hey guys
just getting in to the paddle scene after surfing but had a problem today that I was wanting to help with.
im 68kg and currently have a naish Makani variable paddle which is 95.6sq in.
The paddle seems pretty good for most general paddling.
however when I tried a Jc deep pro surf 8'8 x 32 x 135l board today I could only get in about 2 paddles each side before the board started to turn around too much. This made trying to time the waves quite difficult because I would either end up too side on to the wave by the time it hit or have to change paddle sides and lose all my Forward momentum.
With a longer and more narrow board it's not such an issue as the board tracks more straight and I can get about 3 paddles in and hold it in a straighter line for the wave.
also because this board is a lot wider and I'm not a super wide shouldered guy, my paddle arc will be more wide than straight down which would also add to the paddle stroke starting to turn the board.
do I need a smaller paddle for this board? Any tips or suggestions?
It was my first time trying a quad sup set up and without being able to ft a bigger centre fin I couldn't add that to make it track straighter either.
You will need a smaller blade if your shoulders or arms ache. This said, at 68kg most people like a paddle blade around 80/85 sq.in. but it is not a strict rule.
For the row, your paddle may be too long. It should be around your height. More will tend to add row, as you will keep the shaft at and angle and not in a vertical plane.
