Un-topped paddles with full carbon shafts are
available in two height ranges: SHORT and
LONG.

SHORT: A short, un-topped paddle can build
paddle sizes of 66”—76” ONLY, covering
people who are approximately 5’—5’8” tall.

LONG: A long, un-topped paddle can build
paddle sizes 76”—86” ONLY, covering people
who are approximately 5’8”—6’8” tall.

WARNING: Do not cut sizes shorter than
specified range. Due to the taper in the shaft
the T-top will NOT FIT if you cut any carbon
shaft down more than 10 inches.

1 // sizing: First determine the size for your
customer by adding 6”—10” to their overall
height. If your customer is more frequently in the
surf, lean toward the shorter end of the range for
quicker maneuverability on the waves.







2 // Cut paddle to desired height. For the
carbon shafts, we recommend a band saw
or wet tile saw. For the aluminum shafts, a
hacksaw is fi ne. Make sure it is an even cut
to allow the T-top to rest fl at.
Do not clamp tube/shaft in a vise on a
carbon shaft as this may cause it to collapse.

3 // Lightly sand outside of shaft where it will
be inserted into the T-top. This creates texture
to which the glue will adhere.

4, 5 // Insert the foam plug into the end of the
shaft until flush with the top of the shaft.

6, 7, 8 // Use regular setting two-part epoxy
glue. Coat the inside of the T-top as well as
the sanded portion of the shaft to be inserted
into the T-top and coat top of foam plug. Make
sure to use an adequate amount of glue to
ensure an air-tight seal. Failure to do so may
cause water to leak into the shaft.

IMPORTANT: Orient the flat side of the
T-top facing the front of the blade (the side
with logo sticker). After firmly pressing
the T-top into place, look down the shaft to
ensure the T-top is parallel to the blade.

9, 10, 11 // Excess glue should seep out
from where the T-top meets the shaft. Clean
excess glue from around the seal with a
paper towel. An even amount of glue seeping
out from the T-top is an indication of a good
seal. If none seeps out it is likely not enough
glue was used.

12 // Stand paddle upright, stabilize the blade
so it won’t move, and let it dry overnight.

FOR FURTHER HELP CONTACT KIALOA PADDLES
AT: 541.382.5355 OR EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As told to Standup Paddle Magazine by Ekolu Kalama

1 // In this shot, Ekolu will combine his 6’3” height with his paddle length of 87” to reach
out to the furthest point he can. This will set himself up for a powerful stroke. Notice how his left hand extends over the right side of his board. He will also be using his left lat, abs, back, shoulders, and arms to pull himself into the upright position. The same holds true while paddling on the other side.

2 // Now, you can see him leaning into a 75-degree angle, applying full body pressure
instead of using just his arms while his top hand is actually rotating in a circle as he strokes. On his right side his top-hand rotation goes counter-clockwise and on his left side he rotates clockwise. At this point he already has momentum and can fire off each stroke at a pretty rapid pace without struggling to find a constant rhythm or applying more energy than he should.

3 // Now it is time for the recovery, Ekolu is upright again with his blade angled in the feather position. He will direct his attention into the next stroke while maintaining his speed. If he wants to maintain speed, he minimizes power into his next stroke. If he wants to increase speed, he will push harder into it. For Ekolu, speed means he will be decreasing his race time and will be overtaking other paddlers.

The distance stroke also makes for a higher-quality paddle workout. Done correctly, it will make you into a much stronger
paddler.

There are several ways to carry your board. Some are easy, some are for more experienced paddlers.

The Carry Handle Slot
The easy way out is the slot. If you have purchased a board with a
center slot, it’s pick up and go. When selecting a board, make sure you
can lift it from the side. A slot is good if you can handle the weight, less
so if you can only carry the board 20 feet from lift off.

A slot is good if you can
handle the weight.

Shoulder Carry
Shoulder carrying is an all-around technique to use with any board.
If you’ve been paddling for a while and want to advance your SUP
carrying technique, follow these tips. Be careful if there’s wind.

1 // Finding the center, lift from the back so you can leverage the board
with balance.

2,3,4 // As you lift your board from hands, slide it to your upper arm
and balance it from outside the shoulder and head.

5,6 // Once balanced, you can now kneel down to pick up your paddle
and head out to the water.
Do not use this technique in the wind. If you are a novice paddler,
establish this method in knee- to waist-deep water to prevent board
damage.

If you are trying to improve your paddle stroke for speed and power, Jim Terrell from Quick Blade Paddles has some easy tips for you.

1 // CATCH: The beginning of the stroke, when the blade first enters the water.
Be sure to drive the blade deep into the water before pulling.
Extend to a comfortable reach but don’t try to over-reach.

3,4 // EXIT: The end of the stroke, when the blade is released from the water. Take your paddle out at your feet.
This will allow you to start your next stroke sooner and the board will not decelerate as much between strokes.
Be sure to exit by dropping your top hand downward, not by lifting the lower hand up. This is a more relaxing
way to exit and will also help get the blade out of the water clean and fast.

5,6 // RECOVERY: The return of the blade back to the start of the stroke. Point your thumb forward on the
recovery to allow the blade to “feather” on the return. This will allow the blade to be in the most aerodynamic
position on the recovery. This is particularly important when paddling into the wind. Loosen your shoulders
(don’t shrug) on the recovery to give your body a relaxed feeling in between strokes. Don’t rush
it—a nice, smooth recovery will help the next stroke be more powerful.