Stand Up Paddle Surfing Community Website

First Timer- Paddle Recommendation

Hi everyone! I am just getting started and I have a board and now looking to buy a paddle. Being a beginner and slightly cost sensitive...do you have any recommendations of what kind of paddle to get? Carbon? Wood? Specifc Brand? etc.....

Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Comment by Marko on October 8, 2008 at 4:30pm: I like carbon, but they are not cheap.

make sure you tape the edges so you don't ding up your board

Comment by stoneaxe on October 9, 2008 at 6:43pm: Too many variables for one person to give you a perfect recommendation. Especially without knowing you and your style, strength, wants (surf?, distance?, cruise?) Paddles are even more personal than boards IMO. A 250 lb guy will want a very different paddle than a 140 lb woman.

ke nalu has a good paddle showcase where you can see most of the major brands
http://www.kenalu.com/forums/ask-how/

Best way is to try them if you have a chance.

Comment by stoneaxe on October 9, 2008 at 6:46pm: Ernie Johnson just came out with a new line of budget wood paddles too.

http://www.kenalu.com/2008/09/27/new-paddle-cheap-good-and-fast-tak...

Comment by Kelly on October 9, 2008 at 10:04pm: Not looking for perfection....just not really sure where to start! Just getting into it- not sure I have my own style yet. For now going for distance and more cruising than surfing. 120 lbs and moderate strength. I took a look at EJ's paddles. Thanks for the advice!

Comment by stoneaxe on October 14, 2008 at 7:45pm: As Marko mentioned you'll also want to tape the edges of your paddle. There is also a how to on ke nalu for that as well.
http://www.kenalu.com/2008/03/29/do-it-youself-paddle-protector/

Comment by Jillian on January 1, 2009 at 10:51am: HI,
I would contact sunshort.com and get a kialoa paddle!!!

Comment by Russ on July 24, 2009 at 9:56pm: Hi, I just saw your post and am thinking you have purchased a paddle by now but in the case you haven't I thought I'd let you know. Carbon fiber paddles are pretty expensive but i found a guy on craigslist and he is located in Manhattan beach, Ca. he owns a shop called fury surf I believe he has a web site www.furysurf .com I purchased a 2 piece carbon fiber paddle for $170. It's the best price i have found and the paddle is great. Hope this helps. Aloha