I am new to SUP surfing and am in the market for a KeNalu paddle to be used for surfing only. I have read and searched all the old KeNalu posts before making this inquiry. I weigh 97 kg and am 191 cm tall. I understand that the KeNalu Ho'oloa 84 is KeNalu's more surf oriented high aspect carbon blade w/ a more forgiving catch while the Mana 82 is also used for surfing and racing but has a stronger catch and the winglets are great but can be fragile. I also understand that the Ho'oloa 84 being a shorter length paddle than the Mana may be easier to execute a few quick little taps to get into position. I am planning on purchasing an Ergo T handle and x Tuf(S) shaft. I have issues w/ one shoulder, and so, preserving it is very important. The Mana 82 has been out for a while now so I thought there may be more feedback about its use in the surf versus the Ho'oloa 84. I also considered a Black Project Surge 87 in medium flex; however, there is not much information out there on the forums.
Thank you very much for your feedback.
For what it is worth, I am just a bit taller and heavier than you and I have been using the Ho'oloa 84 for 2-3 years for sup surfing and it has been a very good paddle. I also own a bigger Quick Blade paddle (3-piece, good for travel) but it is stiffer and has a bigger catch and I often get sore shoulder when I use it.
I bought the 84 ho'oloa on a xtuf shaft a few months ago and it's great. I'm 95kg and 6'2 with an elbow that gives me grief every so often. Since using this paddles I havnt had any on water issues which has been great!
I was also tossing up between the 82 mana. But a few emails to the Australian kenalu dealer and with his advice I am super stoked!
Why not look at the Wiki 84 it's not Carbon but can handle scrapes and bumps on reefs and is great for surfing, I have the Mana as well but I use that for DW runs and long distances.
Select to expand quoteDaveSandan said..
Why not look at the Wiki 84 it's not Carbon but can handle scrapes and bumps on reefs and is great for surfing, I have the Mana as well but I use that for DW runs and long distances.
The advice I received was the wiki has a really strong catch and can cause havoc if you have bad shoulders.
FWIW, I have never used the Ho'oloa but use the Mana 82 in the surf and for foiling exclusively and love it! I do have a Konihi and Maliko and have had QB, Naish, Werner and others and the Mana is by far my favorite paddle. Perfect amount of catch and the winglets help with keeping a the stroke straight. Was concerned at first that they might get in the way bracing but no issue there. I am 85kgs.
Not sure how bad your shoulders need to be to not use the Wiki as I have trouble with my elbows which act up with tendenosis so on a long 10+ km run I did get soreness. When I use the Mana 84 it is greatly reduced mainly due to the weight differential.
The Mana is full carbon and has great catch etc etc I love the paddle, however the reinforcing around the edge of the Wiki makes it perfect for Surf sup and you need great er catch so you can get onto the waves more easily. By all means get a Mana but it will not last as long as a Wiki in the soup banging boards, rocks and sand.
