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 k ie t a r g k ie t a r g 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. s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 88