How to choose a paddle for a paddleboard

You can have the best board, but without a good paddle, you can actually make your life a lot harder.

To find the right SUP paddle for you, keep these points in mind:

Paddle construction - number of paddle parts

Be sure to choose an adjustable paddle for starters. Thanks to this, you can easily find the right length and change it when you rent a float with paddles.

The first question is whether the paddle should have one division (2pcs, VARIO) or two divisions (3pcs, COMPACT).

Think about whether you really need to put the paddle in a backpack with a paddleboard or in the trunk of a car.

Although folding paddles are very practical and especially when traveling by plane, you can't do without them, but it's an extra clutch, i.e. weight and a change in the mast's deflection.

So the answer is that if you don't need to fold the paddle below 1 m in length, choose a two-part paddle instead, you will save weight and money. If you often fly on vacation with a paddleboard or want to carry the paddle in the trunk of your car, choose the three-piece COMPACT.

Fixed-length one-piece paddles are preferred by racers and professionals. A one-piece paddle is lighter and has the right shaft deflection.

Paddleboard materials.

You can find paddles in many price ranges. The price is usually related to the material and the resulting weight of the entire paddle. To begin with, we definitely choose paddles with a more durable blade, i.e. usually plastic, which does not mind contact with stones in the water. We therefore look for a lightening pole, which is suitable from some kind of composite (for example, fiberglass, carbon, etc.). The weight of the paddle is the main indicator of the quality of the paddle. During a day trip, a quality paddle will save you several tons of lifted kilograms.

The materials used in a paddle determine its weight and stiffness. When deciding which paddle material to buy, consider the following factors:

Do I need a light paddle? For long trips or races, definitely yes. If only for occasional rides and fooling around on the water, then really not.
Do I want a hard paddle? Stiff paddles can strain your muscles and joints. So if you have a history of wrist, arm or shoulder injuries, you will want to choose a more flexible paddle.
How much do I want to spend? Light materials like carbon fiber are more expensive than heavier ones like plastic and aluminum.

The most commonly used materials for paddleboard paddles:

Carbon – This is the lightest and stiffest material, which often means it is the most expensive option. However, if you often ride long distances, it is worth the money, because maximum power is transferred from your muscles to the leaf.

Fiberglass - Another excellent lightweight option. This material is used for both stem and leaf. Fiberglass is still stiff, but less stiff than carbon fiber, and more affordable.

Plastic - Used for basic paddles, it is affordable and durable and usually combined with an aluminum shaft.

Aluminum - Often used for sup paddle shafts because it is affordable and light. However, it is not as light or stiff as carbon fiber or fiberglass. The aluminum shaft is often combined with a plastic blade, making it ideal for beginners.

Leaf shape and size

Another important aspect is the shape and size of the leaf. The paddle on the paddleboard should have the blade slightly deviated from the axis of the pole, and we paddle with this deviation from each other. You do not increase speed and power on a paddleboard with a large blade, but rather with a smaller and higher frequency of paddling. On the other hand, on wild water, you will be better off using a larger sheet, which you will only adjust appropriately to the water.