Author Topic: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?  (Read 2244 times)

highsierrabear

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Hey everyone- Dedicated reader, but mostly lurker here.

Any recommendations on paddles with smaller blades?

I am recovering from a broken scapula and broken collarbone among other injuries (deer vs bicycle @ 37mph).

I currently use a Starboard Wave Carbon for surf (their biggest blade).  I think a small blade, with less resistance might be smarter for a month or two. Hoping to use flat water SUP as therapy in more ways than one.

(Normally a big fit active guy- 6' 195lbs).

Love boutique carbon stuff, but don't need something too expensive.

Enjoy your time on the water.  It becomes more precious when you are laid up for months with 2 broken arms.

Thanks in advance.

Weinstein23

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2010, 12:10:11 PM »
I would look at the Werner Nitro. The blade is only 7.3" wide

southwesterly

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2010, 01:30:55 PM »
When I switched from a Kialoa Shaka Pu' to a smaller (and shorter) Methane, my chronic elbow pain went away.
Also, check out Dave Kalama's paddle tips in his blog.

chipmonk

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2010, 01:36:17 PM »
I've owned the Methane and the Nitro. Both are very easy on the joints, with a slight edge to the Nitro...I think because it is a lil more efficient it would end up being best for rehab. Blade shape is a lil funky, so feels unusual compared to other blades.

highsierrabear

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2010, 07:31:31 PM »
Thanks for the tips!

Looking at the Werner adjustable Nitro right now.  I think I'll buy myself one as a "present" for getting back on the water in a few weeks.

Have a brand new Starboard K15 with about 20 minutes water time on it, sitting in my backyard for months now unridden (whispering to me, mocking me).

stoneaxe

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2010, 08:18:31 PM »
You might also try the Jimmy Lewis fibreglass if you can find one...lots of flex to the shaft and very gentle on the shoulders. I used bro Bills for two weeks last time on Maui....couldn't believe the difference in how my shoulders would feel at the end of a day.
Bob

8-4 Vec, 9-0 SouthCounty, 9-8 Starboard, 10-4 Foote Triton, 10-6 C4, 12-6 Starboard, 14-0 Vec (babysitting the 18-0 Speedboard) Ke Nalu Molokai, Ke Nalu Maliko, Ke Nalu Wiki Ke Nalu Konihi

Wazza66

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2010, 01:48:07 AM »
I had a totally smashed r shoulder as a result of a motorbike vs bitumen accident. I smashed my collarbone, blew the joint socket away and broke my shoulder blade in several places.

After 2 major shoulder surgeries I am paddling a SUP still with a level of pain that is always there and limited movement.

I use a Kialoa Methane paddle as it is a bit smaller and doesn't seem to place as much pressure on my shoulder joint.

I am loving this blade as I have tried most other paddles on the market and love the Methane the best.

Good luck,

Wazza

JC50

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Re: Small paddle recs for someone recovering from shoulder injury?
« Reply #7 on: June 01, 2010, 06:23:09 AM »
If money's tight you could always grind down your current blade a bit until it's tolerable.

 


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