The sport has been crying out for this for some time - a decent entry level adjustable paddle that the whole family can use. So when Bevan from BIC/OXBOW dropped of the new BIC adjustable paddle I was keen to take it for a stroke .



Fully adjustable aluminum paddle
67” to 82” suits 5' to 6’2” paddler height.
Polycarbonate blade 23 x 40cm
Weight – approx 1.5kg

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My paddle is a KIALOA Shakka Pu'u so this was never going to impress immediately.
It definitely has a 'utilitarian' look and feel, but hey it is not designed for quick whippy strokes as you spin the board to paddle into an on-coming bomb (dreaming)!

It is designed as an entry level paddle that the whole family can use.

It is a solid paddle that carries some weight. This weight is in both the Blade which is a 'solid number' - polycarbonate (3-4mm at the edges!) and the adjustment mechanism.
It is a well finished product with a gloss white blade and handle and a satin finished Alloy shaft. The handle end of the shaft is foam filled to stop it taking in water and the overall height adjustments are clearly marked.

ADJUSTMENT
Is similar to a Windsurfer boom - telescoping with a 'chunky' clip style locking ring with 2 pins.
Unclip the ring (takes two hands and it stays in place by itself) slide the handle ended shaft to the correct length - indicated in overall length (cm).
Line the holes up ( blade needs to be on the ground/board to do this) and clip the locking ring back in place. I did at this point CLIP the softest part of my right hand under the clip as it locked back in position. It's chunky -it hurt!!

ON THE WATER
I took the paddle on a lesson at Balmoral Beach (Sydney Harbour) with 4 beginners and handed it around. The wind was building from about 6 knots from the NE so there was some chop and a breeze to contend with. The first thing I noticed is a small movement (twisting) that you get between the two telescoping sections. This comes from the play between the pins and the locating holes. It is a bit disconcerting at first if you are used to a solid springy one piece shaft. This was however countered by a nice powerful blade that had plenty of 'pull' in the water. The handle was comfortable- though a bit small for my 'large' hand. I have tried many paddles from Kialoa's to Werner's, carbon adjustables and cheap fixed alloy paddles. I have to say that it is one of the better paddles I have tried under $250

I was able to hand it around and adjust it on my board for the various heights of the others. The clear markings were helpfull. It did take in a very small amount of water which was actually impressive considering the amount of holes in it and the movement between the two telescoping shafts. I did not get much feedback from clients which hopefully means they were focussed on balancing and turning their boards as the wind built.


OVERALL
This is a good paddle for what it is intended to do.
Getting a 'one size fits all' paddle is something that will hep this sport along tremendously. I can see a lot of people buying this paddle, grabbing an old Windsurfer and trying Paddle Surfing for the first time. Certainly my first attempts were on a 'wally' but I had to by a $350 carbon paddle that only I could use due to my height.

With all the SUP Schools popping up I can see them jumping on this for the price and the fact that they can buy less paddles. Though I hope they still carry some carbon paddles so clients can at least appreciate that you get what you pay for! I certainly remember the first time I took a KIALOA for a spin!!

It appears to be a well made and durable paddle which will be put to the test in our SUP school. So if there are any issues I will post them down the track.

The cost - $195 is on the money and I would give this paddle the thumbs-up for what it is designed to do.

Andrew.A
The StandUP School