Is the Kiaola double bend paddle any good or is a a bit of a fad? I don't see any of the pro's using them but I like the idea of a more ergonomic paddle to keep my overuse injuries at bay.
DJ, I saw you were using one about a year ago but have moved back to a straight shaft by the look of your most recent vids. Is this a correct observation and what is your current thoughts?
I tried one out and liked it. Gives a bit of extra reach in the catch phase of the stroke.
I still use mine a lot.. I like it but it's more suited to racing/downwinding/distance paddling at a constant rate.. It gives a more relaxed angle on the lower wrist.. and it also allows you to bend and drop your upper elbow to reduce future shoulder problems.. I don't think it's suited to surfing or sprinting where very quick changes are necessary from one side to the other.. A straight shaft feels faster from one side to the other.. That extra angle on the blade feels a little odd at first but you soon get used to it and it seems to give the blade more power somehow.. I think because the blade is more vertical at the power part of the stroke.. I would certainly recomend them but I think if I only had one paddle it'd be a straight shaft paddle..
Select to expand quoteJustCruising said..
Is the Kiaola double bend paddle any good or is a a bit of a fad? I don't see any of the pro's using them but I like the idea of a more ergonomic paddle to keep my overuse injuries at bay.
DJ, I saw you were using one about a year ago but have moved back to a straight shaft by the look of your most recent vids. Is this a correct observation and what is your current thoughts?
Been using a Hulu small 87 doublebend last few months and it's been a great paddle. I've previously used a Naish LE race paddle (too flexy), and then a kialoa hulu straight shaft (also a great paddle).
The double bend is a light paddle and I've found the top bend promotes the top wrist to be in a more natural comfortable position (much like bike handle bars also angle towards you for wrist ergonomics). The extra bottom blade angle I've found also protects your bottom shoulder and wrist as you have so much extra angle you don't need to over-reach (well you never should anyways). I paddle really relaxed now.
The hulu small 87 is a great size and really powerful for it's size (hulu large also available but I would steer most people on a small due to now paddle size trends). Shaft stiffness is more than my naish but not too much so feels just right for racing and cruising. SHaft diameter on the med-smaller side and handle is a nice size also in the med end. Paddle sHaft also gets grippy when salt water gets on it so no more slipping or having to add any extra wax etc, a great addition.
I use the paddle for everything on a raceboard: downwind, surf racing and rec surfing the raceboard, technical course and sprinting. I've been paddling better this year and better results, but may just be as I'm improving also?!
Can't adjust height so I use another shorter paddle for the surf sup.
What I've found: Paddle height the same as my straight shaft for downwinding, but have found in the 4km sprint technical beach racing we do in Auck this summer I want to get my cadence up a bit so am thinking half an inch to 1 inch shorter than normal paddle height to get cadence up. Just using the choke stroke at times at the moment and working fine. Just my feeling. Something to try but can't go back once I cut!
Not sure why more pros don't use it. I've been told the double bend was 3 yrs in development before releasing it so definitely something there for them to release it. Kenny Kaneko the SIC/kialoa rider has been using one from time to time.
Kialoa also have a big range of double bend outrigger/canoe paddles so the concept definitely works there.
The kialoa importer told me he's been getting feedback from overseas paddlers and importers that the double bend sales are going up, and mainly to recreational paddlers, mainly due to the fact of the ergonomics and feedback that it paddles more comfortably. Interesting to hear.
hope that helps.
Thanks guys that does help.
I was able to demo one this afternoon which is pretty lucky considering there are not many around. The paddle was cut way too high for me but it still felt really nice through the water. Really good strong catch and pulled straight with no flutter. There was some wind chop about so I could do some out and backs. Into the wind the small blade felt like a good fit for me and I didn't have to strain my (recovering) back too much to make good headway. Although I could feel I was pulling the blade too far past my feet so I might have to adapt my stroke a little.
Catching the bumps on the way back was fine, I caught everything I would expect to. I would have thought changing hands I would miss the handle with the top hand but you don't even need to think about it. The couple of times I needed to brace I switched sides in a hurry fine.
Made the big call and brought it. It will be my only paddle so fingers crossed I made the right call, I think I did.
The is a 10-15 knot northerly in Auckland tomorrow so I might get my wife to drop me off and I will do a little downbreezer to try it out.
hanza1111, say hi if you see me round I have an SIC bullet and a crooked paddle now. I paddle mostly around Milford, Takapuna and Whangaparoa.
Nice. it's a great paddle. Smooth catch, power, and exit.
Also hoping the durability stands up to all the very positive feedback I've read about the kialoa paddles.
Did you get it from sup shed? I'll send people there if you said they have a demo.
Likewise, I'm usually on a white sic X14 prolite. Cheers.
Yeah I did. Its Nik's personal paddle so cut to his length hence it being way too tall for me. You can still get an idea of what it is like to use. I had a good go with it today and still happy.
