0
SUP
inflatables
hardboards
paddles
accessories
outlet
Windsurfing
Boards
sails
accessories
SURFING
Foiling
Foil Boards
Wings
Foils
WaterWear
Wetsuits
Lycra
Bags & Accessories
Lifestyle
Apparel
Functional wear
Hardware
scrapbook
Scrapbook Mistral
Scrapbook Sardinie
Scrapbook Maui
Scrapbook Sardinia
Scrapbook ibiza
Scrapbook mauritius
Scrapbook ameland
Scrapbook Holland
Scrapbook France
Scrapbook Bergen
Scrapbook Bonairenew
Scrapbook Bonaire
Scrapbook Bloemendaal
Scrapbook Norway
Scrapbook Fuerte
Scrapbook HaylingIsland
Scrapbook Denekamp
Scrapbook Borneo
Scrapbook Mango
Scrapbook Apparel
Scrapbook Eighties
Scrapbook Naish
Scrapbook Brazil
Scrapbook Autumn
Scrapbook Honopuni
Scrapbook France
Contact
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
E-mail
SUP
inflatables
hardboards
paddles
accessories
outlet
Windsurfing
Boards
sails
accessories
SURFING
Foiling
Foil Boards
Wings
Foils
WaterWear
Wetsuits
Lycra
Bags & Accessories
Lifestyle
Apparel
Functional wear
Hardware
scrapbook
Scrapbook Mistral
Scrapbook Sardinie
Scrapbook Maui
Scrapbook Sardinia
Scrapbook ibiza
Scrapbook mauritius
Scrapbook ameland
Scrapbook Holland
Scrapbook France
Scrapbook Bergen
Scrapbook Bonairenew
Scrapbook Bonaire
Scrapbook Bloemendaal
Scrapbook Norway
Scrapbook Fuerte
Scrapbook HaylingIsland
Scrapbook Denekamp
Scrapbook Borneo
Scrapbook Mango
Scrapbook Apparel
Scrapbook Eighties
Scrapbook Naish
Scrapbook Brazil
Scrapbook Autumn
Scrapbook Honopuni
Scrapbook France
Contact
0
Search
The paddle
How important is the paddle?
What’s the difference between paddles?
What is the anatomy of a paddle?
What is an adjustable paddle?
So why would I purchase a fixed length paddle?
Should I own more than one fixed length paddle?
Can I still travel with a longer fixed length paddle?
Does the weight of a paddle affect paddling performance?
So a lightweight paddle is preferred?
Is an expensive, lightweight paddle worth investing in?
But I don’t have the budget for lightweight paddle?
What are your cheaper paddles made from?
What are you entry level paddles?
Why would I want a 3 piece paddle?
Shaft flex, why does this matter?
Blade size and area?
What is a low / high aspect paddle?
Do I need a big or small blade?
How does blade area affect paddling?
How long should my paddle be?
What’s the best paddle for general paddling?
Which paddles for racing?
Which paddles for surf?
Junior aged paddles?
River paddling?
How important is the paddle?
‘Super important’, is the answer to this question. The paddle is the tool you use to deliver power to the board and it is the most intimate connection you will have in relation to equipment you invest in. The paddle is the primary apparatus, not just for providing propulsion to the board, but in addition in relation to how you control and steer the board under normal paddling conditions.
What’s the difference between paddles?
Differences vary enormously in relation to materials used or any combination of materials used to fabricate the blade, shaft and handle. There will be differences in weight, flex properties of the shaft, blade shape and size (area) and whether the paddle is designed to be 3, 2 or 1 piece, adjustable or fixed. All of these impact on four major issues; that of performance, price, durability and suitability to your needs.
What is the anatomy of a paddle?
It is composed of the blade, shaft and handle (grip). However the blade then features the tip and edges. The shoulders angle in towards the neck of the blade where it joins the lower shaft. The blade face is the face of the blade that does the work (high pressure) the back of the blade face away from the paddler (low pressure). The blade face may have a raised centre spline called a dihedral. This separates the water out towards the end of the power phase, so as water leaves each side equally. The throat of the shaft is where your lower hand grips, the grip is where your upper hand rests.
What is an adjustable paddle?
An adjustable paddle, permits alteration of length measured from the tip of the blade to the top of the grip. This is important if you wish for the paddle to be used by multiple users, or perhaps if you move between different boards of different thicknesses.
So why would I purchase a fixed length paddle?
Fixed length paddles are usually used by paddlers who use only one board and do not share their equipment or jump between boards. Investment in a fixed length paddle, means that you will measure it to suit and cut and glue the handle to the exact length you require so as it custom fits not just your height, but ultimately your arm span, board thickness and paddling style. Typically, high end paddles tend to be fixed in length as their are weight saving benefits together with improved performance.
Should I own more than one fixed length paddle?
Yes, if you move between boards for different uses; such as racing, surf etc. One length and one design tends never to be so adaptable to be practical in being used between multiple boards and disciplines. It would not be unreasonable to own at least two fixed paddles if you pursue two different SUP disciplines; more if you need spares.
Do inflatables require maintenance?
Yes, most airlines have no issue with sporting items of this length, being similar to longer sets of snow skis. Simply be clear with them, use a padded bag and label as FRAGILE.
Does the weight of a paddle affect paddling performance?
The short answer is ‘Yes’ it does massively. A heavy paddle will not only compromise your paddling efficiency through impacting on technique, but will also slow your paddling stroke down and ultimately bring on the on-set of fatigue very much faster than that of a lightweight, efficient paddle.
So a lightweight paddle is preferred?
Absolutely and it will ensure you will enjoy your paddling far more, fatigue less quickly and see greater return on effort when paddling. If your energy is consumed in simply managing the paddle, you will have less residual energy left in respect of what is required to paddle. This in turn cuts down your water time.
Is an expensive, lightweight paddle worth investing in?
The short answer is ‘Yes’ and indeed they hold their value. The net result of failing to invest in a quality lightweight paddle, will be that you will get far less satisfaction from your board than you hoped. The board will not paddle itself and therefore investing in a heavy, inexpensive paddle, will in fact compromise your board’s potential and your level of enjoyment.
But I don’t have the budget for lightweight paddle?
Initially, you must set out during the board / paddle investment process, with the paddle being important, not secondary and almost irrelevant. Good retailers, coaches and mentors, will tell you the paddle is the most important item you will purchase and that the board is actually secondary. If you do not have a good means of propulsion, the boards performance merits will become secondary regardless. At the very least, have the mindset that the paddle is important and invest in the best that you can possibly afford!
What are your cheaper paddles made from?
We use fibreglass for our economy paddles, carbon / fibreglass composite mix for our mid range priced paddles and all carbon for our high end paddles. We do not use alloy shafts as these are truly terrible for your joints, inflexible and take away from the paddling experience.
What are you entry level paddles?
We have the Kanoa for adult use, which features a fibreglass shaft and polycarbonate blade, while for junior paddles, we have our Tamarii paddle. These feature non-twist adjustable shafts for 2019. These are as light as you can expect in a quality economy paddle that is both durable and practical.
Why would I want a 3 piece paddle?
Particularly handy if you want to fit everything within your inflatable travel bag.
Shaft flex, why does this matter?
Due to the length of the shaft, flex is an inevitable characteristic. This being said, too much will lead to inefficient blade performance and a loss of energy delivery, too little will create a somewhat dead feel to the paddle and the possibility of injury, while somewhere in-between is ideal. Marginal flex that is not excessive is really what your are seeking and this we have assured in all our shafts without getting into too much detail. In short, either ends of spectrum of too much and too little flex, is not a characteristic that any paddle seeks out.
Blade size and area?
Blade size is simply a factor of measuring the surface area of the blade, however an over-looked consideration is in relation to a blades overall height (blade tip to neck) and width (max edge to edge). Blade area may seem important, however it is more important to consider blade shape in relation to whether the blade is high or low aspect. Our blades are offered in both formats and detailed at the site.
What is a low / high aspect paddle?
This will have its widest point, below the mid point height of the blade while a high aspect blade, will have its widest point mid way or even above the mid point. Low aspect paddles are very good for rough water conditions where blade depth will vary. High aspect paddles are excellent for flatter conditions and in particular suit the taller paddler.
Do I need a big or small blade?
An overused quote reads, ’The size of a SUP Paddle’s blade can be compared directly to the gears on a bike: the higher the gear or the smaller the blade, the less effort each stroke requires with less forward motion generated.’ As convenient an analogy as this may sound, it is fundamentally incorrect on account of the fact the blade performs best when it remains stationary (anchored) in the water and therefore it matters not as to the blades surface area, but more how you use it. If you use a smaller blade, you need to paddle with more aggression in order to anchor the blade in the same way, which leads to a higher stroke rate, but in no way can it be assumed that less effort will be required.
How does blade area affect paddling?
A larger blade area encourages a slower stroke rate, due largely to the drag required to exit the paddle, recover and re-enter and in fact requires less effort and ‘speed’ in order to anchor the blade. This may seem counter intuitive, however learner paddlers are better suited to using larger blade areas, as they lack both power and speed to anchor a smaller blade for the same result. The attraction for smaller blades for experienced paddlers, are higher potential stroke rates, less drag on exit, lighter paddles and ease of handling.
How long should my paddle be?
There are many confusing suggestions. The best rule is simply that when paddling, your top hand should be between your nose and forehead height when mid-way through the stroke. Critically, you do not want your top hand to be so high, that your elbow goes much above the level of your shoulder in order to avoid shoulder injury.
What’s the best paddle for general paddling?
Buy a fixed length paddle if only for your use to ensure maximum performance and enjoyment. If you have a family and want to budget for one paddle, opt for a 2 piece adjustable. If travelling with an iSUP, consider our 3 piece. Ultimately you may need more than one paddle for differing situations.
Which paddles for racing?
Our Gold Paddles have been highly prized and successful and represent a very competitive cost / performance investment. While bespoke makers will make claim to many fancy design features, the reality is simple in that there are few gimmicks that work when it comes to blade shape and therefore stick to the what is known to work and you will be assured of reliability and performance. Our Gold paddles and Keanu are low aspect ‘tear drops’ ideal for rough water racing and surf use, while our Ulani, Makani are high aspect paddles suitable for flat water racing and cruising.
Which paddles for surf?
Our Gold and Keanu paddle.
Junior aged paddles?
Ensuring children have the best start in SUP is essential. They must have the correct paddle as a matter of priority. It is not OK that they use an adult paddle. See our Tamarii paddle which has been especially designed.
River paddling?
We recommend the Kanoa which has the a polycarbonate blade.
Stay informed
Newsletter
Share this
The Mistral website use functional cookies to ensure an optimal experience when visiting our website. We also track the use of our website by placing analytical cookies, with those we can trace (anonymous) user patterns. For other cookies you have to give us your permission. By accepting this cookie message you accept social media cookies, allowing you to share content from the Mistral website and watch embedded video's of Facebook and Youtube. These cookies allows other parties to track your surfing behaviour on the internet. Read more about this in our
cookie statement
.
ACCEPT
REJECT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Close
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.