With all the threads on DW board design, no one seems to talk about paddles 
So here we go... what would be a good paddle to get going for a DW with just a few strokes for the ones who are older ? 
The quickblades look nice but they are ridiculously expensive 
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The QB ono Ava is awesome. I don't personally have one but I used Jeremy's when I was I. Maui. Definitely made a difference. Here I use the blackfish range.
Kialoa Hulu Sm.. (if you can get one).. Naish, Fanatic and Starboard (along with other brands) make great paddles now.. You can't go wrong with QuickBlade..
I prefer a smaller blade for a fast cadence and a stiffer shaft so you don't loose power as you accelerate to catch a runner.. and cut to just below your watch band on your wrist with your arm straight up..
Paddles are a personal thing with no right or wrong answers but if you can try before you buy..
I use a smaller blade for regular sup usually around 82-84 sq in but for foiling dw I have just ordered a KeNalu Molokai that is 105 sq inch.
I tried one years ago on a normal sup and although it was great it was too hard on the shoulders in long endurance races, so I sold it.
I think for foiling where you (ideally) only do a handful of strokes to get up it should be ok; I'll find out soon.
Select to expand quotetightlines said..
I use a smaller blade for regular sup usually around 82-84 sq in but for foiling dw I have just ordered a KeNalu Molokai that is 105 sq inch.
I tried one years ago on a normal sup and although it was great it was too hard on the shoulders in long endurance races, so I sold it.
I think for foiling where you (ideally) only do a handful of strokes to get up it should be ok; I'll find out soon.
Super interesting. Please let us know how it goes and share some pics 
After snapping multiple paddles, I bought a QB in 2008. I still have it along with 2 more QB's. They are excellent paddles.
I would love a Quickblade Ona Ava, I'm sure they would be great for foil paddle ups but I'm not prepared to pay the money they want for one. 
Select to expand quotetightlines said..
I would love a Quickblade Ona Ava, I'm sure they would be great for foil paddle ups but I'm not prepared to pay the money they want for one.
The question should be why is the outrigger $485 and the SUP one $960??
www.paddleshop.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-115/
www.surffx.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-sup-paddle
Select to expand quotehilly said..tightlines said..
I would love a Quickblade Ona Ava, I'm sure they would be great for foil paddle ups but I'm not prepared to pay the money they want for one.
The question should be why is the outrigger $485 and the SUP one $960??
www.paddleshop.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-115/
www.surffx.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-sup-paddle
Haha $960, QB are great paddles but thats taking the piss a little!! You can buy 2 of our ONE paddles www.oneoceansportsaustralia.com/paddle-shop/carbon-paddle-elite for the same price and have enough left over for a carton of beer.
On the topic of paddles for DW foiling the paddle in the link above is what i use and its great, heaps of power for its size and super light. Seems to get me up every time I try so cant be to bad.
Select to expand quotepaul.j said..Seems to get me up every time I try
It must be good
Select to expand quotehilly said..tightlines said..
I would love a Quickblade Ona Ava, I'm sure they would be great for foil paddle ups but I'm not prepared to pay the money they want for one.
The question should be why is the outrigger $485 and the SUP one $960??
www.paddleshop.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-115/
www.surffx.com.au/products/quickblade-ono-ava-sup-paddle
The $485 is with the wood shaft 
You can get the SUP one with wood around the same price on that website.
Select to expand quoteAlysum said..The $485 is with the wood shaft You can get the SUP one with wood around the same price on that website.
Better eyes than me I only saw up to 50" paddle handle length. Too short for SUP.
Some other paddles I am keen to hear about for DW:
VMG Orca 82: vmgblades.com/product/orca/
SIC Maliko 90: sicmaui.com/us_sic_en/stand-up-paddle/paddle-by-model/maliko-90-105427
Paddle width is key for foiling. More width means more of your energy is converted to thrust, especially at the high angles of attack in a sprint.
Look for blades around, ideally at least 20cm wide.
blades that aren't mentioned here that could be great are the "QB Stinger" and "Braca UNI SuperFat"
I like the shape of that ONE paddle, what are the dimensions?
The new Starboard Lima XXL could be a good option for DW foilers. Surf FX has in stock I think.high end construction & pricing at $699AUD.
I've got two QB paddles that I picked up secondhand for bargain prices. I have UV91 and Trifecta 86. They are smaller blades but paddle me up fine. Best paddles I've used to date in 12+ years paddling.
Select to expand quoteFoilAddict said..
Paddle width is key for foiling. More width means more of your energy is converted to thrust, especially at the high angles of attack in a sprint.
Interesting, might try my old QBs then.
Select to expand quoteAlysum said..
With all the threads on DW board design, no one seems to talk about paddles
So here we go... what would be a good paddle to get going for a DW with just a few strokes for the ones who are older ?
The quickblades look nice but they are ridiculously expensive .
I broke a few paddles in the last two years; all in the middle of the shaft.
-Redwoodpaddle. In 1 month.
- QB V-drive 101. In 2 months.
- Starboard Lima XL, top of the line. in 1 month. I would say that was the weakest of all.
No warranty response in any of the cases.
If I order a new one, I would go for an adjustable shaft or just an easy exchangeable blade.
What about the surfboard warehouse carbon paddles?8.2" (20cm) paddle blade - Atlantis Elixir Carbon Fixed Paddle $199 AUD
Select to expand quoteANfoiler said..
What about the surfboard warehouse carbon paddles?8.2" (20cm) paddle blade - Atlantis Elixir Carbon Fixed Paddle $199 AUD
I grabbed one for $100 on a sale. My only complaint would be tiny bit too much flex in the shaft. It gets me up on foil though.
Select to expand quoteGustenzo said..ANfoiler said..
What about the surfboard warehouse carbon paddles?8.2" (20cm) paddle blade - Atlantis Elixir Carbon Fixed Paddle $199 AUD
I grabbed one for $100 on a sale. My only complaint would be tiny bit too much flex in the shaft. It gets me up on foil though.
That's so cheap!
Any way to stiffen the shaft or not worth it - buy a better quality one?
Select to expand quoteANfoiler said..Gustenzo said..ANfoiler said..
What about the surfboard warehouse carbon paddles?8.2" (20cm) paddle blade - Atlantis Elixir Carbon Fixed Paddle $199 AUD
I grabbed one for $100 on a sale. My only complaint would be tiny bit too much flex in the shaft. It gets me up on foil though.
That's so cheap!
Any way to stiffen the shaft or not worth it - buy a better quality one?
Try rubbing it
Just wondering if anyone has used any Naish paddles previously? mine is a few years old or more and it is carbon & kevlar with an ergo T handle & small diameter shaft & it is really strong but a bit flexable (oh and I like to rub it occasionally?:-)
Ke Nalu with a Wiki blade is more of a Hawaiian style surf blade not a race paddle blade.
race blade designed for high cadence
surf blade designed to pull more water and get you going sooner
