona for work for a bit, but I do get back home to California as much as possible and the board will probably come with me.  I'm 5'9" and 160 pretty strong/fit (for a girl  ).  Any suggestions?

[Josie18181]

I love my Fanatic Carbon 40 paddle. I use is for long distance sea paddling and it's never let me down.

I looked into many paddles before purchasing this one (my partner is a very keen kayaker and swears by Werner) and this one has worked very well for me. I choose the adjustable version.

Not only is it (in my opinion) a sturdy and very light paddle, with the bamboo base it also looks suburb.

[PonoBill]

You have two mainstream and two unusual choices for your first paddle. I'd say stick with the mainstream as your first--mostly because I have no experience with Hippostick or Riviera paddles.  You might find that odd advice from one of the guys that started Ke Nalu , but I had (and mostly still have) a quickblade Kanaha, a Werner, a Malama (wood), a Kialoa and a Pohaku before I had a Ke Nalu. The Werner, Quickblade and Kialoa were all fine paddles, and the Malama is a piece of art that hangs on the wall at Ponohouse.

Of course you should look at a Ke Nalu Konihi as well, just to see what the new, new is. You might fall in love.

[JimK]

I second PONO on KeNalu
As far as the other paddles I'd eliminate the Riviera
Let me know If I can help
JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

[whiff]

Thanks all for the replies.  Looks like I have one more brand to look at, but one out so kinda getting to a decision.  Growing up in Costa Mesa I do like the idea of supporting a local company.