SUP Gear Series - the Paddle

(This series' goal is to be educational and explore the basic SUP gear and considerations when purchasing new gear. Today we will examine the paddle, your connection to the water.)

The paddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). It's what propels the board through the water and helps you maintain balance on the board. With so many different types of paddles available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Today, we'll discuss the different types, shapes, weights, and other information you need to know about SUP paddles to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Paddles:

• Fixed-Length Paddles: These paddles are set to a specific length and cannot be adjusted. This paddle provides a little more rigidity and is slightly lighter because there are no other parts or joints. Many high-end paddlers and racers will use fixed paddle lengths.

• Adjustable Paddles: These paddles have an adjustable shaft, allowing you to change the length to suit your height and paddling style. This is often for a paddler that may want different lengths depending on what type are paddling they are doing on a particular day; touring, racing, surfing, etc.

• Travel Paddles: These paddles can be broken down into multiple pieces (normally 3) for easy transportation. They are ideal for paddlers who travel frequently or have limited storage space. Often a low-cost inflatable SUP package from Amazon or another company will come with a 3-piece paddle.

• No matter what your paddle type make sure you have the paddle sized correctly or it is adjustable. The correct paddle length will be critical to longer and more enjoyable paddle sessions. Click here to learn the proper length of your paddle.

Paddle Materials and Paddle Weight:

During a two-hour paddle session, an average individual will execute a couple of thousand paddle strokes, which can lead to quick fatigue if using a heavy paddle. This is why experienced paddlers often choose to invest in the lightest paddle they can afford. The weight of a (SUP) paddle primarily depends on the materials used in its construction.

The choice of material for your paddle also plays a significant role in determining its stiffness and overall weight. A stiff paddle offers superior efficiency in transferring the power generated by your stroke.

When considering the options for paddle materials, it's important to keep in mind the following factors:

• Weight: If you engage in racing or are out paddling on extended tours (many hours at a time), opting for a light paddle will be advantageous. However, if you only paddle occasionally throughout the season, weight may not be your primary concern.

• Budget: It's essential to factor in your desired expenditure. Lightweight materials such as carbon tend to be more expensive compared to heavier alternatives like aluminum and plastic. The more expensive paddles are worth it but a $450 price tag often turns people off to carbon fiber paddles.

• Flexibility: Stiff paddles can potentially cause strain on your muscles and joints. If you have a history of shoulder, arm, or wrist injuries, it might be beneficial to select a paddle that offers some degree of flex. Talk to your local board shop to learn more about a particular paddle’s flexibility.

Material Types:

• Plastic: Typically found in the blades and grips of entry-level paddles, plastic offers durability and affordability. It is often paired with an aluminum shaft to provide a cost-effective option for beginner paddlers.

• Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and reasonably priced material used primarily in the shafts of SUP paddles. While not as light or stiff as fiberglass or carbon fiber, aluminum shafts, when combined with plastic blades, make for an excellent choice for those new to the sport. There a ton of options from dozens of companies available here on Amazon.

• Fiberglass: Offering a great balance between weight and stiffness, fiberglass is frequently employed in the shaft and/or blade of SUP paddles. It provides efficient power transfer and is slightly less stiff than carbon fiber. Paddles featuring fiberglass construction tend to be more expensive than aluminum/plastic alternatives but remain more affordable than carbon fiber options. These are generally in the $200 range, here is a listing from Amazon for fiberglass paddles.

• Carbon Fiber: Considered the pinnacle of paddle materials, carbon fiber is incredibly lightweight and rigid. Although it carries a higher price tag, the weight savings can be advantageous for avid long-distance paddlers. Carbon fiber delivers exceptional power transfer, ensuring optimal performance. High-end paddles feature carbon fiber throughout the shaft and blade, while more affordable designs often incorporate a composite construction, such as a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass or a carbon fiber shaft paired with a fiberglass blade. If you consider that you may perform the paddle stroke over 1000 times in an hour of paddling, you will realize that a lighter more efficient paddle will decrease your fatigue and help you paddle longer. These paddles will run you more than $300, and are well worth every bit of money you invest in them. Companies like BlackProjectSUP, Quickblade, Infinity SUP, and Earth River SUP are top-of-the-line and specialize in making paddles. For this level of paddle, definitely talk to your local SUP board shop for the best choice for you.

• Wood: Some SUP paddles showcase an elegant construction entirely made of wood, while others utilize a veneer on the blade. Wood paddles are visually appealing, although they may sometimes be heavier and costlier compared to paddles made from other materials.

Shapes of Paddles:

• Blade Shape: SUP paddle blades come in different shapes, including teardrop, rectangular, and rounded. Teardrop-shaped blades provide better power and control, while rectangular-shaped blades are better for casual paddling. Rounded blades are a compromise between the two.

• Blade Angle: The angle of the blade affects the efficiency of your stroke. A higher angle (around 12-14 degrees) is better for faster paddling, while a lower angle (around 8-10 degrees) is better for longer endurance paddling.

• Blade Size: The size of the blade affects the amount of power you can generate with each stroke. Larger blades are better for more powerful paddlers, while smaller blades are better for smaller or less experienced paddlers. But the trade-off is that the larger the blade size the heavier your paddle will become.

(It is really easy to get stuck in the weeds on the highly technical issues around blade shape and blade angle, and how much efficiency you will get out of the paddle by changing the angle or the entry point into the water, but this post is not about that. Most of this kind of super technical talk only matters if you are racing and every second and every stroke counts, but if that is interesting to you, there are plenty of resources online about this topic or visit your local board shop).

Other Considerations:

• Grip: The grip of the paddle should be comfortable and provide a good grip for the size of your hand. Some paddles come with a textured grip, while others have a smooth grip.

• Shaft Diameter: The diameter of the shaft affects the comfort of your grip. Thicker shafts are better for more powerful paddlers, while thinner shafts are better for smaller or less experienced paddlers (like kids).

• There are kid-sized paddles if you are looking to get your child paddling on their own. Many of the paddle's smallest sizes will fit a 5’ person, so kids will need a smaller kid-friendly paddle. Check out this option on Amazon.

• Brand: There are many different brands of SUP paddles available. Some of the top brands include Earth River SUP, BlackProjectSUP, Quickblade, and Kialoa. Talk to your local SUP shop for this level of paddle brands.

Selecting the right SUP paddle can be crucial to increasing your paddling experience. Similarly to purchasing a board, you will get what you pay for. There is a reason that expensive paddles are expensive, they are worth it. Consider the type, shape, weight, and other information to help you choose the best paddle for your paddling style and skill level. A good paddle will help you maintain proper form, increase efficiency, and reduce fatigue, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water to the fullest. If all of this is overwhelming (which I totally understand) visit your local SUP board shop, they are full of knowledge and expertise and happy to help you out.

(One of the things I love about outdoor adventure activities is the gear. I even started a Facebook group/page called OutdoorsyGearDeals (click to follow) to share discounts and sales on outdoor adventure gear. I love to look at, learn about, buy, and use all kinds of outdoor equipment. And in the world of Paddleboarding, it is no different. I love to learn about why gear is designed a certain way and even give feedback to companies on ways to improve the product. )