Technology and Tradition
Together on the Water
Seventeen years ago Dave Chun began building paddles on his parent’s lanai in Kailua, Hawaii. Driven by the need for performance equipment and the desire to “build the best paddles in the world,” Dave began blending Hawaiian craftsmanship with modern technology and produced beautiful Handcrafted Wooden Paddles.
As the demand for lighter equipment arose, Dave responded by developing the Hybrid Canoe Paddle – a paddle that consists of a wood shaft and a wood core with a molded composite blade. Considered radical at their inception, Hybrids are now the standard paddle in Hawaiian outrigger racing.
Dave has always proven to be an innovating leader in the world of paddle design so it was a natural progression for KIALOA to begin producing the first prototype surf paddles to hit the Stand Up Paddle market. This wildly popular and expanding sport has given KIALOA another opportunity to test Dave’s innovation and commitment to quality.
With an expanding line of product, Dave continues to listen to the needs of surfers and paddlers and to strive for a product that excels in its category. Whether it is building a traditional wood outrigger paddle by hand or creating a one of a kind prototype for the next exciting development, he has never lost sight of his roots.
"While the materials with which we build our paddles continue to evolve, all KIALOA paddles are still hand made one at a time in the USA. Our commitment: To combine the best of old world quality with new world innovation bringing you performance equipment that resonates with the energy of the human hand.” – Dave Chun
