Paddle Length is Critical to Paddling Performance

Selecting your SUP paddle length measured from tip to grip is critical regarding your ability to manage the paddle, apply power to the blade and avoid shoulder injury. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect science, and while there are several suggestions for a starting point for selecting a paddle length, they are far from definitive or accurate on a case-by-case basis. One urban myth suggested a ‘Shaka’ height above a head height of around 6 inches (15cm), which has no rational explanation but might be a good starting point. The wide range of variance in advice is enough to make you cautious that all factors are not being considered. One thing is sure – the length of the paddle from tip to grip has shortened significantly over the past ten years – the shorter the better is now the maximum!

Differing Paddle Lengths for Different Situations

When cruising, you tend to adopt a more upright, relaxed stance, which lends to a longer paddle length. When racing, you will want to ‘get over the stroke’, which promotes a shorter length paddle, though race boards are generally thicker, so the paddle is shorter relative to board thickness. When surfing, a lowered centre of gravity stance and thinner board thickness lends itself to the shortest paddle possible. High stroke rates and a lowered centre of gravity will warrant the shorter paddle when paddling downwind. As an extreme example, the rougher the water, the more this becomes the accepted approach, especially in whitewater river SUP paddling.

Consider Your Arm Length

The primary problem with vague measurements is that they fail to account for the length of the paddler’s arms. Two paddlers of equal height can and will mostly have differing arm lengths. Does that mean they have the same paddle lengths regardless? This then becomes a factor for consideration.

Accounting for Board Thickness

Paddleboard thickness varies (especially between hardboards and some inflatable paddleboards), especially between boards for SUP surfing and SUP racing, varying by up to and over 4”, which puts you higher or lower relative to the water at blade entry.

What is the Optimal SUP Paddle Length?

The most plausible selection of an appropriate paddle length is as follows:

Begin with the grip 6 inches (15cm) above head height when the blade tip is placed on the ground.
When paddling on flat water and exercising good technique and form at about 60 – 70% effort, note the following:

"When the blade is fully immersed (water level just below where the shaft meets the top of the blade - called the 'neck'), and the shaft travels to the point of being vertical, your top and lower hands will be 'hand over hand' (stacked); at this point, your top (upper) hand should be near level with forehead or eyes and your top arm elbow, more or less level with your shoulder."

If, at this point in the paddling phase, your top arm is above head height, your paddle is too long, and it will encourage shoulder injury, and you must take steps to make it shorter.

This is easy to correct and adjust if you have an adjustable paddle. If you have a one-piece paddle, think hard before cutting – measure twice - cut once - test by securing the handle with duct tape and using it before applying marine epoxy to glue it into place. If you need to remove it, a hair dryer will tend to soften the epoxy for removal if it needs to be re-cut at some point.