Episode 3: How to Choose A Surf Kayak & Waveski Paddle. A Beginner's Introduction.

[@richie_waverider]

Hi everyone, here's some comments from the SurfKayak World Facebook Group about paddle length. Jac T: 182 for my surf kayak, and found it much better than my old 198 bur took some getting used to. Ross K: I use a 191cm in a 25.6" wide SOT. I'm about 5'7". I could probably use a shorter paddle just as well. I have also used longer paddles (200cm), and they worked fine. Honestly, I believe people overthink paddle choice. Sean M: A shorter paddle is less likely to get hit by the pitching lip of a wave. But there are downsides to having a short paddle: Less effective forward stroke for the paddle out, less leverage when rolling. IMO, a beginner surf kayaker would be well advised to go a bit longer for these reasons. I also prefer a paddle blade that has a lot of float (foam core) to it to help with getting the blade to the surface when setting up for a roll. The older I get the more help I need! I almost always do an extended paddle roll or even a pawlata roll these days, especially if the water I'm rolling up in is super aerated. Peter B: I prefer a slightly longer paddle as it gives me more leverage to throw the boat around and a larger blade for more power (though you need to be a bigger person to handle a bigger blade).Also Easier for rolling. And to add a note from Sean’s note, I don’t like a floaty paddle, I prefer a normal one. It all depends on your ability, style and preference. Best try other people’s paddles first with different lengths, size blade, feather, cranked and with or without foam core, weight and flex of paddle as they all make a difference! Nicole L: 194cm because that was the shortest reasonably priced paddle I could find -- 2 pc fibreglass with plastic blades, can take a beating on the rocks here and costs half of what a proper waveski paddle costs. NRS 'Ripple' paddle. Jose B: 198 surf kayak ..Im 192 cm Sam B: Just switched from 200 to 188 in a long surf boat. Quicker acceleration to catch waves and feels much less cumbersome on the wave. Extended paddle roll (pawlata) for me, which still works fine with the shorter paddle. Paul S: • I have tried 180-197cm. Shorter definitely feels better esp on a wave. I am running 197cm at moment as I need to practice my roll. Longer gives leverage ease on rolling. Tim B: 194cm, I’m 172cm in height. I used to use a 184cm but then I got into white water kayaking and the longer paddle needed to clear the deck of a creek boat just felt better on a waveski as well so I’ve stuck with that length. I also prefer less feather on my blades to make rolling both left and right side easier. A 0degree feather is actually very nice for WW but 45 is a bit easier to catch waves in offshore conditions on the Waveski. Alessandro B: 190cm surfkayak, 185cm waveski Tom W: • 190cm at 6’1” tall

[@scrutton66]

Nice video Richie!

[@richie_waverider]

Thanks Paul! I'll see you guys in NC I hope. Bill and I are driving down.

[@scrutton66]

@@richie_waverider I have some tight timing this year.. probably try to make Saturday.

[@aosurfgear]

Thanks Richie for sharing great infos and tips with all the paddling community! This video touches some real points and I'm curious to read comments and feedbacks from other paddlers too 🤩👏👏👏

[@richie_waverider]

It's a real journey and a learning experience. It's great we have Aò! to help us though it.