Selecting a Paddle Board Paddle for Beginners

Being a newbie SUP rider you realize that there are two major components to SUP, the board, and the paddle. You can get the best board out there, but without a paddle you won’t be getting very far. Let’s take a look at how a beginner can find the right paddle and answer some of the common questions that I had when searching for the right SUP paddle for a beginner to get started with SUP.

Do you need a specialized paddle for SUP? If you’re just beginning or just going out to have fun, than it isn’t really necessary. A SUP paddle can be a one size fits all and used interchangeably among friends and family, but it is going to be more optimal to have a paddle that is the appropriate size for your body to create the best experience.

How heavy is a SUP paddle?

I had no idea how heavy a SUP paddle was or if it was better to get a paddle that was lighter or with a little more weight to it. You might think having a lighter paddle would be easier to manage, or that maybe having a little more weight could give you more control.

When doing some research, I couldn’t find anything that stated that varying paddle weights affected the overall experience, unless you are racing, because obviously the heavier the paddle the more work it is going to be to use it.

Here are the different types of materials used for SUP paddle blades.

• • Wood– These paddles look awesome, but do have a little bit more weight averaging around 1-2lbs depending on how much wood is used in the paddle. Many of them incorporate Carbon Fiber to make them lighter. The price tag is a little heftier around $99-$300.

• • Aluminum– This material tends to be the cheapest options. It’s probably ok for beginners, but one that may not last very long. It does have a little more weight averaging around 2lbs with a price range at $19.99-$59.99.

• • Fiberglass– This is the mid-range option if you are looking for a little more quality, but don’t need something super light. It weighs in around 2lbs with a price range of $45-$150.

• Carbon Fiber– It is the lightest possible material for a SUP paddle. This is what you are looking for if you are into racing or going long distance on your SUP. It weighs a measly 1lb or less with a price range of $99-$300

What size SUP paddle should I get?

Determining the length of your SUP paddle is again going to be based on what you want to do with your SUP. Getting a paddle that is a little shorter in length works well for those that are gearing towards surfing, since you are stooping down more when going out to catch a wave.

SUP racers tend to use a slightly longer paddle. For the everyday SUP riders, a good rule of thumb is getting a paddle that is about 8-10 inches longer than your height. There are also adjustable options, which work well if you want to get a couple to be interchangeable among family members.

I like the idea of getting one adjustable and one custom for you. The ones that are custom to your size tend to be sturdier and a little less weight.

Blade design

Upon closer examination of a few SUP paddles, you’ll notice differences with the shape, angle, and size of the blade. The size of the blade can affect how much power you get with each stroke.

A larger body type is better suited for a larger blade, since they will have more body mass to use more strength for longer strokes. Shorter blades tend to work better for quick strokes using less energy, so maybe better for long distance or racing.

The angle of the blade can also have some impact on the amount of power you get from your strokes and help have a smoother stroke through the water.

Here are some of the blade specs that you should be looking for as a beginner:

• • Blade Size– A larger blade is going to be better for the casual SUP rider who typically uses longer strokes to glide along. If you are of a smaller stature and build, then definitely go with a smaller paddle blade.

• • Rectangular Shape– It’s easier on your upper body and provides a nice smooth stroke.

• Blade Angle– a 10 degree angle is right in the middle and sufficient for just general use.

This is the option that I like for a beginner that has all the basic specs, the fiberglass being the preferred option, due it being lighter and coming with a bag.

BPS Adjustable 2-Piece SUP Paddle with Bag $44.99

< /a>

How do I hold a SUP paddle?

The SUP paddle blade is angled which can make it a little confusing on which direction the blade should be going. While griping the top of the paddle with one hand and gripping the middle of the shaft with your opposite hand, the part of the blade that is angled out should be going the direction you are facing.

If it is flipped the other way, you’ll notice that you are scooping water out, almost like you’re digging. The hand gripping the top should be your inside hand and will switch when you alternate the paddle from side to side.

If paddling when kneeling or sitting, you’ll position your outside hand closer to the blade and inside hand in the middle of the shaft.

How to take care of your paddle?

You want to properly store your paddle. Storing it so it is on a rack or shelf in a horizontal position will help preserve the blade. Resting the paddle upright on it’s blade could lead to chipping of the blade.

You can get a cover to protect the blade when stored and keeping it out of direct sunlight for long periods of time will help your paddle last longer.

There are a lot of different factors that go into a SUP paddle and I hope this provided you with a quick reference to give you a better understanding of what paddle is right for you. The paddle is one of the main parts of your SUP experience, so getting the right one will go a long way in creating an enjoyable beginning to SUP riding.

Please comment below to let us know what you found helpful in this article.

photo credit: sea turtle On the Water via photopin (license)