The paddle is just as important of a tool as the board and sometime's over looked Equally import is the length, not only to ones technique, but also for your body’s wellness.
Too tall and you will place more pressure on your shoulder and arm joints as well as not have efficient power.
Too short and you risk lower back issues with bad posture and again not have efficient power.
(See more on Paddling Techniques for how this all sets up in proper use.)
However the other twist on this is once you find the correct paddle height for your size, the type of board size and style of paddle you do, can play a roll in your paddle height.
1) For surfing use, we are on boards traditionally thinner and since in surf you are more switching sides and in a crouched technique more often; therefore; a shorter size. We find as better , rule of thumb, 3-6” over height.
2) For touring and racing style paddling we are on boards that are traditionally thicker.
We would use a paddle on the longer side rule of thumb, 8-10” over height.
Quick Rule for all uses that you can’t go wrong is one “Shaka” over your height.
Blade size: We are finding that blade size is best at the 9”-8” bigger for stronger people or “slow twitch” style use and Smaller for Small people or “ Fast Twitch” style use.
Lastly as you can see if you are involved in more than one discipline of SUP, you will find you having 2 paddles.
Paddles are personal preference and it is recommended you try more than one brand. As many have different shafts and blade configurations, Flex and blade design, remember SUP is a planning hull and is not same as canoeing which is a displacement Hull , therefore look for the best tool designed sport specific for SUP.
The correct tool and size will help increase your learning curve as well as offer you fitness.
WORDS AND IMAGES COURTESY OF TODD BRADLEY & C4 WATERMAN
