Choosing Your Paddle
We are going to be placing a group paddle order through Kialoa. The final cost will depend on the number of paddles ordered.
- Read through this post.
- Follow the links and watch the sizing video
- If you want a paddle, narrow it down and talk to one of us about your choice and size. We can help you make the final decision.
- Next week Hazelle will organize a list and we will collect $$.
- Turnaround time is about 10-14 days.
Paddle Choice
In a perfect scenario when you are paddling with a set crew all the time, all paddlers should have the same paddle; that’s the ideal scenario, but rarely does it happen. The future is ever-changing and uncertain so I want to recommend two different paddles that will work great for you now and in the future, whether or not you continue paddling with Rec and at Newport of if you move on to another club or even paddle 1-man. (Although paddling an OC1 or V1, you will want to get a shorter paddle, by about an inch, to accommodate the closer proximity to the water. In other words, you sit lower so you should have a shorter paddle.)
We are going to be placing a group paddle order through Kialoa. The final cost will depend on the number of paddles ordered.
I spoke with Amy at Kialoa and told her the two paddles that I was looking for you to get and here’s her feedback:
Axel II
This paddle has been around for awhile and according to Amy, there are probably more Axel II paddles around then any other Kialoa paddle. It’s a great all-around paddle and works well for both men and women (kane and wahine). It is a hybrid paddle meaning that the handle and shaft are wood and the blade is carbon fiber (the blade is actually a wood or foam core wrapped in carbon fiber.) Depending on the size it weighs a little over 1 pound - much lighter than the wood club paddles; you will definitely notice the difference!)
Available in Single bend only (Single bend is what ALL of the club paddles are.)
Retail: $279
Group order: $237.15
NOTE: There will be an additional $7.50 or so for shipping and tax.
Nehu
Amy said that this paddle was designed to replace the Axel II, but since the Axel is so beloved and popular, they decided to keep both paddles in their lineup. The Nehu is also a hybrid paddle and a little thinner than the Axel II. What this means is that it will slice into the water a little cleaner. The tip of the blade is slightly curved - Kialoa calls it “Powerbook” with the idea that it will achieve a firmer, stronger catch at the front of the stroke; Amy did say that the effect does seem to be noticeable and that in comparison, the Axel II seems to “slip” on occasion. (Keep in mind, you still need to pay attention to you technique and with the slight curve, you need to be sure to get the angle of your entry correct.) The size of the paddle face is negligibly larger than the Axel II by 3 square inches (111 inches vs 108), a wee bit wider and a little longer. Those of you concerned about the thinner nature of the blade and durability, don’t worry. We can always tape the edge to protect your blade and the canoe if necessary.
Available in double bend (DB) and single bend (SB)
Retail: $289 (DB) $279 (SB)
Group order: $245.65 (DB) $237.15 (SB)
Paea
https://kialoa.com/products/kialoa-paea-hybrid-double-bend-outrigger-paddle Recently added to the Kialoa line-up, here's what Kialoa says about it:
Battle tested by Lanikai Canoe Club during the 2017 Molokai Hoe, the Paea is designer Dave Chun's interpretation of a Tahitian V-6 paddle. Featuring a tapered PVC foam core carbon fiber epoxy blade, the Paea has virtually zero flex for a quick catch and efficient energy transfer. Paired with a triple laminated wood hybrid slim shaft, the ergonomic double bend is comfortable in the hand and easy on the body.
Compared to the Nehu, it's roughly 1/4" wider and 1/2" longer. This will give you 8 square inches more surface area (120 vs. 111 in the Nehu), with that will also come additional weight, but only 1-2 oz.
Available in double bend
Retail: $299
Group order: $254.15
Yes, there are other paddles available from Kialoa. I’ll be happy to talk with you about other paddles and even other manufacturers, but I feel that choosing between one of these two paddles is your best option at this point.
Paddle Sizing
Over the years there have been countless theories and methods for determining paddle size. A couple of the most standard are putting the paddle on the ground and measuring to your sternum; another is putting the paddle on the ground and measuring to your underarm. Both are fairly okay for ballparking for beginners or one-time paddlers, but both will generally give you a paddle length that is too long for long-term comfort and performance. As a way of reference, for me the sternum trick gives me a 50” and the underarm is a 50.5-51”. I paddle now with a 47” in OC6, a 46” in OC1/V1, and I steer with a 48” - all that being said, the old way of measuring will render a paddle length that is too long.
Looking through the Kialoa site, there is a method you can use to at least determine your starting paddle size. I tried it myself and it was pretty close - closer than the sternum method. Here’s a link to the video: https://youtu.be/qaT87HjlHSs (When I used this method on my 47” my fingertips wrapped all the way over the handle - closer to Dave’s positioning than Meg’s.) Make certain that your arm is extended, but that your shoulder is not lifted or out of alignment. The best thing is to then try a paddle that length before ordering.
Single bend (SB) vs. Double bend (DB)
This will come down to personal preference. This is from the Kialoa site: "Having more angle can, arguably, give you more reach. The double bend in the shaft can also be more ergonomic by putting your wrist in a more neutral, and comfortable, position at the catch.”
I would certainly agree that with the additional bend in shaft, your top hand is in closer to your body which means that you don’t have to have your top arm as extended with a DB as you do with a SB. I started paddling SB and now only paddle with DB. For me it’s comfort issue as well as I’d like to think performance. Your overall paddle length will be the same regardless of SB or DB. Depending upon the person you talk to, some say there are definite technique differences while other people say that you paddle the same with both. I would say that the real answer is somewhere in the middle; while in general, paddling is paddling, nuances and different techniques come into play with a DB. We can talk more about it as the season wears on.
Recommendation
Here’s the part that’s always tricky because I don’t want to recommend something and have you be unhappy. So I’ll put it this way: Were I to be in the market for a new paddle, I would get...(cue the suspenseful music and commercial break)…well, it's a toss-up at this point. A Nehu DB in a 47 or a 47" Paea which is also a double-bend. If you're on the smaller side, I'd definitely to with the Nehu - we've got lots of paddlers (of all sizes) who got them last year and they are very happy.
That’s it for now. Your new paddle awaits. I know that $250-$260 is not cheap, but this is an investment that will last for years and will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of the sport.
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