PADDLER 10
EOEPS Red Kevlar SUP paddle www . eastofenglandpaddlesports . co . uk / shop By Richard Wright
PADDLER 10
REVIEWS
EOEPS Red Kevlar SUP paddle www . eastofenglandpaddlesports . co . uk / shop By Richard Wright
Before venturing into the SUP world , I had paddled open canoes for over 30 years . I have built a collection of canoe paddles of varying styles and construction . The one thing they all have in common is that they are all exceptionally light .
When I started stand-up paddleboarding in June 2022 , I was shocked by the weight of the paddle that came with the board I was borrowing , especially as it was from one of the top-end brands .
So , as soon as I was hooked on SUP , I started researching for a decent paddle . For me , the paddle is as important , if not more important , than the board .
I got to try out an array of paddles at an event in Norfolk run by East of England Paddlesports , the first online group to obtain British Canoeing affiliation and the largest affiliated club . The paddle which immediately put a smile on my face was the Red Kevlar one . I tried the single-piece version , which felt amazingly light ( approx . 460g ) compared to everything else .
I soon purchased the two-piece version , which weighs 530g , from Oli , who runs the EOEPS group . I prefer the two-piece version so I can reduce the length when kneeling . There is also a three-piece version , suitable for those where space is a premium , which weighs 610g .
The scooped blade feels very positive on the first catch . There is very little flutter during the power phase . For the technically minded this is achieved by the double dihedral on the power face . The blade enters and exits the water cleanly and quietly . The blade shape is square-tipped as opposed to the teardrop shape . For me , this blade shape feels better over distances . I opted for the medium blade size , which is spot on for a smaller-built person like myself . On the one and two piece versions there is a choice of blade sizes .
The flex is as expected for a Kevlar shaft , and despite the stiffness , I ’ ve never felt any aching shoulders from using it . The asymmetrical palm grip is perfectly sized and is very comfortable .
Both the two and 3-piece versions have an anti-twist shaft . This is achieved by a flat surface on the upper shaft , which feels very solid , and there is no chance of any movement or twisting when clamped in .
The paddle is aesthetically pleasing with its distinctive red and black Kevlar weave and stands out from the crowd . It comes with the EOEPS logo on the reverse side .
CONCLUSION
The Red Kevlar SUP Paddle would suit anyone looking for a lightweight , premium quality , performance paddle . This is an ideal paddle for touring and longer journeys and is now my go-to paddle for inland rivers , estuaries , and the sea . You could easily pay more for a similar weight and quality paddle . There are also cheaper paddles out there , but none that I have tried compare in terms of weight and feel .
For transparency , I am a member of EOEPS , but other than that , I ’ m just a happy paddle owner ; I have no connection with the product .
The paddles weigh between 460g ( uncut single ) and 610g ( for the 3-piece ). Prices start at £ 235 and include FedEx next day delivery