Black Project’s 2022 SUP Paddle Collection

I am proud to announce Black Project’s 2022 collection of high-performance SUP paddles.

With a dynamic combination of cutting-edge technology and real-world feedback from our team of professional paddlers, each paddle has been meticulously designed and tested to ensure the highest quality and ultimate on-water performance.

For 2022, we’ve focused our energy on product development. With competitive racing slow to return, we took advantage of unprecedented access to athletes on Maui by dedicating countless hours into research and development. With NINE paddles in this year’s range—our biggest collection ever—we’re able to deliver superior performance and unmatched quality for all paddlers—from first-timers to World Champions. 

I’ll see you on the water. 

Black Project SUP Founder, Chris Freeman @chrisk97 

3 NEW PADDLES FOR 2022 

We’re thrilled to announce three brand new paddles in 2022 – the Hydro SprintX, the Hydro TempoX and the Pure—expanding our range and appealing to a wide variety of paddling enthusiasts.

A dedicated sprint paddle designed to give athletes a competitive advantage, the Hydro SprintX was designed in collaboration with APP World Champion Arthur Arutkin (@arthurarutkin). Its proprietary design delivers instant power and promotes higher cadence strokes for blistering speed. 

For recreational speedsters and fitness enthusiasts, we created the Hydro TempoX. Incorporating both Advanced Flow and Power Scoop technology, this innovative design rewards paddlers with a silky- smooth stroke and exceptional paddling performance.

Finally, the new Pure gets its trusted shape from the Lava, while achieving a surprisingly low price-point thanks to its 35% carbon construction. This entry-level paddle is ideal for new paddlers or those looking for a first upgrade.

NEW POWER-GRIP RACING HANDLE

Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort, we are proud to introduce our new PowerGrip SUP Handle. Designed specifically for our high-tech trio of Hydro paddles, this handle instantly improves each paddle by creating more power and better comfort.

The PowerGrip is triangular in nature, with a wider, flatter and more upright back than our previous handles. The slightly curved back fits naturally in your palm, while the indentation on the front adds comfort and security when wrapping your fingers and helps maintain grip when the paddle is rotated forward. The combined features of the new PowerGrip ensure that it remains comfortable during longer races and workouts, while maximizing energy transfer to promote efficient paddling and speed. 

HYDRO FLOW-X SETS 24-HOUR WORLD RECORD

Equipped with our Hydro FlowX, endurance paddler Niek Van Der Linde broke the 24-hour SUP distance record by paddling 204.27 kilometers in 23 hours, 45 minutes and 27 seconds during the SUP 11-City Non-Stop race. Niek credited the paddle’s light weight and innovative blade design with being essential to maintain his fast pace (8.6km/h average) for all 204 kilometers.

Beyond setting new records, Hydro FlowX continues to rack up overwhelmingly positive reviews from professional and amateur paddlers, alike. The overall response to the Hydro FlowX has been humbling and confirms our original goal—redefining what a paddle stroke feels like.

We’ll see you on the water.

A NEW BREED OF PADDLE FOR SPRINTING & SHORT DISTANCE RACING

The first paddle made specifically for sprinting and short-distance races. The Hydro SprintX was designed to help paddlers push their limits with maximum acceleration and top speed.

Every feature of this paddle is optimized for speed and winning races. With a 7.5° blade angle, a shallower power pocket, and a wider and more compact blade outline––your first stroke will generate an instant burst of acceleration. We also reduced the blade volume to speed up entry and exit, helping you maintain an extremely fast cadence for sprinting.

We designed a new tapered shaft with a high kick point flex pattern to keep stiffness in the lower portion of the shaft for instant power under extreme load, while the more flexible top section creates increased spring and reduces shoulder fatigue. The new PowerGrip ergonomic racing handle ensures that your hand remains secure during rapid paddling and comfortable during long training sessions. 

Utilizing our Advanced Flow with Power Scoop technology and built with 30T carbon and Kevlar, this is the fastest and most responsive paddle on the market. If you are serious about winning, the Hydro SprintX belongs in your paddle quiver. 

ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)

  • The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
  • Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
  • Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.

SHALLOW POWER SCOOP (SPS)

  • Features a single shallow scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face. 
  • Increases stroke power and delivers instant acceleration from start line.
  • Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.

TEXCARBON 30T CONSTRUCTION

  • The lightest, strongest, and most technologically advanced paddle construction we’ve ever used.
  • Utilizes 30T intermediate modulus carbon—25% lighter than regular carbon.
  • High-end material allowed us to reduce weight and increase strength.
  • Result is a much more responsive and high-performance paddle.

POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE

  • New for 2022.
  • Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
  • Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
  • Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
  • Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.

POWER-TAPER SHAFT

  • New for 2022.
  • Tapered shaft with a high kick point flex pattern.
  • Keeps stiffness in the lower portion of the shaft for instant power under extreme load.
  • More flexible top section creates increased spring and reduced shoulder fatigue.

KEY FACTS:

REVOLUTIONARY PADDLE FOR RACING, ENDURANCE, TOURING & FITNESS

The fastest and lightest paddle we’ve ever built for medium and long distances, the Hydro FlowX delivers a reimagined paddling experience that is smoother, easier, and ultimately faster – especially over longer distances.

The neck of the blade features an innovative design – Advanced Flow Technology (AFT) – that reduces turbulence to significantly increase paddle efficiency and enhance smoothness. The Deep Power Scoop (DPS) on the blade face works in harmony with our AFT to deliver increased power in a more controlled and fluid stroke. Additionally, the moderate blade angle of 9.3° makes for a slightly easier catch.

The result is a first-of-its-kind, three-dimensional paddle design that enables you to paddle faster, for longer, with less effort while protecting your body from injury. The extreme speed and endurance capabilities of this paddle were demonstrated by Niek van der Linde, who used the Hydro FlowX to set the 24-hour SUP distance world record – paddling 204 kilometers (126 miles) in 24 hours at the 2021 SUP 11-City Nonstop race.

To achieve the optimal balance, flex, and weight ratios, we overhauled our construction and introduced new materials with a redesigned carbon layup. Despite having a higher blade volume, the Hydro FlowX is approximately 4% lighter (starting at 340 gr. / 12 oz.) than an equivalent size of the original Hydro, thanks to its TEXCARBON 30T construction.

New for 2022 is the addition of our new PowerGrip ergonomic racing handle. This upgrade ensures that your hand remains secure during high-cadence paddling, and comfortable in long-distance training sessions.

Hydro FlowX SUP Paddle

ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)

  • The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
  • Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
  • Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.

DEEP POWER SCOOP (DPS)

  • Features a single deep scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face. 
  • Increases stroke power and delivers forward thrust in a smooth and controlled manner.
  • Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.

TEXCARBON 30T CONSTRUCTION

  • The lightest, strongest, and most technologically advanced paddle construction we’ve ever used.
  • Utilizes 30T intermediate modulus carbon—25% lighter than regular carbon.
  • High-end material allowed us to reduce weight and increase strength.
  • Result is a much more responsive and high-performance paddle.

POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE

  • New for 2022.
  • Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
  • Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
  • Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
  • Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.
Hydro FlowX SUP Paddle

KEY FACTS:

FLAT-WATER PADDLE FOR FITNESS, TOURING & RECREATIONAL RACING

Silky smooth and consistently forgiving, the Hydro TempoX is the ultimate flat-water paddle for fitness and recreational paddling enthusiasts. Ideal for those paddlers looking to take the next step, the Hydro TempoX incorporates DNA from our best-selling Hydro FlowX design to deliver an unparalleled paddling experience, at a reduced price point.

We used our proprietary Advanced Flow and Power Scoop technology to minimize blade movement, resulting in an incredibly smooth and rhythmic paddling experience. The higher 10° blade angle creates a more forgiving catch, further enhancing the feel and comfort of the paddle stroke. This combination of innovative blade design and higher blade angle allows paddlers to find their flow and hone their technique.

Built in our REFLEX100 construction, the Hydro TempoX is lightweight, durable, and responsive for a performance-orientated paddling experience. For increased flex appropriate for smaller paddlers the Medium and Small sizes come with the more flexible REFLEX90 shafts.

The new PowerGrip ergonomic racing handle ensures your hand remains secure during high-cadence paddling bursts and comfortable during long days on the water.

ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)

  • The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
  • Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
  • Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.

MEDIUM POWER SCOOP (MPS)

  • Features a single deep scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face. 
  • Increases stroke power and delivers forward thrust in a smooth and controlled manner.
  • Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.

100% CARBON CONSTRUCTION

  • Premium carbon construction combines unidirectional carbon and 3k carbon twill.
  • Medium and Small sizes come in more flexible REFLEX90 shafts.
  • Large and XL come in our REFLEX100 shafts.
  • Lightweight, durable, and high-performance.

POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE

  • New for 2022.
  • Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
  • Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
  • Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
  • Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.

KEY FACTS:

HIGH-PERFORMANCE PADDLE FOR SUP SURFING AND FOILING

For SUP surfers looking to catch more waves, rip harder, and experience less fatigue during long sessions, the Surge delivers.

The Scooped Dihedral blade bites the water and delivers instant acceleration needed to scratch into set waves or escape the impact zone. To improve stability, the extended tapered scoop ensures you’ll always get a powerful stroke, even if you don’t get the full blade in the water. And with a high power-to-weight ratio and comfortable slim shaft, the Surge has also become a go-to paddle for SUP Foiling.

Thanks to our TEXCARBON construction, the Surge is not only the lightest surf paddle on the market (from 350 gr / 12.35 oz) but also incredibly durable, built to withstand a pounding from the burliest waves. Our smooth blade edges increase safety and blade strength, while also reducing damage to your board’s rails.

The L, M, S and XS blades feature our reduced diameter shaft (RDS) for increased comfort, while the XL uses our regular shaft for larger paddlers. The Surge is also available in our REFLEX carbon construction, offering excellent performance at a slightly lower price point. All sizes are now available in our 2 x HEX travel option.

EXTENDED TAPERED SCOOP 

  • Ensures you always get a powerful stroke.
  • Forgiving when you don't get the full blade in the water.
  • Adds power for scratching into waves or punching through whitewater.

SCOOPED DIHEDRAL TECHNOLOGY

  • Single dihedral design is scooped out on either side of the central forward ridge.
  • Securely holds water through the power phase and eliminates lateral blade movement.
  • Delivers force in a smooth, efficient manner.

TEXCARBON CONSTRUCTION

  • Lightest surf paddle on the market (from 350 gr / 12.35 oz). 
  • Original TEXCARBON construction utilizes 24T carbon, Kevlar, and Texalium. 
  • Delivers excellent performance, very low weight, and a near-zero failure rate.
  • Exceptional impact resistance is ideal for SUP surfing.

T-HANDLE

  • Specifically designed for SUP surfing.
  • Curved back and flat front creates a very different feel from other handles.
  • Shape provides instant feedback for easier orientation and faster reactions.
  • T-Handle is comfortable for long surf sessions but not ideal for long distance flatwater paddling.
Surge SUP surfing paddle from Black Project

KEY FACTS:

VERSATILE CARBON PADDLE FOR FITNESS, TOURING, SUP SURFING & RECREATIONAL PADDLING

Versatile, strong, and lightweight, the Lava was built to excel in all conditions.

This full carbon paddle shares much of the same DNA as our premier race and surf paddles, including scooped dihedral blade technology and the extended tapered scoop, but with a more forgiving blade design. The result is a high-performance paddle for recreational paddlers—ready to surf one day, cruise the next and race on the weekend.

The Lava’s 10° blade angle delivers an ultra-smooth paddle stroke. Meanwhile, our 90% carbon construction enabled us to keep the Lava at less than a pound (15.7 oz for a 75” one-piece) for an improved paddling experience that’s easier on your body.

Available in Fixed, Adjustable and 3-Piece Adjustable, plus 3 different blade options and 2 shaft diameters, the Lava caters to any paddler’s specific needs. And with vivid red artwork on both the blade and handle, this do-it-all paddle stands out from the pack whether on the water or on the sand.

EXTENDED TAPERED SCOOP 

  • Ensures you always get a powerful stroke.
  • Forgiving when you don't get the full blade in the water.

SCOOPED DIHEDRAL TECHNOLOGY

  • Single dihedral design is scooped out on either side of the central forward ridge.
  • Securely holds water through the power phase and eliminates lateral blade movement.
  • Delivers force in a smooth, efficient manner.

90% CARBON CONSTRUCTION

  • Premium carbon construction combines unidirectional carbon and 3k carbon twill.
  • Available in our REFLEX90 construction—90% carbon and 10% fiberglass.
  • Added fiberglass adds extra spring and forgiveness.
  • Lightweight, durable, and high-performance.

PALM HANDLE

  • Also available in T-Handle Grip.
  • Bright red matte finish adds personality to your paddle. 
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort, particularly during longer sessions.
  • Fits to the form of your palm with increased area and rounded edges.
  • Curved nature enables you to rotate your hand easily throughout your stroke.
  • Our easiest handle to pick up and start paddling.

ANTI-TWIST ADJUSTABLE CLAMP

  • Ergonomic slimline design.
  • Carefully redesigned for enhanced twist-free operation.
  • No slits or gaps in the shaft and clamp system, eliminating jams.

KEY FACTS:

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PADDLE FOR FITNESS & RECREATIONAL PADDLING

Designed to maximize family fun while minimizing cost, the Ohana is the ultimate entry-level paddle.

It shares much of the same DNA as our premier race and surf paddles, including scooped dihedral blade technology and the extended tapered scoop—but features a more forgiving blade design and a lightweight, strong construction. The 10° blade angle promotes an easier paddle stroke, while the 60% carbon and fiberglass construction adds more flex and comfort.

Overall, the Ohana offers a huge performance upgrade over other entry-level paddles on the market. Additionally, the vivid artwork makes this paddle stand out from the pack.

EXTENDED TAPERED SCOOP 

  • Ensures you always get a powerful stroke.
  • Forgiving when you don't get the full blade in the water.

SCOOPED DIHEDRAL TECHNOLOGY

  • Single dihedral design is scooped out on either side of the central forward ridge.
  • Securely holds water through the power phase and eliminates lateral blade movement.
  • Delivers force in a smooth, efficient manner.

60% CARBON CONSTRUCTION

  • Combines 12k carbon blade finish with our unidirectional carbon shaft.
  • New REFLEX60 UD shaft is stronger and has better flex pattern. 
  • Added flex is ideal for recreational paddlers.
  • Lightweight, durable, and high-performance.

PALM HANDLE

  • Also available in T-Handle Grip.
  • Bright red matte finish adds personality to your paddle. 
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort, particularly during longer sessions.
  • Fits to the form of your palm with increased area and rounded edges.
  • Curved nature enables you to rotate your hand easily throughout your stroke.
  • Our easiest handle to pick up and start paddling.

ANTI-TWIST ADJUSTABLE CLAMP

  • Ergonomic slimline design.
  • Carefully redesigned for enhanced twist-free operation.
  • No slits or gaps in the shaft and clamp system, eliminating jams.
Ohana Recreational SUP Paddle from Black Project

KEY FACTS:

THE ULTIMATE ENTRY-LEVEL CARBON SUP PADDLE

The Pure is our new entry level carbon paddle—ideal for families looking for elevated performance in a lightweight and durable package. The bold colors help it stand out from the pack, while its careful design delivers an enjoyable paddling experience for recreational paddlers.

Don’t let the low price point fool you, the Pure offers a huge performance upgrade over other entry-level paddles on the market. It not only features our new strong and lightweight REFLEX35UD construction, but we also infused high-performance DNA into the Pure—including our Scooped Dihedral Technology and anti-twist adjustment. Available in 3 blade sizes, each with an optimized adjustment range, the Pure caters to a wide range of paddlers.

Its vivid artwork stands out from the pack, while its high-performance DNA results in a more enjoyable paddling experience.

EXTENDED TAPERED SCOOP 

  • Ensures you always get a powerful stroke.
  • Forgiving when you don't get the full blade in the water.

SCOOPED DIHEDRAL TECHNOLOGY

  • Single dihedral design is scooped out on either side of the central forward ridge.
  • Securely holds water through the power phase and eliminates lateral blade movement.
  • Delivers force in a smooth, efficient manner.

35% CARBON CONSTRUCTION

  • Our newest construction that was designed from the ground up.
  • 35% carbon.
  • Entry-level carbon construction combines unidirectional carbon and fiberglass.
  • High-performance and lightweight, it offers exception value.
  • Added flex is ideal for recreational paddlers.

PALM HANDLE

  • Bright red matte finish adds personality to your paddle. 
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort, particularly during longer sessions.
  • Fits to the form of your palm with increased area and rounded edges.
  • Curved nature enables you to rotate your hand easily throughout your stroke.
  • Our easiest handle to pick up and start paddling.

ANTI-TWIST ADJUSTABLE CLAMP

  • Ergonomic slimline design.
  • Carefully redesigned for enhanced twist-free operation.
  • No slits or gaps in the shaft and clamp system, eliminating jams.
Black Project PURE SUP paddle

KEY FACTS:

OPTIMIZED FOR KIDS AND SMALLER PADDLERS

Built to encourage the next generation of paddlers, the Grom paddle was designed specifically for kids. The Grom features a slim-fit fiberglass shaft for increased flex and comfort, while its carbon reinforced blade delivers enhanced performance.

The XS blade, ideal for kids and smaller paddlers, is now available in both the Hydro and Surge options to give smaller paddlers the power and comfort they need. The Surge option is ideal for all-round recreational use and surfing, while the Hydro version is best suited for aspiring young racers. Additionally, the red shaft ensures your kid(s) always stands out on the water.

If a family SUP vacation is on the horizon, our new three-piece version is perfect for travel and easy storage. With 30cm (12′′) of anti-twist adjustment, the Grom paddle will suit all your kids and adjust as they grow.

CARBON REINFORCED XS BLADE

  • XS blade is ideal for young paddlers.
  • Available in Hydro and Surge blade versions.
  • Carbon reinforced blade adds performance and durability.

EXTRA FLEX FIBERGLASS SHAFT

  • Slim-fit fiberglass shaft provides increased flex and comfort.
  • Bright red shaft ensures your kid(s) always stand out on the water. 

ADJUSTABLE FOR GROWING KIDS

  • Offers 30 cm (12") of anti-twist adjustment. 
  • Adjustability adds longevity for growing kids.
  • Also available in 3-piece travel option.
Grom Kids SUP Paddle from Black Project

KEY FACTS:

DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF FIRST-TIME PADDLERS IN SUP RENTAL/SCHOOL

The School SUP paddle is designed to meet the needs of first-time paddlers and SUP rental/school businesses.

The stiff and powerful plastic blade is designed to help beginners correct their stroke, while the soft rubber edge reduces damage to boards, paddles, and bodies.

DURABLE PLASTIC BLADE

  • Stiff and powerful plastic blade.
  • Designed to help beginners correct their stroke.
  • Soft rubber edge reduces damage to boards, paddles, and legs.

FIBERGLASS STANDARD DIAMETER SHAFT

  • Fiberglass shaft provides increased flex and comfort.
  • Customizable to meet your specific needs/branding. 

WIDELY ADJUSTABLE FOR ANY PADDLER

  • Offers 30 cm (12") of anti-twist adjustment. 
School & Rental SUP Paddle from Black Project

KEY FACTS: