Kenalu Mana 82 100 flex SUP paddle review
I am relatively new to paddleboarding. I have been doing it for a few years off and on just for a quck paddle and not really doing it right. About two years ago I received a gift cert to a boatshow and purchased a medium end Kohini Carbon paddle and that was night and day over the Warner carbon/fibreglass model that I had before.
Last year I joined a team night with the local paddleboard company, Northern SUP, and they let me try out a Kenalu Mana 82 paddle. It was incredible as I finally felt the catch and pull that everyone talks about in the magazines and paddle technique videos. The Mana 82 was a revelation for my stroke and not only does the paddle allow for great catch on entry but also allows for quick exit and cadence. At the same time I also found I was much more stable and my hits to the side of the board reduced to only the occupational tap when a wave hits out of the blue. I think that this is a secondary benefit of the wings on the sides. The primary benefit is a great set and less cavitation of water as you stab the paddle downwards.
After learning to trust the catch I was able to perform sprints like this picture below without falling into the water.As you can see I am fully committed to this stroke and so far off the front my heels are off the board. This illustrates how much I trust that the paddle will catch and keep me from falling into the water.
I love this paddle for fast cadence conditions and the 100 shaft has little flex even off the start as you see below.
Now that lack of flex can affect you over the long haul so if you have issues with your shoulders then you can always go for a Flex 90 or Xtuff Stiff shaft.
The Mana 82 does have some shortcomings. When I get tired and my cadence falls I cannot compensate with more power/twist as I do feel the paddle slip a little in the water. because of this I would suggest anyone who has a lower cadence or higher paddle to try the 90 before purhasing.
For impromtu durability testing I have accidentally hit the end of the blade onto small rocks when the fall water levels left many areas with only a foot or so of water. I would not suggest doing this regularly but it only left a few small nicks which sanded out quickly.
As mentioned the 82 does have a larger brother the 90 which I have as well and will post a review on that as well.
Last year I joined a team night with the local paddleboard company, Northern SUP, and they let me try out a Kenalu Mana 82 paddle. It was incredible as I finally felt the catch and pull that everyone talks about in the magazines and paddle technique videos. The Mana 82 was a revelation for my stroke and not only does the paddle allow for great catch on entry but also allows for quick exit and cadence. At the same time I also found I was much more stable and my hits to the side of the board reduced to only the occupational tap when a wave hits out of the blue. I think that this is a secondary benefit of the wings on the sides. The primary benefit is a great set and less cavitation of water as you stab the paddle downwards.
After learning to trust the catch I was able to perform sprints like this picture below without falling into the water.As you can see I am fully committed to this stroke and so far off the front my heels are off the board. This illustrates how much I trust that the paddle will catch and keep me from falling into the water.
The Mana 82 does have some shortcomings. When I get tired and my cadence falls I cannot compensate with more power/twist as I do feel the paddle slip a little in the water. because of this I would suggest anyone who has a lower cadence or higher paddle to try the 90 before purhasing.
For impromtu durability testing I have accidentally hit the end of the blade onto small rocks when the fall water levels left many areas with only a foot or so of water. I would not suggest doing this regularly but it only left a few small nicks which sanded out quickly.
As mentioned the 82 does have a larger brother the 90 which I have as well and will post a review on that as well.
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