Author Topic: Big Guy paddles  (Read 7430 times)

BWilliam

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Big Guy paddles
« on: July 23, 2014, 04:23:59 PM »
Currently looking at the QB Big Mama Kalama, but also checking out the offerings from Ke Nalu and Werner.

I've searched the archives and frankly there is a lot of good info, but I didn't find anything necessarily for larger stronger guys.  I'm a strong with a lot of reach, even for my height (which also leads to a tracking question but I'll leave that for another thread). What paddles do you bigger guys like?




Thanks!
William

DavidJohn

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2014, 04:28:51 PM »
Hulu Small..

AJR

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2014, 04:45:32 PM »
Kenalu maliko



stoneaxe

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2014, 08:27:38 PM »
I paddle mostly a Ke Nalu Molokai but I do mix it up some with a Maliko.
Bob

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lucabrasi

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2014, 09:10:19 PM »
Big boards, big guy, fresh water lakes and such.  Shaka Puu.
 I just absolutely love it. It is one of the few (only??) toys I just have never had much interest to change or try others (boards, kayaks, skis, rods, clubs, etc.) tho I did get a smokin deal on a Torro which I also seem to really like but only got one outing in on it so far. My puny abs noticed the difference for sure. Plenty curious about others and got a couple others kicking around. Sawyer Zephyr is gorgeous and very nice but a log and a JL Kanaha which is fun to paddle once in a while but just too soft for me.

TallDude

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2014, 09:22:23 PM »
I'm very happy with my Ke-Nalu Maliko w/ Xtuf shaft and the extended Ergo T handle. You can re-heat (5 min with a heat gun) the handle at the shaft and extend or shorten (+ 12") anytime. I went from a 110 QB Elite very stiff to a 95 Ke-Nalu with a little flex. I'm not looking for another paddle anymore.
It's not overhead to me!
8'8" L-41 ST and a whole pile of boards I rarely use.

NorthJerzSurfer

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2014, 04:58:27 AM »
Ke Nalu Wiki has pushed my 215 dry 235 w/ winter gear around great!

lucabrasi

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2014, 05:25:31 AM »
I got my Shaka Puu before Ke Nalu was out. I must say that when I do shell out the $300 + for a new paddle it will be a Ke Nalu. To me the endless ways to easily change up or add to the quiver makes it a no brainer along with the endless positive feedback and recommendations out there from the many, many people who paddle so many different paddles in so many different enviroments who know their shit. Paying $150 for a Torro already at my size was also a no brainer.

Area 10

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2014, 08:29:07 AM »
What do you want to use it for?

The QB big mama is a monster. At that width unless you are seriously wide you are likely to notice the effect on your stroke. Even Dave Kalama is using a slightly smaller paddle now, and you are unlikely to be matching him in terms of horsepower at the blade, no matter how big you are.

The Kialoa Toro is an underrated paddle IMO. It's good if you like to really crank some power down. It was developed for Chuck Patterson. That figures, he's got some firepower.

http://blog.kialoa.com/kialoa-toro-an-ode-to-the-bluefin-by-dave-chun/

DJ is a big guy but he likes girly paddles and boards (check out his Naish Alana) :) We've got a teenage female Kialoa sponsored rider in our training group and she has just ordered a Hulu Small... But it clearly works for him and what he wants to do.

Old School 213

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2014, 09:54:25 AM »
I don't know what qualifies as a big guy but I'm 6'1" and 215. I use two QB paddles, a 100sq inch Kanaha and a 125sq inch Peahi. I'm pretty close to buying another and want something that'd be between the two. I feel like the 100 does not have enough catch and the 125 too much.  I can deal with the big catch of the 125 but 3 good strokes and I spin my board enough to miss most waves. Both shafts are stiff, that is to say I don't feel them load/unload.

Mostly I've been surfing with the 100sq inch Kanaha and working on form, a little more vertical and more reach but feel like there's a huge opportunity in footwork. I'd like to address my form before getting a new paddle.

TallDude

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2014, 10:46:19 AM »
For surfing I like a shorter paddle,  but a large blade.  I like the extra surface area for bracing when I punch though the wash, or pull myself through the lip. Just in general bracing in a chopped lineup too.
It's not overhead to me!
8'8" L-41 ST and a whole pile of boards I rarely use.

river

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2014, 11:31:18 AM »
Pretty sure Chuck isn't using the Toro anymore. I recommend a smaller blade to save the body especially if you surf everyday and get sore the morning after.  Most of the best surfers have gone to smaller paddles for surf and race.  Easier on the body and balance has developed so they don't need extra bracing power.  Smaller blade also=Less turn affect means not having to switch sides right before wave hits and your off balance and powerless because paddle isn't in the water.  I am a huge fan of the 90 inch and smaller but I am not a big guy.  My recommendation is the Larger Nitro shape from Werner if you want the most durable, any of the Kenalus if you want flex shaft and light weight, and Kialoa if you want ultra stream lined performance while surfing (lack of dihedral on blade face).  Starboard High Aspect large paddle for quick turnover and more longitudinal turning torque while surfing and reddening on the wave.  Hope that helps I have tried them all.
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BWilliam

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2014, 02:15:43 PM »
Right now mainly flat and light chop though I want to do some DW'ers here in the near future.





Will

TallDude

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2014, 02:50:02 PM »
For a guy my size 6'7 240 lbs. a 110 is relatively average.  I've surfed and raced with Chuck a number of times, but I wouldn't say he's a big guy (maybe 6'). Strong as hell though. The QB 100 and Ke-Nalu 95 are very similar in resistance. I've used my wife's CF pop out 90 and felt like I was starting in 4th gear. It's that noticeable of a difference. The 110 is 1st gear for sure, but I don't like paddling 8 or 10 miles in 1st gear. Too hard on the shoulders. I've surfed with a 90 and just really noticed a difference in bracing. The shorter shaft length has improved my paddle turnover while surfing more than blade size.
William,
honestly, being tall you need some flexibility. My distance Ke-Nalu is 91" long but I can adjust it with a heat gun. My first good paddle was a custom QB Elite 110 and was 93" long. Jim Terrell said the only one he ever made longer was for a 6'10 NBA player. Now I use my QB for surfing and it is 85" long and not adjustable. I like the QB taper shafts, but you can't get them longer even in a custom. I'm not familiar Kialoa's or Werner's ability to do extensions? I definitely don't like mechanically adjustable shafts, but if you could rent one you could get a feel for what length you like.   
It's not overhead to me!
8'8" L-41 ST and a whole pile of boards I rarely use.

robon

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Re: Big Guy paddles
« Reply #14 on: July 25, 2014, 03:41:42 PM »
^ Patterson's bio lists him at 6'2" 220. Coming from a big guy at 6'7" 240, that might not seem big, but even if Patterson is only 6 feet tall, he is still a ripped 220. Bigger than average. The guy could add another 10-15 pounds and still look fairly lean.

 


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