The ZSS HT (High Twist) series features a twisted teardrop blade, designed and engineered to deliver what we believe is one of the most efficient blade designs on the market.
 
The HT series blade encourages an aggressive, powerful catch while still enabling a very clean exit. Compared to many other blades, a significant portion of its surface area is concentrated toward the entry, with that area remaining fairly constant through the middle section before tapering off quickly. These distinct characteristics allow for a powerful catch that extends through the middle of the stroke, while still ensuring a clean, rapid exit. The pronounced twist in the blade face—between the top and bottom edges—facilitates significant lateral movement away from the boat during the stroke, maximizing the lift force that can be generated.
 
In short, the HT series is designed to encourage paddlers to use the blade to optimize body rotation, maximize early to mid-stroke grip, and exit cleanly.
 
Construction - Pre-preg carbon fibre, the next evolution in blade construction
 
While the majority of blades are constructed using compression molding processes which frequently rely on excess resin to fill voids, the pre-preg construction of the HT series is an example of precise manufacturing. 
 
The Wave Paddle pre-preg construction does not allow for additional resin to fill voids and ensures the high density PVC core and carbon fibre skins are perfectly matched. By doing so excessive resin, which is simply additional weight, and voids that are potential areas for failure or delamination are avoided. Following processing in alloy pressurised and heated molds the blades are coated with a UV resistant matte finish.
 
Construction options:
XLight - 190g per blade - designed for ocean paddling, flat sprint/marathon and those surf lifesaving athletes.
XStrength - 210g per blade - designed for  surf lifesaving athletes who are a little harder on equipment or want a bit more reassurance when impact or poor paddle placement occurs.
 
Blade sizes:
680 - length 49.4cm, width 14.6cm
705 - length 49.8cm, width 15.4cm
720 - length 50.1cm, width 15.6cm
735 - length 50.4cm, width 15.7cm
Please note - Additional sizes in development
 
Recommended sizing:
680 - young male and female sprint and surf paddlers, smaller built males and females
705 - most commonly used ocean ski size for males, suitable for most 15 and over male spec ski paddlers and strongest female spec ski paddlers
720 - male spec ski, male marathon, strong younger male sprint paddlers and female sprint paddlers
735 - stronger male spec ski paddlers, reasonable strength male marathon paddler and stronger female sprint paddlers
*Please note - the above are guidelines only. Please consult your coach or ZSS Paddling Equipment in regards to a more detailed recommendation.
 
Adjustable or fixed length:
All ZSS paddles are available with a hard anodised aluminium (6061) adjustable system (10cm adjustment) or as fixed length. The adjustable system allows for any blade angle from 0° to 90°, right or left. 
 
Shaft options:
XSoft - 100% Basalt Filament Wound, 1.0mm wall thickness - approx. 220g
most flex and relatively impact tolerant
Soft - 20% Carbon/80% Basalt Filament Wound, 1.1mm wall thickness - approx. 220g
flexible but very good impact tolerance
Medium - 100% Carbon Filament Wound, 1.0mm wall thickness - approx. 150g
ultralight with medium stiffness; the ultimate racing shaft
Stiff - 100% Carbon Filament Wound, 1.2mm wall thickness - approx. 200g
stiff with little flex - designed for the strongest athletes using larger blades
*Please note: Stiff shafts only available for blade sizes 720 and above