Lots of New Paddle Reviews

We’ve had a little flood of paddle news. Brad Gillespie sent us a review of a new Gillespie blade (how about reviews of the rest of the line, Brad) and Bob Long from Mission Surf in San Diego sent a review of the new Warner Advantage–Warner’s new Fiberglass offering.

And last weekend I got a call from Jimmy Lewis while I was at the race track (I’m addicted to racing cars, a major benefit of which is it makes SUP seem inexpensive). Last winter in Maui I saw some of Jimmy’s new ideas about what a paddle should be. Pretty startling–a bright blue fiberglass shaft and brilliant white blade from one of Jim Terrell’s (Quickblade) molds. The fiberglass shaft was very bendy. I didn’t get to try the paddle, but Jimmy’s finally got them produced and he offered me one to try when I get back on the island. Stay tuned.

Gillespie
Gillespie Paddle has a new surf tool, based on a popular outrigger paddle profile. Besides being a beautiful piece of wood, it looks like a fine surf blade, with width to supply turning torque but a relatively short blade length and therefore small area to aid maneuverability. Add to that the natural vibration damping of a wood paddle and you’ve got a shoulder-friendly paddle for your surfing needs.

Preferred paddle characteristics are as personal as your choice of skivvies, but you can be certain of one thing with a paddle this pretty–you won’t get tired of looking at it.

Werner
The Werner Spanker has a devoted following among surfers. From the looks, and the price point of the new advantage it will have just as devoted fans among tourers and flatwater cruisers. Bob says he thinks it will be a good wave-catcher too. No question, Werner knows their stuff when it comes to paddles.