Explore our paddling, surfing, and foiling community resources, featuring expert tips, gear guides, and helpful videos. Whether you’re new to SUP or an experienced paddler, this page offers valuable insights and updates to enhance your experience on the water.
These articles outline the principles that define Black Project — athlete-driven innovation, proven performance, expert guidance, long-term durability, and independent ownership — so you understand what stands behind every paddle, fin, and bag we build.
We have collated some of the most frequently asked questions about paddles. If your question is not covered, on this page, in the 5-step guide or in these FAQs, you are encouraged to reach out to us for a personal consultation or support.
All Black Project paddles across our Ultimate, Athlete and Element Series, as well as our fins, are covered by a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Ultimate and Athlete Series paddles feature hot glue assembly, allowing individual components to be replaced without replacing the entire paddle. For approved warranty claims on these paddles, only the components affected by the manufacturing defect will be replaced. If you believe your paddle or fin has an issue covered by the warranty, please contact us for support.
We want you to be 100% satisfied with your new paddle. If something goes wrong, we are here to help resolve any issues in a fast and effective manner. Please contact us for support.
We ship from our Maui workshop via FedEx 2-Day shipping to all 50 states, we do not charge for this service. We also offer low shipping rates worldwide via FedEx International Economy.
For maximum paddling enjoyment and performance, it is extremely important to choose the right paddle for your needs. At Black Project we pride ourselves in providing first class support and offer you a 1:1 paddle consultation via email, text, phone, or in person at our Maui workshop.
Yes, if your local SUP store is an official Black Project retail partner they will be able to arrange your new paddle. If they are not currently one of our retailers you can either buy online or ask them to get in contact with us. Refer to our Dealer Locator Map to find your closest store.
Paddle length paddle depends on your height, the type of standup paddling you are doing and the board you use. The correct length will protect your body against injury and maximize your performance. For recreational paddling and inflatables your paddle will be longer while for SUP surfing paddlers use shorter paddles. Use our paddle length guide to determine the correct length. Refer to the paddle specific guides on each product page.
Yes, our 1-piece paddles are assembled with hot glue. You can heat up the shaft just below the handle to remove it, and then shorten the shaft. We have a number of guides on our YouTube channel which explain the process. Be sure to use quality extra-strength, high temp, hot glue and not hobby grade glue. This is particularly useful if you move to different board or change focus.
We offer paddles for all types of standup paddling, racing, touring, foiling, surfing, and all-round recreation. Finding the right paddle which best fits your needs in terms of performance, price and preference is extremely important. Check out our guide to determine which paddle is best for you.
Blade size depends on paddler weight, height, the type of standup paddling you are doing and any prior medical issues. Bigger blades offer more power and are suited to heavier paddlers while smaller paddler will want to select a much smaller blade size. Many paddlers are using the wrong size blade and that is reducing their enjoyment of the sport. Use our blade size guide to determine the correct size for you.
All Black Project paddles have carbon reinforced edges and can withstand a good amount of abuse. The use of protective tape is not needed for general consumer use.
Yes, our Ultimate and Athlete Series paddles use a component-based system with hot glue assembly, allowing you to swap or replace the blade, shaft or handle as your preferences change or if a part is damaged. This means you can adapt or repair your setup without buying a completely new paddle—particularly useful for SUP foiling. Element Series paddles do not use hot glue assembly and are not designed for the same component swapping.
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