Great summary & it often feels people underestimate the importance of paddle choice; it hugely improves your joy of Sup. Chose a hybrid shaft S35, three piece, with M Enduro Tiki Tech blade & Carbon handle with my first board in 2017 & still use it as my go-to. Whole family have abused it & it still looks great & is going strong. Better than many pure carbons, great rebound out of the shaft with enough flex to stave off shoulder damage. I paddle at least twice per week, all year - river, lake, sea, surf, tour, race training & love that paddle. 85kg, 178cm, ride iSup & composite boards. Groove in shaft is awesome as I change paddle length depending on which board, activity & conditions - never need to look down at paddle to adjust, also keeps it stiff. Starboard handle shape is the best out there. Thanks for the stellar reviews & info SUPboarder team.
I bought a carbon paddle (mind you, not by Starboard, as they are not available here in Bulgaria). It does make a difference. In my opinion, having a good paddle is more important than having a good SUP.
I was using a tiki tech enduro M, but at 100kg felt like I could do with a slightly larger blade for catching waves easier so bought a Large. I felt it definitely caused more physical strain, especially coming out of an inactive lockdown.. and in the end on my last big ish wave session I tore my stomach muscle causing an internal bleed. (i'm fine.. it apparently stopped quick and I thought it was a hernia originally). I've not sup surfed for 2 months now and still not 100% so take care with paddle sizes and if you feel strained, don't push it.
You should be congratulated on producing this very informative video. For me, it’s nothing new because I’ve already watched your other video about paddles. But I was really happy to see the Starboard Waterline featured in the video. Maybe the Supboarder pro video about it is coming? Looking forward to it. And yes, I’d definitely should get a Lima paddle, should I eventually go for the Waterline.
Could you talk a little more about the specific differences & advantages / disadvantages between the UD Carbon & Tiki Tech when used for flatwater touring -- where the paddle may be used to fend off driftwood, rocks, pilings, dead heads, etc.
Hey Scott. All the Starboard paddles are pretty tough TBH. But the Tiki is the paddle you want to be pushing stuff away with. I would have no problem using it for this. Which makes it great for touring. Thanks Reuben
Starboard have a table of sizes on their website for the minimum length of their paddles. The smallest blade sizes are about 52" and the longest go up to around 60". Each brand might a little different. Hope this helps. Beau
I'm a little confused, this video has helped me narrow down my choice to an small enduro as I mostly paddle for leisure or light touring, but from the sounds of it in terms of construction performance its prepreg > ud carbon > tiki tech? But tiki tech is more expensive than UD carbon, how's that work?
I know, the Tiki tech is the stronger paddle blade construction. So if you are hard on your paddles the T Tech is a better paddle but the UD is top value and if you look after you paddle its I think the one to go for. Thanks Reuben
I feel that I use a much higher cadence when pladdeling for waves than on flat water/ long distance so Im still not sure whether maybe the lima would be the better paddle for surfing for me...
Are the UD Carbon paddles now known as 3K Carbon paddles? If so, what year did they released 3K Carbon paddles? I cannot decide whether to buy a Lima Tiki Tech 2pcs or 3pcs or try and stretch to either a 3K Carbon Lima 2pcs or 3pcs as I cannot stretch to a Prepreg Carbon
Hi Mark , thanks for the question. Yes you are correct. The 3k carbon is the new UD carbon. If you can stretch the 3k carbon you will have a lovely paddle. And for the money it's very good value. Hope that helps Reuben
@@SUPboardermag Hi Reuben, thank you for clarifying about the UD / 3K Carbon. Any preference over the 2pcs vs 3pcs? There doesn't seem to be too much weight difference between the two. I guess it is really down to if you plan to travel a lot, where as the 3pcs would be better. But if you can squeeze a 2pcs in the car, this would be a better option as the shaft would be stiffer
Sorry Mark, YT not great at reminding us of comments on threads! You got it, 2pc will be a better bend pattern. The 3pc is just more practical. Also if you ever sell you paddle a 3pc is always easier to sell also (alot of iSUP users out there). Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag No worries Reuben, thanks for confirming the 2pcs 3pcs. Haven’t thought about the selling point of view - interesting point though. Cheers Mark
Really nice overview of the paddles. Question though, I'm looking at replacing my tikitech Bolt M. It's a really nice paddle really happy with it, but want to move to a 1 piece. Been looking at the full carbon lima, but having trouble deciding on the size. From what I found, the L and the XL are just on either side of my bolt in terms of cm^2. Should i be looking to go a bit bigger, or a bit smaller. I do paddle quite a bit (20-50km per week). I'm worried the L might be too slippy, or the XL too much for my arms. I'm roughly 80kg, 190cm.
Thats something you have to test at least. I am going with the L at 95 kg. In the worst you have to paddle a bit faster. Great paddle for 2021, totally recommended.
Hey Tadvy , really good question. I really don't think you will need a XL. And that L would be much better. Thanks to Timm for getting back also, but I imagine there is quite a few viewers out there who might put there feedback down here also. I think I will have a chat with Starboard and try and get there feedback on the whole thing. Thanks Reuben
@@timmturner8545 that's the thing, i'm used to a higher cadence, but as i'm paddling a bit less than i was even a year ago, I've been struggling to keep the pace going, as i get tired from the high cadence. I was thinking that just a bit bigger cm^2 might allow me to go a bit slower, while keeping up the speed. I only notice it when timing myself or paddling with others. I just don't know how much the bigger size actually contributes. Yeah, I know I have to test it at least, but doing it for maybe an hour once is alot different than later actually using it daily.
@@SUPboardermag Do those few more/less cm^2 really make that much difference in the long run. I've paddled a same paddle in different sizes before, but couldn't get a feel how it would be when used daily.
So long as the connection point is the same for the blade, you would be able to change the size of the blade. I'd double check with you local retailer too.
I'm just about to buy a starboard 14ft SC touring board... I'm 5ft 8 and 80-85kg.... The shop I'm buying from have suggested a S35 carbon Lima with a large blade. This video would suggest I need an enduro but I'm between blade sizes of M and L. I looked on the starboard website and they say their touring rider uses a Lima in M. Any advice from people or you guys at supboarder please
Hey A T. I would at 75kg go for a M and my gut feeling for you to would be a M too, but you are on the limit to go ether way... What type of paddling and what board are you on too? Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag I sort of do fitness type of paddling and also exploring. I like to use decently powerful strokes i managed to bend the aluminum paddle which come with the sup. its an isup from nrs a basic all around one 10.6 long
Ok, i think going for a Endruro M or the L could work. If you want more power go for the L but if you want to do quicker less powerful strokes go for the M. BUT If you have any shoulder ache now after paddle hard go M . I hope this is helping Reuben
I'm 72kg and 170cm and I've bought a 2021 Lima Tiki Tech Large, 530 cm2 (2020 Prepreg Lima blade shape). I can easily paddle my isup (11.3) for an hour at speeds of 6-7 km/h with out feeling anything on my shoulders or arms, it's such an "easy" paddle!!! I wish I had gone for Lima XL for better fitness. Lima L has a very easy pull for me for touring and I am not an athletic guy! I enjoy a strong pull only when sprinting for 100-200m. After spent a summer with my Lima, I would buy Lima XL S35 for normal pull for touring and stronger pull for fitness.
Great summary & it often feels people underestimate the importance of paddle choice; it hugely improves your joy of Sup. Chose a hybrid shaft S35, three piece, with M Enduro Tiki Tech blade & Carbon handle with my first board in 2017 & still use it as my go-to. Whole family have abused it & it still looks great & is going strong. Better than many pure carbons, great rebound out of the shaft with enough flex to stave off shoulder damage. I paddle at least twice per week, all year - river, lake, sea, surf, tour, race training & love that paddle. 85kg, 178cm, ride iSup & composite boards. Groove in shaft is awesome as I change paddle length depending on which board, activity & conditions - never need to look down at paddle to adjust, also keeps it stiff. Starboard handle shape is the best out there. Thanks for the stellar reviews & info SUPboarder team.
Glad you are enjoying and getting a lot of use out of your paddle. Thanks for sharing your insights. Beau
I bought a carbon paddle (mind you, not by Starboard, as they are not available here in Bulgaria). It does make a difference. In my opinion, having a good paddle is more important than having a good SUP.
Good comment Georgi.
Great video, thanks, glad to get a breakdown of all the differences before dropping a ton on cash on a paddle. Ordering the Lima pre preg in a M.
Glad it was helpful. Thanks, Beau
bought the Enduro Tiki Tech this year, really a good choice!
Great to hear!
I was using a tiki tech enduro M, but at 100kg felt like I could do with a slightly larger blade for catching waves easier so bought a Large.
I felt it definitely caused more physical strain, especially coming out of an inactive lockdown.. and in the end on my last big ish wave session I tore my stomach muscle causing an internal bleed. (i'm fine.. it apparently stopped quick and I thought it was a hernia originally).
I've not sup surfed for 2 months now and still not 100% so take care with paddle sizes and if you feel strained, don't push it.
Ouch sounds like a painful one John. Thanks for your feedback and thoughts. Please keep them coming and hope you are back at 100% soon. Thanks Reuben
You should be congratulated on producing this very informative video. For me, it’s nothing new because I’ve already watched your other video about paddles. But I was really happy to see the Starboard Waterline featured in the video. Maybe the Supboarder pro video about it is coming? Looking forward to it. And yes, I’d definitely should get a Lima paddle, should I eventually go for the Waterline.
Thanks Georgi, The pro video is now live on SUPboarder comparing the Starboard waterline and JP Australia GTS. Thanks Reuben
Got the Enduro UD Carbon 2 Piece. You cant beat the quality/price relation of this paddle!
Thanks Eddy
very informative and easy to understand, should be applied to other brand as well. Thanks for the video1
Thanks Tsong
great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Could you talk a little more about the specific differences & advantages / disadvantages between the UD Carbon & Tiki Tech when used for flatwater touring -- where the paddle may be used to fend off driftwood, rocks, pilings, dead heads, etc.
Hey Scott. All the Starboard paddles are pretty tough TBH. But the Tiki is the paddle you want to be pushing stuff away with. I would have no problem using it for this. Which makes it great for touring. Thanks Reuben
What is the minimum length of a two-piece paddle?
Starboard have a table of sizes on their website for the minimum length of their paddles. The smallest blade sizes are about 52" and the longest go up to around 60". Each brand might a little different. Hope this helps. Beau
I'm a little confused, this video has helped me narrow down my choice to an small enduro as I mostly paddle for leisure or light touring, but from the sounds of it in terms of construction performance its prepreg > ud carbon > tiki tech? But tiki tech is more expensive than UD carbon, how's that work?
I know, the Tiki tech is the stronger paddle blade construction. So if you are hard on your paddles the T Tech is a better paddle but the UD is top value and if you look after you paddle its I think the one to go for. Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag I still don't know which paddle is better. UD Carbon or Tiki Tech?
I feel that I use a much higher cadence when pladdeling for waves than on flat water/ long distance so Im still not sure whether maybe the lima would be the better paddle for surfing for me...
Maybe, or you could be like I lot of the SB team we use smaller Enduro blade size . ie 65-73kg are on size small blades sizes. Any help Reuben
Are the UD Carbon paddles now known as 3K Carbon paddles? If so, what year did they released 3K Carbon paddles? I cannot decide whether to buy a Lima Tiki Tech 2pcs or 3pcs or try and stretch to either a 3K Carbon Lima 2pcs or 3pcs as I cannot stretch to a Prepreg Carbon
Hi Mark , thanks for the question. Yes you are correct. The 3k carbon is the new UD carbon. If you can stretch the 3k carbon you will have a lovely paddle. And for the money it's very good value. Hope that helps Reuben
@@SUPboardermag Hi Reuben, thank you for clarifying about the UD / 3K Carbon. Any preference over the 2pcs vs 3pcs? There doesn't seem to be too much weight difference between the two. I guess it is really down to if you plan to travel a lot, where as the 3pcs would be better. But if you can squeeze a 2pcs in the car, this would be a better option as the shaft would be stiffer
Sorry Mark, YT not great at reminding us of comments on threads!
You got it, 2pc will be a better bend pattern. The 3pc is just more practical. Also if you ever sell you paddle a 3pc is always easier to sell also (alot of iSUP users out there). Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag No worries Reuben, thanks for confirming the 2pcs 3pcs. Haven’t thought about the selling point of view - interesting point though. Cheers Mark
Really nice overview of the paddles.
Question though, I'm looking at replacing my tikitech Bolt M. It's a really nice paddle really happy with it, but want to move to a 1 piece. Been looking at the full carbon lima, but having trouble deciding on the size. From what I found, the L and the XL are just on either side of my bolt in terms of cm^2. Should i be looking to go a bit bigger, or a bit smaller. I do paddle quite a bit (20-50km per week). I'm worried the L might be too slippy, or the XL too much for my arms. I'm roughly 80kg, 190cm.
Thats something you have to test at least. I am going with the L at 95 kg. In the worst you have to paddle a bit faster. Great paddle for 2021, totally recommended.
Hey Tadvy , really good question. I really don't think you will need a XL. And that L would be much better. Thanks to Timm for getting back also, but I imagine there is quite a few viewers out there who might put there feedback down here also.
I think I will have a chat with Starboard and try and get there feedback on the whole thing. Thanks Reuben
Thanks for the comment Timm. Happy paddling Reuben
@@timmturner8545 that's the thing, i'm used to a higher cadence, but as i'm paddling a bit less than i was even a year ago, I've been struggling to keep the pace going, as i get tired from the high cadence. I was thinking that just a bit bigger cm^2 might allow me to go a bit slower, while keeping up the speed. I only notice it when timing myself or paddling with others. I just don't know how much the bigger size actually contributes.
Yeah, I know I have to test it at least, but doing it for maybe an hour once is alot different than later actually using it daily.
@@SUPboardermag Do those few more/less cm^2 really make that much difference in the long run. I've paddled a same paddle in different sizes before, but couldn't get a feel how it would be when used daily.
Are there paddles with interchangeable blades?
So long as the connection point is the same for the blade, you would be able to change the size of the blade. I'd double check with you local retailer too.
I'm just about to buy a starboard 14ft SC touring board... I'm 5ft 8 and 80-85kg.... The shop I'm buying from have suggested a S35 carbon Lima with a large blade. This video would suggest I need an enduro but I'm between blade sizes of M and L. I looked on the starboard website and they say their touring rider uses a Lima in M. Any advice from people or you guys at supboarder please
Lima L and enduro M have the same blade size so should i go with a L size lima or go with a M? im around 78-80kg and 183cm
Hey A T. I would at 75kg go for a M and my gut feeling for you to would be a M too, but you are on the limit to go ether way... What type of paddling and what board are you on too? Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag I sort of do fitness type of paddling and also exploring. I like to use decently powerful strokes i managed to bend the aluminum paddle which come with the sup. its an isup from nrs a basic all around one 10.6 long
Ok, i think going for a Endruro M or the L could work. If you want more power go for the L but if you want to do quicker less powerful strokes go for the M. BUT If you have any shoulder ache now after paddle hard go M . I hope this is helping Reuben
I'm 72kg and 170cm and I've bought a 2021 Lima Tiki Tech Large, 530 cm2 (2020 Prepreg Lima blade shape). I can easily paddle my isup (11.3) for an hour at speeds of 6-7 km/h with out feeling anything on my shoulders or arms, it's such an "easy" paddle!!! I wish I had gone for Lima XL for better fitness. Lima L has a very easy pull for me for touring and I am not an athletic guy! I enjoy a strong pull only when sprinting for 100-200m. After spent a summer with my Lima, I would buy Lima XL S35 for normal pull for touring and stronger pull for fitness.