High aspect for surf paddle

[newton333]

Who surfs hard with starboard high aspect paddle?   My favorite race paddle of all time. Looking at it seems like would be great surf paddle as well.  I use enduro right now.

[standuped]

I love high aspect paddles for surf. Tremendous acceleration.  I made one from my Kialoa Pipes by cutting it down.  I also prefer higher blade angles. Those Starboards look really nice . I couldn't find the angle, do you know what angle they are. They look less than 10 degrees.

[newton333]

I think nex yr I'll try it. I saw Zane using one at contest last yr. seems like length of blade will help acceleration and not hurt shoulders that much.

[Wetstuff]

SD,   "I also prefer higher blade angles."... Here's a copy/paste of Werner's response to why they do not recommend their Grand Prix.   I got one for flatwater ..'really like it; it's got a manly, comfortable handle and shaft with a narrow blade.  (I got the straight shaft..model.)

"Hey Jim,

Sure, I’d be happy to break it down for you. First, just to clarify our bent shaft SUP paddles are just fine to use in the surf. What we don’t recommend is using the Grand Prix be cause of the 12 degree blade offset from the shaft. We find that a 7 degree offset is much more suitable for these conditions. SUP surfers need to have a paddle they can rely on for solid bracing maneuvers and short forward strokes. With the 12 degree offset, it makes it difficult to brace in surf situations and more than likely surfers aren’t taking long forward strokes that the Grand Prix was designed for. The same applies for whitewater SUP paddling. If you’re interested in an Ultimate Performance paddle for either whitewater or surf we currently offer the Legend for whitewater and come mid November we will be offering the Rip Stick for surf. I hope this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions."
 
Thanks and happy paddling,
Michelle,  Michelle Sheffer
Customer Service – NE, NW


 
Jim

[PonoBill]

If you don't need torque in your paddle, then high aspect makes a lot of sense. Of course you have to plant it deep, all the way to the ferrule, to get the power. You can fudge a little more with low aspect because most of the blade area is in the water by the time you get to the shoulder. The biggest benefit of high aspect paddles is less wobble (less torque on the shaft from displacement of the blade side to side). They are a little less effective for bracing to the side. But it's a small difference. What I don't like about them is that you have to draw them higher on the switch. I tend to doink my board as it is. If you like them, go for it.

[Bean]

It seems like a natural progression if you are surfing a lower volume board with the deck and rails underwater. Since you will likely be using a shorter paddle overall, this will allow you to use a longer blade without doinking your deck as much.

[mrbig]

Borrowed a high aspect Werner on a Ban Pho 12'6'. Nirvana. Tried a high aspect Kialoa small race in the surf. Bought it. Mo bettah in every way! My Kialoa GL, my Kenalu with small wiki, ho'olua, are no longer being used. Less flutter, higher cadence et cetera et cetera.

I am short with short arms and a SLOW paddler.

But am very kinesthetic and when something FEELS better it is better - at least for me.
My new JP 7'6" is short and a slug, even a beast paddler I know sez so and the short - below head height 10 deg Kialoa small surf is the answer - at least for me..      

[newton333]

ya my paddle now is up to my eyes. seems as short as i can go. seems like i have more reach with high aspect.