Simondo said...I stumbled across this little article on Shaft Length.
www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog/(DJ, is this Pono Bill ?)
In summary;
Starboard: flip the paddle upside down, rest the handle on the ground, and where the paddle blade starts to spread from the paddle shaft it should be about eye level.
Quickblade: add 8 inches to your overall height for surfing, and 9 inches more for racing/paddling.
Kialoa: add 6-8” for surfing and 10-12” for racing.
Laird Hamilton: “Your paddle should be as tall as the reach above your head. If it’s too short you will be reaching forward – if it’s too big you will be reaching too far back. Tip: Raise your arms up as if you were doing a pull up and that should be the height of your paddle.”
David Kalama: recommends the same method as Laird Hamilton.
As far as length goes, I think what Laird said makes sense, as people have different length arms in relation to their body.
With paddle width, I'd prefer wider, longer for cruising and downwinders and thinner, shorter for the surf.
