One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a standup paddler is deciding which SUP paddle is right for you. While you don’t need to limit yourself to one paddle, you’ll still want to choose the best paddle to help you achieve a particular goal or experience.
Our trio of high-performance SUP racing, touring and training paddles features the most innovative blade designs and top performance in the sport. The Hydro SynergyX is our flagship game-changing SUP race paddle, which is partnered by the lightning-fast Hydro SprintX for sprinting, and our hyper-smooth Hydro TempoX for recreational flat-water paddlers.
The Question is: Which Hydro is best for you?
To make the best decision, you’ll need to consider a few factors including skill level, paddling goals, injury history, budget, and paddling discipline—racing, sprinting, touring, etc. This quick guide to race and touring paddles is intended to help you make the best decision to advance your paddling goals, but if you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to send us a question.
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HYDRO SYNERGY-X | HYDRO SPRINT-X | HYDRO TEMPO-X | |
Best For: | Serious paddlers who want the very best performance for racing & touring with reduced fatigue. | Competitive and professional racers looking maximum speed during sprint or short distance races. | Ideal for enthusiasts looking to take their flat water paddling to the next step. |
Suitable For: | Intermediate to advanced paddlers | Advanced to professional athletes. | Intermediate to advanced paddlers |
Ideal cadence: | Medium to High | High to Very High | Medium |
Sizes Available | XL, Large, Medium, Small & XS | XL, Large, Medium & Small | XL, Large, Medium & Small |
Shaft | Tour Carbon | Tour Carbon | Quest Carbon |
Shaft Type | Double Taper (Round-Oval-Round) | Double Taper (Round-Oval-Round) | Round |
Handle Options | PowerGrip Matte Carbon Finish | PowerGrip Matte Carbon Finish | Red PowerGrip Matte Red Finish |
Construction | 30T Pre-Preg Carbon | 30T Pre-Preg Carbon | 24T Pre-Preg Carbon |
Options | 1-Piece 3-Piece | 1-Piece | 1-Piece 2-Piece Adj. 3-Piece Adj. |
3-Piece Join Type | 2 x HEX | N/A | 1 x HEX |
Blade Angle (degrees) | 10° | 7.5° | 10° |
Weight (gr / oz) | From 340 / 12.0 | From 375 / 13.2 | From 450 / 15.9 |
Warranty | 1yr | 1yr | 1yr |
USA Retail (Ex Tax) | $650 c/w bag | $650 c/w bag | From $425 c/w bag |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
THE BEST SUP PADDLE FOR MIDDLE- & LONG-DISTANCE SUP RACING
The #1 selling Hydro SynergyX SUP racing paddle is the top choice for medium- and long-distance races, trusted by World Champions Arthur Arutkin and Seychelle Webster. This paddle has proven its effectiveness through consistent victories in both national and international competitions. Donato Freens achieved a world #1 ranking with this paddle after dominating races across Europe. The Hydro SynergyX is unmatched in terms of performance, innovation, quality, and reliability and has received rave reviews from the paddling community.
IDEAL PADDLER FOR THE HYDRO SYNERGY-X
You are passionate about standup paddling and want to improve both your performance and on-water experience. It’s likely that you regularly compete in SUP races, but perhaps you simply get on the water to train for fitness and fun. Long distance paddling is something you regularly participate in, whether it be in flat-water or downwind conditions.
You are looking for a paddle that not only improves your overall performance, but also reduces fatigue and protects your body from injury—ultimately allowing you to spend more time on the water.
You want the best paddle money can buy.
PADDLE TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLGY (AFT)
- A completely re-imagined design.
- Increases blade efficiency through the water.
- Locks blade in eliminating lateral movements.
- Creates a smooth, consistent and efficient stroke.
MEDIUM POWER SCOOP (MPS)
- Single moderate scoop design with dihedral edges.
- Delivers a powerful, efficient and smooth paddle stroke.
- Increased power enables the use of smaller blade sizes.
- Works in harmony with AFT.
DOUBLE TAPERED ROUND-OVAL-ROUND TOUR CARBON 30T CARBON SHAFT
- Round lower section, tapering to oval in the middle (grip) area, tapering to round in the upper section for increased flex and protection of shoulder.
- Textured finish increases grip while being gentle on the hands.
- Delivers excellent performance, very low weight, and a near-zero failure rate.
ERGONOMIC POWER GRIP HANDLE
- Long lasting comfort for racing and touring.
- Improved connection between hand and paddle increases power.
- Hollow pre-prep carbon construction for reduced weight.
ERGONOMIC OVAL GRIP AREA FREE FROM ARTWORK
- The ergonomic grip area is free from logos and the oval design is comfortable in your hands.
- Natural matte carbon textured finish for enhanced grip and feel.
CARBON REINFORCED ROUNDED EDGES
- We added extra carbon reinforcement to the blades edges.
- All edges are rounded with smooth transitions.
- Reduces or eliminates board damage.
- Increased paddle strength.
- Rounded edges are safer.
SLIM-LINE BLADE/SHAFT JOINT
- Smooth edges prevents board damage.
- Reduces drag through the water.
- Sleek and efficient transition between shaft and blade.
- Reduces blade weight.
MODERATE 10° BLADE ANGLE
- Promotes smooth and rhythmic paddling.
- Encourages easy catch and a medium to high cadence.
- Provides a comfortable feel.
FIVE BLADE SIZES
- XL: 627 cm² / 97 in² | For 90 - 110 kg / 200 - 245 lbs
- Large: 586 cm² / 91 in² | For 80 - 100 kg / 175 - 220 lbs
- Medium: 549 cm² / 85 in² | For 70 - 90 kg / 155 - 200 lbs
- Small: 517 cm² / 80 in² | For 60 - 80 kg / 130 - 175 lbs
- XS: 487 cm² / 76 in² | For 60 - 80 kg / 130 - 175 lbs
LIGHT & STRONG
- All unnecessary weight removed.
- Reduced weight translates into higher cadence.
- Built strong, failure is not an option during races.
PADDLE FEATURES
BEST FOR:
PROFESSIONAL PADDLERS, ADVANCED PADDLERS, MIDDLE- AND LONG-DISTANCE PADDLING, ULTRAS & ENDURANCE EVENTS, 10-15km EURO TOUR, APP & ICF RACING
If you have any questions about the Hydro SynergyX paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
FOLLOW, SHARE AND #TAG
Be sure to follow and connect using the hashtag: #hydrosynergyx
THE FASTEST SUP PADDLE FOR SHORT-DISTANCE AND TECHNICAL RACING
A first-of-its-kind SUP paddle designed for sprinting and short-distance racing, our Hydro SprintX enables you to maximize speed and acceleration over a short distance. Developed in collaboration with APP World Champion Arthur Arutkin. Seychelle demonstrated the paddle’s pedigree by winning the Sprint world title at the 2023 ICF World Championships.
IDEAL PADDLER FOR THE HYDRO SPRINT-X
You’re an advanced or professional standup paddler that will be competing in SUP sprint racing or short distance and technical style racing. Finding a performance advantage is your main goal—especially important considering SUP sprint races are decided by tenths of a second. You possess excellent paddle stroke technique and are simply looking to maximize your speed and acceleration over a short distance.
The Hydro SprintX is unlikely to be your first or only Black Project paddle, it is ideally paired in your quiver with the Hydro SynergyX.
You are in search of the fastest and most explosive SUP paddle in the sport. Win or lose, you’ll be holding the most lethal paddle on the start line.
PADDLE TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLGY (AFT)
- A completely re-imagined design.
- Increases blade efficiency through the water.
- Locks blade in to eliminate lateral movements.
- Creates a smooth, consistent and efficient stroke.
SHALLOW POWER SCOOP (SPS)
- Single shallow scoop design with dihedral edges.
- Delivers a powerful, efficient and smooth paddle stroke.
- Increased power enables the use of smaller blade sizes.
- Works in harmony with AFT.
DOUBLE TAPERED ROUND-OVAL-ROUND TOUR CARBON 30T CARBON SHAFT
- Textured finish increases grip while being gentle on the hands.
- Delivers excellent performance, very low weight, and a near-zero failure rate.
EROGNOMIC POWER GRIP HANDLE
- Long lasting comfort for racing and touring.
- Improved connection between hand and paddle increases power.
- Hollow pre-prep carbon construction for reduced weight.
ERGONOMIC OVAL GRIP AREA FREE FROM ARTWORK
- The ergonomic grip area is free from logos and the oval design is comfortable in your hands.
- Natural matte carbon textured finish for enhanced grip and feel.
CARBON REINFORCED ROUNDED EDGES
- We added extra carbon reinforcement to the blades edges.
- All edges are rounded with smooth transitions.
- Reduces or eliminates board damage.
- Increased paddle strength.
- Rounded edges are safer.
SLIM-LINE BLADE/SHAFT JOINT
- Smooth edges prevents board damage.
- Reduces drag through the water.
- Sleek and efficient transition between shaft and blade.
- Reduces blade weight.
SHALLOW 7.5° BLADE ANGLE
- Promotes high cadence paddling.
- Encourages and shorter, more compact stroke, ideal for short distances.
- Provides instant acceleration.
FOUR BLADE SIZES
- Extra-Large: 606cm² / 94 in² | For 90 - 110 kg / 200 - 245 lbs
- Large: 565cm² / 88 in² | For 80 - 100 kg / 175 - 220 lbs
- Medium: 530cm² / 82 in² | For 70 - 90 kg / 155 - 200 lbs
- Small: 494cm² / 76.6 in² | For 60 - 80 kg / 130 - 175 lbs
LIGHT & STRONG
- All unnecessary weight removed.
- Reduced weight translates into higher cadence.
- Built strong, failure is not an option during races.
PADDLE FEATURES
BEST FOR:
SPRINT RACING, TECHNICAL RACING, HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING, RACES 5KM AND UNDER.
If you have any questions about the Hydro SprintX paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
FOLLOW, SHARE AND #TAG
Be sure to follow and connect using the hashtag: #hydrosprintx
THE BEST SUP PADDLE FOR FITNESS, TOURING & RECREATIONAL RACING
Inspired by the revolutionary blade design of our race winning paddles, but at a more affordable price point that will appeal to a wider market—the Hydro TempoX is the perfect choice for flat-water paddlers searching for a mix of premium performance and high value.
IDEAL PADDLER FOR THE HYDRO-TEMPO-X
You have been standup paddling for a while with an all-around recreational paddle, like our Lava, but are ready to step up to the next level. While you may occasionally enter a race for fun, your main motivation is getting on the water for touring or fitness paddling. You are beginning to paddle longer distances, but fatigue or soreness is holding you back from paddling further and/or more regularly.
You are looking for a carbon SUP paddle that’s forgiving and naturally helps correct your form, while still providing maximum performance and reduced fatigue for middle- and long-distance flat-water paddling. You may have heard about the revolutionary performance of our race paddles and want to experience it for yourself but are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
The adjustable option will be attractive for those looking to experiment with paddle length or share their paddle with others.
PADDLE TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLGY (AFT)
- A completely re-imagined design.
- Increases blade efficiency through the water.
- Locks blade in to eliminate lateral movements.
- Creates a smooth, consistent and efficient stroke.
MEDIUM POWER SCOOP (MPS)
- Single moderate scoop design with dihedral edges.
- Delivers a predictable, efficient and smooth paddle stroke.
- Increased power enables the use of smaller blade sizes.
- Works in harmony with AFT.
QUEST 24T CARBON SHAFT
- The QUEST shaft is built with 24T pre-preg carbon.
- Matte, sanded smooth finish.
- Delivers excellent performance, very low weight, and a near-zero failure rate.
RED POWER GRIP HANDLE
- Long lasting comfort for racing and touring.
- Improved connection between hand and paddle increases power.
- Hollow pre-prep carbon construction for reduced weight.
SLIM & REGULAR DIAMETER SHAFT ALTERNATIVES
- 26.5mm (Slim) shaft on Medium and Small blade sizes.
- 29mm (Regular) shaft for Medium, Large and XL blade sizes.
CARBON REINFORCED ROUNDED EDGES
- We added extra carbon reinforcement to the blades edges.
- All edges are rounded with smooth transitions.
- Reduces or eliminates board damage.
- Increased paddle strength.
- Rounded edges are safer.
SLIM-LINE BLADE/SHAFT JOINT
- Smooth edges prevents board damage.
- Reduces drag through the water.
- Sleek and efficient transition between shaft and blade.
- Reduces blade weight.
MODERATE 10° BLADE ANGLE
- Increased reach.
- Smooth paddle entry.
- More forgiving feel.
FOUR BLADE SIZES
- Extra-Large: 612cm² / 94.9 in² | For 90 - 110 kg / 200 - 245 lbs
- Large: 563cm² / 87.3in² | For 80 - 100 kg / 175 - 220 lbs
- Medium: 506cm² / 78.4in² | For 70 - 90 kg / 155 - 200 lbs
- Small: 470cm² / 72.9in² | For 60 - 80 kg / 130 - 175 lbs
3-PIECE TRAVEL OPTION AVAILABLE
- The shaft has 1 x HEX joints.
- Paddles like a 1-piece paddle.
- Complete with 3-piece paddle bag.
- Ideal for travel.
- Ideal for storage.
ANTI-TWIST ADJUSTMENT
- Adjustable paddles come with 30cm (12 inches) of adjustment.
- Each blade size is optimized for different size paddles.
- XL | 195 - 225cm
- Large | 185 - 215cm
- Medium | 175 - 205cm
- Small | 165 - 195cm
PADDLE FEATURES
- Power Grip Handle
- Adj. Paddles Have 30cm (12") Anti-Twist Adjustment
- QUEST 24T Carbon Shaft
- 26mm and 29mm Shaft Options
- 3-Piece Option Available
- Slim-Line Blade/Shaft Joint
- Advanced Flow Technology (AFT)
- Medium Power Scoop (MPS)
- Rounded Edges for Reduced Board Damage
- Moderate 10° Blade angle
- Sizes: XL, L, M, S
BEST FOR:
FITNESS, TOURING, MIDDLE- AND LONG-DISTANCE PADDLING
If you have any questions about the Hydro Tempo paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
FOLLOW, SHARE AND #TAG
Be sure to follow and connect using the hashtag: #hydrotempox
There is no one ‘Best’ paddle.
When choosing a paddle, the most important thing to consider is which paddle is right for your specific needs. This is based on your height, weight, paddling ability, paddling aims, previous injury history, budget etc.
At Black Project we are committed to helping you select the right equipment which will maximize your enjoyment while protecting your body against injury and fatigue.
The rating table below will help quantify the pros and cons of the three Hydro paddles.If you have any questions, please reach out for personal support.
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HYDRO SYNERGY-X | HYDRO SPRINT-X | HYDRO TEMPO-X | |
Professional Paddlers | 10 | 10 | 5 |
Advanced Paddlers | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Intermediate Paddlers | 8 | 5 | 10 |
New Paddlers | 0 | 0 | 6 |
200m Sprint Racing | 7 | 10 | 4 |
Technical Racing | 8 | 10 | 6 |
Long Distance Racing | 10 | 7 | 6 |
Touring | 10 | 4 | 10 |
Fitness | 10 | 8 | 10 |
Surfing | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Foiling | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Rental / School | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Durability | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Weight | 10 | 10 | 8 |
Price | $650 c/w bag | $650 c/w bag | From $425 c/w bag |
BUILD YOUR PADDLE
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- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, 2024-5
Hydro SynergyX
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$650.005.00 out of 5(25)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro SynergyX
$650.005.00 out of 5(25) -
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles
Hydro SprintX
-
$650.005.00 out of 5(18)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro SprintX
$650.005.00 out of 5(18) -
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX 1-Piece
-
$425.005.00 out of 5(13)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX 1-Piece
$425.005.00 out of 5(13) -
- Out of Stock
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
-
$450.004.94 out of 5(17)
- Rated 4.94 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
$450.004.94 out of 5(17) -
-
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, SUP Travel, SUP Travel Paddles, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX 3-Piece Travel
-
$475.005.00 out of 5(7)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX 3-Piece Travel
$475.005.00 out of 5(7)
-
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, 2024-5
Hydro SynergyX
-
$650.005.00 out of 5(25)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro SynergyX
$650.005.00 out of 5(25) -
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles
Hydro SprintX
-
$650.005.00 out of 5(18)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro SprintX
$650.005.00 out of 5(18) -
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX 1-Piece
-
$425.005.00 out of 5(13)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX 1-Piece
$425.005.00 out of 5(13) -
- Out of Stock
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
-
$450.004.94 out of 5(17)
- Rated 4.94 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
$450.004.94 out of 5(17) -
-
- SUP Racing, SUP Race Paddles, SUP Paddles, SUP Recreation, SUP Travel, SUP Travel Paddles, 2024-5
Hydro TempoX 3-Piece Travel
-
$475.005.00 out of 5(7)
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
- View Product
Hydro TempoX 3-Piece Travel
$475.005.00 out of 5(7)
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