PADDLER 8
VE Riva SUP paddle www . vepaddles . com By Dale Mears
PADDLER 8
REVIEWS
VE Riva SUP paddle www . vepaddles . com By Dale Mears
One of my first SUP paddles , when I switched from kayaking to SUP , was the first VE SUP paddle . Now , the new VE Riva SUP paddle is here , a rerelease of a classic SUP paddle .
Featuring the same technology as the VE paddles kayaking range : a carbon fibre pre-preg blade featuring Aircore technology ( basically an air pocket within the blade rather than the more traditional foam core , therefore a lighter blade ).
Worth noting this is the only SUP paddle without a forward rake . This controversial move-breaking SUP paddle design proved extremely good for white water SUP due to its ability to plant and receive power straight away and improve the ability to brace . The VE Riva featured the same quality as my original VE SUP paddle when testing . It is tough , and you won ' t find a more durable one . Still used by some excellent WW SUP paddlers , the original paddle has stood the test of time , even if not produced for a few years due to the change in ownership .
The new Riva comes in glass and carbon versions . Both are available as standard on a 2-piece split featuring an aluminium split connector . This connector is extremely easy to use and allows around 20cm of length adjustment , meaning the paddle can be easily adjusted on the water . The carbon shaft is much stiffer than the glass shaft .
Although it is a great white water paddle , it is suitable for everyone , especially the recreational SUP market . Price : £ 289 for the glass version £ 329 for the carbon edition
It ' s not the lightest paddle on the market , at around 700g , but this paddle is designed to last . My original from 2017 is still going strong after countless abuse on rocks and impacts .