Product Reviews

PaddleAir would like to hear from you! Send your comments and photos to comments@paddleair.com and we will post them on our Web site. We would like to know how PaddleAir has improved or helped your surfing experience. Here are some of our testimonials:

Texus Surf TV
Sirfur Productions

As a surfer and owner of a business that caters to surfers, I often spend time online searching for new and/or innovative products to review. I usually look for items that are out of the ordinary.

Recently, on one of my searches, I came across a totally cool product called PaddleAir. I became even more intrigued once I started to read about it.

This product claimed to increase your surfing endurance, relieve back strain, relieve the sore rib cage, and extend your time in the water.
Since I often have marathon sessions, I thought “If it does all of that, surfers must hear of this.”

So I contacted Mr. Dave Hilts, Founder of the PaddleAir. Dave was kind enough to part with one for review.

“What is PaddleAir?” you ask. [Read the complete review here!]

David "SPUT" Keevers
Byron Bay, Australia -- Byron Bay Longboards

I'm e-mailing you to let you know that your product Paddleair has helped me to my fifth Australian longboard title. I have just come back from the aussie titles with a win in the over 45s division and the paddleair was the reason for my win. I stopped competing three years ago as my sternum was giving me hell after a big surf at our state titles, and as you know I gave your paddleair a go early this year and I haven't been out of the water since. The waves at the aussie titles this year were 2 meters plus range with a 40 knot offshore wind, so the paddle out and down the face of the wave were made easy with the paddleair and gave me no pain in the chest and gave me more energy to negotiate the currents and the white water. rive recommended the paddleair to many surfers and we are selling them well. I thank you for your product its great and if I didn't use it I would probably be a stand- up paddler or just playing golf.
thanks again.

Tom Higbee
Huntington Beach

Two years ago I had an inflamed rib on my left side where I rest my upper body on the deck of my board while paddling. I continued surfing for weeks until the cartilage connecting that rib to the sternum tore. I was out of the water for six months. When I finally attempted surfing again I had to get one wave in. The worst thing I could do to my injury was to paddle a board. I was worried I'd never paddle again. Then I found Paddle Air. I no longer rest my upper body on the deck of my board. Instead it rests on the cushiony air bladder. Problem solved.

Kevin R. Kelly
Santa Cruz, California

I have been unable to surf not only comfortably but at all for a period in excess of five years. This follows a major multi level back surgery as well as more than a dozen of the euphemistically named "medical procedures".

This past weekend I spent two days paddling and STANDING up on my board for the first time in all these years. This experience I shared with my son who I am sure believed it would never happen again.

All this was enabled by your product. I thank you, my son thanks you. I am a fifty four year old who thought "those" days were over.

Joey Hawkins
Huntington Beach, California

In the June 2004 issue of LongBoard Magazine longboarder Joey Hawkins tells his story about the unfortunate injuries he suffered after winning the world championship in 1992 and how the complications not only nearly ended his surfing career but almost took his life. Fortunately for Joey, he recovered from his ailments and is back surfing again,
We contacted Joey because we felt PaddleAir would help him enjoy surfing more. A meeting was arranged, and Joey agreed to give PaddleAir a try.

He immediately discovered how comfortable and relaxing the PaddleAir system made him feel.

When I am surfing a point break or spots with a long paddle out, the PaddleAir really helps. The air chamber under your chest helps you to relax your lower back muscles. I would recommend it for anyone who has problems like me, but it would work for anyone who wants stay out a little longer and shred a few more. Joey gave PaddleAir a try maybe you should too.

Bing Copeland

I've been surfing since 1949 and for the last five years I've been spending my winters surfing in Baja. At 68 years old, paddling out is really a chore. I find at my age keeping my head up while prone paddling has become very difficult. When I saw the ad for PaddleAir in Long Board magazine I knew I had to try one. Let me tell you, PaddleAir works great for me. It's easy to adjust the air, I use more air for a long paddle out and just a little for catching waves. No more sore back, ribs or neck. I would highly recommend PaddleAir for anyone who wants to make paddling easier.

Dr. Bruce Gabrielson
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Several years ago, I was involved in a car accident leaving me with lingering back problems, particularly when I do a lot of paddling. Since using the PaddleAir, not only have the back problems during extended sessions lessened, but I find I can surf several days in a row without having to rest my back. This has been a real blessing to me.

Herb Torrens
Temecula, California

Within seconds of hitting the water with PaddleAir, I knew one thing: "This is comfortable!" Hey, anything that makes paddling more comfortable is great by me. So I cruise out through the surf on my cabin cruiser of a surfboard and I'm thinking, "where's my deck lounge, anybody for another fruit drink?" Seriously, PaddleAir made a significant difference in my paddling. Better yet, I stayed out longer and caught more waves. I'm sold. I won't paddle out without it.

Dave Willmon
Hollywood, California

As a Shortboarder with recurring back problems, I found Paddle-Air extremely effective in reducing pain and fatigue during long sessions. No more extreme back arching needed to keep the nose of your board up while paddling. You can really lean into every stroke for maximum paddling power and efficiency.

Cliff Kjoss
Seal Beach, California

A few months back my shaper and I came up with the idea of making a paddleboard and entering the Catalina Classic Paddleboard race. I had been thinking about it for years, but the actual commitment just wasn't in the cards. Turns out Jay Moriarty, laird Hamilton and even "the Bull" all did the classic at one point in time. A 32 mile paddle from the isthmus to the mainland, finishing up at Manhattan beach pier. I started looking at different shapes and bringing in boards for Stamps (my shaper) to look at. I don't know how he did it but over the course of three months he produced a twelve foot board for me to paddle. We adjusted a few things in the padding and fin design but that was it.

The race itself starts at six in the morning, darkness is still looming. The racers all huddle around a fire pit while the officials bark-out instructions. A horn sounds and we all make our way through the boats out to ship rock. Kids in their PJ's, parents sipping hot coffee look down into the water from their moorings as we pass below in total silence. After about an hour of paddling the sun starts to push into view. There was a good cloud cover and not a hint of wind. The paddleair was feeling great, I made a few adjustments in the first hour letting some short burst of air out using the valve. Three hours into the race I had to let more air out. It was as if the air was expanding in the bladder. My back felt good with the extra support from the layer of air. After about six hours of paddling I knew I was going to finish, keeping my arms moving was all I could think about. Washing up on shore I was greeted by other paddlers as well as family and friends. The paddleair product worked for me and kept me comfortable during the seven plus hours I spent paddling.

Thanks for the support...

Rich Harbour
Seal Beach, California

Since the beginning of Harbour Surfboards in 1959, I have seen many innovations in this industry. The Paddle Air is truly unique, and stands with the best of them. I suffer from osteoarthritis and my lower back is my most severe area of pain. Arching the back to paddle without some kind of support is not an option. I recently began to train for a local race on a 12 foot paddle board and was resting my head on the foam rubber pad located on the board. This created jaw and neck strain, depending on which I rested, my chin or forehead. Once I got my Paddle Air, it supported my upper body's weight, so no more strain or pain. I highly recommend the Paddle Air.
Rich Harbour

Doug Healy
California

I just returned from Australia and used the Paddle air on the North Shore in Noosa where we have a house. IT WAS FANTASTIC! Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go out a couple of days in a row to check the benefit on the old ribs but I found it easy to use and very comfortable.
I also have a bad neck (getting old is a bitch) and I found that the paddle air kept my head up with NO effort and made it considerably easier to paddle. This sure beats a the little piece of neoprene I use to stuff under my rash shirt.

Gary Sahagen
Huntington Beach, California

Hi Dave,
Here is that picture that Karl Kraushaar took of me surfing the HB Pier. Keep up the good work. The PaddleAir has helped me with my aching back. I feel much better after a session when I use the vest. I have a good boost for catching waves with the vest. I had to make a promise that I would not wear it at the pier as I already catch too many waves. Geez, what are they saying?

Later,
Gary 'Da Seahag' Sahagen

Wayne Ribnick
Malibu, California

This is my second one, (first one still works, I need a spare). Don't want to have to surf without it.

Thanks,
Wayne Ribnick

Miguel Plaza
Lima, PERU

My name is Miguel Plaza and I am from Lima, PERU ;I started surfing in 1962 and been in competition during the 60ths, in Peruvian International Contest, National Contest and Peru 65, San Diego 66 and Puerto Rico 68 WORLD CONTESTS and been visiting Hawaii since 1965. My last competition in Hawaii was the HLSA at Sunset Beach, coming in 5th place in the 50& Over Division in 1995. (Longboard Magazine Aug/Sept Volume 3 Number 3) I also participated at the Rabbit Kekae in Costa Rica, coming in 2nd. in the Kahuna's Division 1997. I got 1st place in the two last Peruvian Legends, here in Peru. Now at the age of 60 , I started having pain in my lower back after surfing and this was starting to keep me out of the waves.

I got a Paddle Air from my friend Rajan from Hawaii, that came for surfing late March this year to Peru and since then I have been using it with extraordinary results, since I have no more stress on my back and also makes my paddling easier.

I just got back from Hawaii, were I went to celebrate my 60th. birthday with my good friends Joe Cabell, Fred Hemmings, Ricky Grigg, Ricardo Pomar, Clyde Aikau, Rajan Watumull, Randy Rarick and many others that made it possible in a cocktail party at the Outrigger Canoe Club.

We have been surfing the swell that just hit the south shore and the following week some Sunset Point. My big challenge was to paddle paddle from Sunset to Waimea and finished with no stress in my lower back. Now ,I can say like Mr. Bing Copeland said :I would highly recommend Paddle Air, for anyone who wants to make paddling easier.

Yours truly,
Miguel Plaza

Dean R. Robertson

I got my Paddleair "Insider" a couple weeks ago. It works exactly as advertised, and I'm extremely pleased. I'm about the same age, 55, as most of the guys that you've already heard from and I'm here to tell you that I was out in the water an hour longer, and caught several more waves last Sunday, than my stepson who is 19, mostly because of the advantage your product gave me.

And I had no neck or ribcage soreness afterward. This is an excellent product.

The only "complaint" I have is that the large size I bought is a bit too tight for me. If/when I buy another, I'll get an XL.

Tim Cassidy

Hey guys here is a shot of a 62 year old guy (me) @ Punta Mango, El Salvador wearing your "Paddle Air" rash guard. We were in the Wild East for 10 days in surf that rarely got below 6' and was frequently well over head, consequently really giving your product a work out. I know that Paddle Air most certainly extended my surfing time as I had really sore ribs even before we arrived and they actually improved by the end of the trip. Most days were double sessions at either Punta Mango or at Las Flores.
Thanks for a truly great product,
Tim Cassidy

Lester B. Waddel
Washington, DC

Professional review of the PaddleAir:

I ordered a PaddleAir the week prior to paddling a race that was twice the distance that I had previously raced. An adjustable inflated bag worn under a garment to relax the back muscles. It sounded good, I needed something to ease the stress that would be imposed on my back during the prolonged prone paddling. During the first test of the inflatable device I found that it provided much more than just back stress and pain relief.

When paddling on a board, using either double or single arm, a surfer must arch the back in order to raise the shoulders high enough for the recovery of the arms. This causes: 1. A straight arm recovery that I believe is the major cause of many shoulder complaints with surfers and... 2. Tightening of the gleuts and paraspinals causing over use and strain of those muscles, compression of the lumbar disc and pinching of spinal nerves with possible associated radiating pain.

Use of the PaddleAir raises the chest pneumatically. Which eases the strain on the gleuts and paraspinal muscles allowing pain free or longer paddle/surf session. The 'bag' that is inflated not only raises the chest to allow for higher shoulders for easier arm recovery but, when single arm paddling, enables the paddler to rotate much like a swimmer to get each arm higher out of the water on the recover. This higher recovery, I believe, will reduce shoulder complaints and injuries of anyone using this device.

Jim
Punta Rocas, Peru

Hey Dave, here's a shot (from November) of your vest in action. Truthfully, I don't use it for back or neck support, only (with a teeny bit of air) to pad my sternum ... where the bone protrudes, hence I get a "surf knot" in the middle of my chest, which my double thick wetsuits don't help. Since getting my Paddle Air, the bump has almost disappeared. Was surfing with Miguel Plaza week before last and I can tell you, he IS using it to help his back. Problems? Only that in surf the size of the photo, during wipeouts, the hose usually comes over my head ... inconvenient, but not dangerous. Anyway, we have waves like this where I surf (Punta Rocas, south of Lima) almost every weekend. I'm stoked. Thanks for the product, and hey, come visit!!

PS: I'm a Year One Baby Boomer - turn 60 next month.

Bill Loveland
Newport Beach, California

The PaddleAir is a terrific invention! Before I purchased one, I typically could surf only once a week as lower back strain from paddling prevented me from surfing consecutive days and limited the duration of my surf sessions when I did go out. Now that has all changed; the PaddleAir permits me to get up the next morning after a surf outing and not have the same stiffness and lower back pain. As a result I can surf longer each time I surf and much more frequently. I'd highly recommend anyone try this product who has had problem(s) with their back but does not want to give up surfing altogether. PaddleAir allows you to get off the beach and back onto the waves!

Wyatt Werneth
Cocoa Beach, Florida

My best friend just completed a massive paddle up Florida's east coast. Check out whereswyatt.com. He fits the true definition of Waterman; surfer, diver, Professional Lifeguard Chief, etc.. The Web site goes into greater detail about his accomplishment but there is one footnote that is missing. While preparing for this endeavor, a friend loaned him your product (Wyatt is a true surfer in every meaning of the word, always trying to get stuff for free or by borrowing it.................). He wore it for the entire paddle and said it was a true life saver.

Bob Jakucs
El Segundo, California

I'm a 57 year old surfer with both back and neck problems (Bulging Discs). The Paddle Air has made all the difference for me in the water. It relieves the tension and strain from prolonged paddling. This is the 3rd one I've bought and I don't go in the water without one. It's also great for those who get a sore rib cage from prolonged lying on the board. The Paddle Air provides the buffer between the rib cage and the board, hence no more pain. Thanks for the great product.

Tom Ferro
Pacifica, California

Tried out my new paddle air this afternoon. My back was a little sore today and I wasn't sure if I should surf or not.Well,I went out for just a quick session and my back didn't bother me one bit. All the stress is taken off of my back,it was great.You guys rock.

Paula Galbraith
Carpentia, California

After having whiplash as a child I have struggled with neck problems most of my surfing life. The Paddle Air absolutely elements any pressure on my neck. It has kept me active, young and able to surf with out pain.

James Pike
Portland, Oregon

Thank for returning my call, I've been using float-ies in my paddleair rashguard. It works, but not as good as paddleair bladder. I've been using them since March. I hope you know how much your product mean[s] to me....i have a birdchest, like a lot of surfer[s] I know. I need more than one air bladder for Mexico this summer. Thanks again.

Ken Hatfield
San Diego, California

I'm just another aging guy who has tried your product and must say that it has put me back into the water.

A year ago I weighed well over 300 pounds, had failing health, and was leading a very sedimentary life. Since then I have dropped aver 140 pounds and, along with my wife have totally changed my lifestyle. Hiking, jogging, ocean kayaking, and mountain biking are all activities we enjoy; however, growing up in San Diego surfing I've wanted to get back into that sport for years but lacked the flexibility and energy to do so. Once the weight was off all attempts to surf were met with bruises all along my ribcage due to the lack of cushion (fat) that I had carried for years. In addition I lacked the muscle tone in my back to properly arch while paddling.

A friend pointed out your product in a surf magazine so I bought one and must say it has provide me the tool required to rejoin the sport. Even the first experience with your product provided me with a couple of hours of pain free paddling and put me in a position to catch several waves. While I still have a long way to go to become a good surfer your product has put me well on the track to success.

Thank you so much for your product. You have a customer for life.