Paddle Choices

I've hovered between 100-112kg...

I had shoulder issues with a larger blade Fanatic 80.

Now I use a Kenalu Ho'oloa on a xtuf s shaft. Has been perfect. Although i got the 84 blade... If i chose again i'd get the slightly bigger blade.

around 90" blade is better for bigger guys imo.

Flex of the fanatic was too stiff for me. maybe the bamboo shaft in other fanatics would be better...

One of the best things about the Kenalu paddles is, if you break one part, you can buy spares and replace... cheaper in the long run.

an xtuf(s) shaft with a xtuf blade is $459... pretty good for what is a high end paddle.

I've always thought, buy the best paddle you can afford, even at the expense of only being able to buy a cheaper board.

Go for this one, has reinforced edges as well if there are reefs around and I put tape around that to avoid the chips when I hit the board on occasion.

I use the ke nalu 74 ! as AgBak said quick to accelerate ! I like getting onto them early these days ! I think the price you pay for a good paddle is well worth it !

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Nugdam said..
Im around 95kg and the ke nalu 82 ho'oloa blade

+1

I am closer to 100 kg. I have been using mine for 3-4 years now and it has served me well. As Hoppo said, it is worth spending more if you possibly can because if you wreck your shoulders you'll be sorry.

I also have a 3-piece quickblade with a larger blade that I use in emergency, and you can feel the difference. I am sure I get tired/sore earlier.

Great topic to jump into, as I am currently on the search for a new paddle.
Currently have a fanatic adjustable carbon 80, which I have had for over 3 years. Love the feel of the blade, have tried a few others but never really liked the feel of them. The blade area on the fanatic says 580cm2 which is confusing as that converts to 90inch2.....I had assumed the "carbon 80" referred to the blade area?
Love all the advice on here and I am super keen on spending a bit more on a Ke Nalu paddle. I really want a similarly shaped blade to the fanatic but I am a bit worried that the Ke Nalu options don't quite match up.....especially with the fanatic being 7.25inches wide.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.....definitely want to nail this decision!

Cheers Dave, looks like a nice blade!
I was more looking at the Wiki as a surfing paddle. I am 6'2 and hover around 85-90 kegs......the 84 seems to me like a good size but I am unsure if the width of the blade will be too large compared to the fanatic I have become accustomed to?

right now, there's no need to spend $400+ unless you got the dollar.
There are paddles now that just as good or better starting from $200+ and under $300. Get shopping!

Where about are you located?
Only reason I ask is I have a Fanatic 80 which I am not using any more.
I also have a Ke Nalu with a Xtuff s shaft ( my current paddle) and a demo Jimmy Lewis Glass paddle and you are welcome to try them all back to back if you live close enough??
I am 6"1 87kgs and have the Wiki 84 blade which has tons of bottom end grunt and gets me into waves very quickly.
I am on the NSW central coast.
Thanks Rod

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thesuplife said..
Hi

For a bigger guy 100kg+ with poor shoulder strength on a 10ft board. What would be the best surf paddle to get?

I was looking at the fanatic carbon 35, sunova nalu and the jimmy lewis signature paddles. Has anyone used these or have any other advice?

I'm using the JL Signature for surfing my 8'7" Flow and 10km+ training paddles on a 14'er.
Heaps of flex, easy on the shoulders, and for around $300 they are good value.
I am thinking about getting a KeNalu Xtuf (s) shaft with the Wiki 84 blade for surfing.

Thinking of biting the bullet and going the Xtuf s with wiki 84. All good ordering online? Anybody had experience with the service?

Ive got the sunova and its like a rolls royce of paddles. I have a starboard bamboo that is fixed that i paddle on the flat that i use in the surf. ITs bamboo composite. The boothy model I am 130kg. It just feels good having flex in the bamboo. I picked up a jP quickblade for 60 percent off and its super stiff. It increases my wave speed by almost double. It was $650 paddle.