SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 88
(Not) blinded by the light –
Nectar sunnies
www.se aspritesp orts.com
www.remix d.co.uk
Kialoa’s entry level adjustable Pupu SUP paddle is a feature packed
product hailing from a brand with a firm heritage embedded in paddle
sports. With a stiff fibreglass shaft, well thought out spring loaded
LeverLock adjustment shaft and Ergo-Palm grip, this is one wallet
friendly piece of kit that looks the biz.
Nectar was founded by a couple of mates who grew up
skating and surfing, something you can tell instantly from
the designs. Calling on the classic Wayfarer style, but
adding a touch of attitude, Nectar have produced a line of
stylish but practical optics for the discerning water baby.
s h e d : a c c e s s o r i e s
Sleek and simple –
Kialoa Pupu adjustable paddle
The Pupu isn’t the lightest of sweepers on the market but it’s certainly
not heavy and having used it for extended periods of time it remained
comfortable and efficient without adding to any feelings of fatigue.
Working well on flat water it propels you over distance with ease and is
great for less intimidating surf environments.
If you’re a family of SUPers on a budget, or looking for an affordable stick
for travelling, the Pupu fits the bill nicely offering plenty of bang for your
buck and a decent level of performance to boot. Applicable to various
stand up environments, the Kialoa is a great piece of kit whatever
scenario you choose to chuck it at.
The LeverLock shaft adjustment allows users to tinker with length while
on the fly. Sometimes paddlers may feel like lengthening or shortening
their paddles to be more or less reactive. Kialoa’s lever locking system
allows for this in a quick, smooth and hassle free manner.
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for a well priced, efficient and feature packed
engine for your stand up paddle board then Kialoa’s Pupu will fit the
bill nicely. Super comfy to use with a revolutionary shaft adjustment
system, it’s a well thought out design with plenty of performance to
unlock. Great for travelling, as a back up stick or your main
recreational tool.
Price: £159
Getting hold of the Absinthe and Breck models meant I could
put them to good use while in Grenada (see full feature in
April’s issue). The bright and powerful Caribbean sun was no
match for these beauties which shut out the glare and allowed
me to paddle in comfort on the flat. Lounging on the beach is
also a joy with no squint inducing UV creeping through.
In the UK they’ve been used during days we’ve had occasional
glimpses of that big ball of fire in the sky. The mirrored lenses
do a sterling job of refracting light and the comfy relaxed
fitting of both pairs means they can be popped on my bonce
and forgotten about.
Nectar offer a wide choice of models to suit all tastes and
you’ll be sure to find something that fits your personality if
you hit up their website.
As summer finally kicks in every paddler worth his or her salt
needs a decent part of sunnies for cruising to the beach,
enjoying some flat water SUP fun, après beer quaffage or
spicing it up at a beach BBQ – Nectar should fit the bill nicely!
For more info on the Nectar range head over to
www.nectarsunglasses.com and check out what’s going
down – available in the UK through www.remixd.co.uk
Info: [email protected]
Price: £19.99 and £24.99 for polarized
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s h e d : p a d d l e s
Incremental refinements of paddle length make it super easy to locate
your desired setting while the stiffness of the Pupu delivers defined
feedback during all parts of the stroke – not too shabby for an all round
weapon.
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