The right paddle length is one of the key things that ensure safe and efficient paddling. Paddling with a paddle that is too long can be uncomfortable, and the extra length won't let you perform all phases of the stroke correctly. A paddle that is too short, on the other hand, will make you lean forward too much to submerge the whole blade in the water, which is not only uncomfortable but can also throw you off balance. You can find tips on choosing the right paddle length in another of our posts: “The right paddle length”.
Remember that paddle length depends on the paddler's height, so what suits a tall person may be completely uncomfortable for a shorter one. So if you've decided you won't lend your paddle to anyone and will always paddle only in your chosen style (touring, surf or racing), you can choose a fixed-length paddle. These paddles are the lightest on the market, as they have no extra adjustment parts that add weight. They are usually sold very long, and the paddler has to cut them down to the right length. But if you plan to share the paddle with family members or friends, or you are looking for paddles for a rental business that may be visited by customers of all ages and heights, we recommend adjustable paddles. The upper part of these paddles can be lengthened or shortened depending on the paddler's height and paddling style.
The materials a paddle is made of determine its stiffness and weight. In two hours on the water a paddler makes thousands of strokes. Paddling with a heavy paddle is much harder than with a lighter one. A paddle that is too heavy can not only tire you out faster, but the extra load can also lead to muscle inflammation (this is especially important if you are wondering which paddle to buy for a child). That's exactly why experienced paddlers choose paddles made from the lightest possible materials. However, lighter paddles usually cost a lot more. The material also matters when it comes to stiffness. A stiff paddle helps you generate more power during the stroke and so makes your paddling more efficient.
Before choosing a paddle material, it's worth considering the following:
The blade is the part of the paddle that has to be in the water during the stroke. Its surface area can affect how much water you catch, i.e. how efficiently you perform the stroke. Its shape can affect how it exits the water and turns, i.e. how easily you perform the final phases of the stroke. In the end, all of this can affect how long and how fast you paddle.
Admittedly, only practice and trying out different blades can help you find the one you like best and that suits your paddling style. So if you are a beginner, don't hesitate to contact SUP schools or rental companies where you can try out various paddles.
There is a common view on the market that a bigger paddler needs a bigger blade and a smaller paddler a smaller one. However, this applies to beginners paddling for fun, not to those aiming for better results in the sport or adventures on long trips. This idea came about because a bigger blade requires more strength, so SUP schools and rental companies began assigning blades based on the paddler.
For advanced paddlers, however, it's recommended to choose the blade size according to the activity and type of paddling. A bigger blade has more contact with the water, which makes it useful in waves and lets you change direction quickly and easily. For long trips or races that require speed and endurance, it's better to choose a smaller blade – it's lighter, so it helps you save energy and stroke faster.
The shape of the blade affects how the paddle moves through the water and how much power it generates. At first glance the differences between blade shapes may seem small, but the more you paddle and improve your technique, the more clearly you will feel them.
There are two main blade shapes: teardrop and rectangular.
The blade angle describes the angle at which the blade is tilted relative to the shaft. It shows how vertical the blade is. This affects how the blade moves through the water and how much power it generates. You can try to find the angle that's most comfortable for you, but among sports professionals the following scale has become established, showing which angle suits each paddling style best:
