[...] The SUP race boards used that day was a C4 Waterman 14′ Vortice by Boardworks, Sandwich Isle Composite F-15 SUP racer and a Ted Spencer 14′ SUP. The paddles used were a C4 Waterman 8.5″ Pohaku stand up paddle, Werner Advantage SUP stand up paddle. [...]

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I deleted the pics from the Wet Feet party and replaced them with the ones above. They are much better and easier to see.

The paddle in the pictures is an 81″ one piece that Kainoa B is using. After a couple more times using this paddle I really like it. For me, it’s a great downwind paddle. It’s not too hard on my shoulders and provides enough propulsion in my stroke.

I was told this paddle does have a slight dihedral but it’s different than on a C4, Spanker or other paddle that the spine is very pronounced. It’s actually pretty subtle. So far I have had no problem with this paddle not tracking straight.

I took this paddle to test in surf. Since the surf was small yesterday on the south shore and I didn’t have time to go to the north shore, I took out the Vortice 14′er and planned to paddle from Kaimana Beach to Diamond Head and back. I was supposed to find a break that wasn’t crowded and surf it. I ended up catching some fairly decent waist high waves. Paddling upwind the length at 81″ seemed too long for me and the blade felt really big. Downwind was no problem. Catching waves was no problem. I couldn’t get a good enough test of using the paddle to turn. My assumption is that this paddle is better for touring and downwind.

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I got these pictures of the Advantage paddle at the Wet Feet party this last week. The lighting isn’t great but it gives more angles. They had around 10 of the Advantage and Carve paddles when I wrote this and this past weekend they only had 2 left.

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