I'm out for the count with a back injury. Paddled for about 150 metres to my wave break then bam! Left lower back pain just above the hip buttock region. I put it to lengthy foilboarding sessions, paddling hard in surf stance. Every left stroke was painful! Perserveered for about an hour before calling it quits with the help of getting smashed by a wave. Haaa 
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Both my paddles are just head height total length which causes plenty of rail dings by the paddle blade too.
So looking for a good paddle around the $300. mark. That I will have about 6 inches longer than head height. And maybe a bit more back friendly. But not sure what brand or type for me being around 5 ft 10 tall, 80kg weight.
Any recommendations?
I know it's a little more than you have asked, but I can't fault my Ke Nalu Ho'oloa paddle.
They make a xtuf Wiki 84 that is cheaper... but still just as good. The Xtuf(s) shaft is perfect for surf. It has a non slip texture to it that works brilliantly and flexes just enough to not hurt your shoulders.
Another great thing about Ke Nalu is if you break a shaft or blade, you can replace that part only... Not many others offer this.
Thanks guys, much appreciated. I was shown & told about the Ke Nalu paddles by some friends of mine about 2 years ago. I think they were a different colour etc then. They were happy with them.
I am currently using one that I snapped & repaired. Bad design. And shorter now.
My other one is a Waterborn & shorter now too. But love the oval & ribbed shaft as its sits square every time you grab it close to the blade when on your knees. And never slips.
So what size blade? I think 84?
What shaft? I think Xtuf?
And what handle!? Haa! I think Ergo will do.
So many confusing choices. Lol! Haa! Modern day technology!
Just one more thing to ponder, I'm roughly 78 kg, and I recently switched to a smaller diameter shaft/smaller blade (Rip Stick 79) from a 89 sq in blade. The one thing I've found is the smaller diameter shaft makes it so that I don't death grip it when barring down for a wave.
The smaller blade naturally gives a higher cadence, and basically it's like shifting gears. The only thing I'd change now is a bit more flex in the shaft. KeNalu are great paddles, but evaluate all of the aspects of the paddle. Shaft diameter made a bigger difference than I thought.
Thanks adamj2281. I was thinking the same regarding blade size. Even though I can handle pulling a large blade through the water using arms & shoulders. Its my body that braces the initial pull of the paddle which has the most resistance. Doing this for my 3 hour surfing sessions at my age of 59 may be taking its toll.
So I thought a smaller blade will give less initial resistance & will give a less row effect due to finishing the stroke quicker to change sides. A bit like taking off in a lower gear.
I have also found the quicker the paddling helps me to catch waves easier. That is I sometimes don't dig my paddle too deep & keep the strokes short just as the wave pushes my board.
Just think. Do a standing start in 2nd or 3rd gear in a car & it takes off slow. And over time something will fatigue or break prematurely.
Same for surf paddling. You need that quick take off. But in racing you may need that big blade because the resistance is less with more momentum.
I'm getting a headache!
Will look into the rip stick. Thanks.
Select to expand quoteHoppo3228 said..
I've got a rip stick also... much prefer the ho'oloa
Ha, yeah so this kinda underscores how personal preference is on a paddle. I have a Ho'oloa, although it's massive for me now (95 sq in blade), and I have no desire to try and surf with it. I do use it now with an extended handle for flat water. I'm sure a smaller Ho'oloa would work nicely.
I've tried the following (either brief demo or owned):
-KeNalu Ho'oloa (95 sq in) - still have as stated above
-Hippostick Al Pro (89 sq in) - sold after I got the Rip Stick
-Werner Rip Stick (79 sq in - small fit shaft) - current surf paddle
-QB Trifecta 77 I believe, I tried it in CR for a few minutes, too long for me but I liked the feel of it
-27N Kevlar Surf Paddle - Quick demo, liked it, but definitely heavier than the rest
-Kialoa Pipes (not sure blade size) - didn't like
Narrow shaft carbon. Flex is a must for your back. I use a fix length sealed 85% carbon Naish. Strong light and springy - 300 dollars.
