What makes a good wave/surf paddle?

[AndiHL]

Hello,

currently I have an adjustable Sunova carbon paddle, use it for everything from touring to surfing, and I am really happy with it.
Nevertheless I'm thinking of buying a fixed paddle just for sup surfing.
And there I would be interested in your opinion what makes a good, special wave paddle for you? E.g. larger blade, stiffer shaft or vice versa?
And is there something like a reference paddle that you say this is the typical wave paddle?

Cheers
Andreas

[sflinux]

I started out making my own paddles.  The trend has been towards a smaller blade.  The trend has gone to a shorter staft.  I prefer stiff over flex.  Aluminum shafts are my least favorite (absorb the cold).  I prefer carbon (lighter) over fiberglass.  I like wood paddles.  But all things being equal, I would prefer a lighter paddle (i.e. carbon).  I think you will find a one-piece paddle more stiff than an adjustable.
A good surf paddle will have high cadence imo (which a smaller blade and shorter shaft will provide).

[Dusk Patrol]

Some (me included) like a Tahitian style T handle on a surf handle, for control.
Surf specific paddles can be straighter, with less of a blade angle, so you can use both sides. Check the Werner (Rip Stick) and Kialoa (GL Surf II)  web sites for how they describe their surf paddles.

[AndiHL]

thank you for your input!

Anyone an idea where to get the Kialoa GL Surf II in Europe?

[Dusk Patrol]

Kialoa doesn't have a European distributor that I know of. It's partnered up with Werner lately, so you might just email them and ask.

But I wouldn't invest too much importance on getting something marketed as a surf specific paddle if access to one is challenging.

Consider getting a nice, light weight, well constructed one-piece paddle that is available in your market.  The consensus is a smaller blade size (80-85 sq inches for me), and shorter in length to account for being in a lower stance when paddling. You're lucky to have an adjustable paddle already so you can dial in the length that works best for you when surfing.   Flexible to normal stiffness just for general reasons of being good to your body. I like the Rip Stick because the blade design is super grabby for the relatively small blade. Giving me some purchase as I dig. (Check out the Quickblade V-drive blade for a similar approach. Not suggesting the V-drive as a surf paddle, just to see the blade design.) A non-grabby blade could go a little bigger. 

Depending on how much effort you want to put into this project, you could order a T-handle if your paddle of choice doesn't have one. Just make sure the diameter matches. But again, a hybrid T (like Werner) is fine. not critical.   

You could also apply some RSPro paddle grip tape.  Some paddles are slipperier than others , and this is a quality product that takes care of that issue. And is from the EU.

https://www.rspro.org/products/paddle-grip-rspro-hexa   

[zacksc]

My opinion: get a KeNalu Mana. Best paddle for surf...