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Which SUP Paddle Is Best for Racing, Training, Touring, and Fitness?

Which SUP Paddle Is Best for Racing, Training, Touring, and Fitness?

Choosing the right SUP paddle can define your race and training results — but with so many options, it’s not always easy. This quick guide breaks down our three Hydro Series race paddles — the Hydro SynergyX, Hydro SprintX, and Hydro TempoX — so you can match proven world-championship performance to your paddling style and goals.

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 fitness and 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.



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 paddlersAdvanced to professional athletes.Intermediate to advanced paddlers
Ideal cadence:Medium to HighHigh to Very HighMedium
Sizes AvailableXL, Large, Medium, Small & XSXL, Large, Medium & SmallXL, Large, Medium & Small
ShaftTour CarbonTour CarbonQuest Carbon
Shaft TypeDouble Taper
(Round-Oval-Round)		Double Taper
(Round-Oval-Round)		Round
Handle OptionsPowerGrip
Matte Carbon Finish		PowerGrip
Matte Carbon Finish		Red PowerGrip
Matte Red Finish
Construction30T
Pre-Preg Carbon		30T
Pre-Preg Carbon		24T
Pre-Preg Carbon
Options1-Piece
3-Piece		1-Piece1-Piece
2-Piece Adj.
3-Piece Adj.
3-Piece Join Type2 x HEXN/A1 x HEX
Blade Angle (degrees)10°7.5°10°
Weight (gr / oz)From 340 / 12.0From 375 / 13.2From 450 / 15.9
Warranty1yr1yr1yr
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now
USA Retail (Ex Tax)$650
c/w bag		$650
c/w bag		From $500
c/w bag

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 elite paddlers including Donato Freens, Arthur Arutkin, Seychelle Webster, and Joep Van Bakel. Used to claim multiple world titles at the 2024 ICF World Championships in Florida, the Hydro SynergyX has proven its effectiveness through consistent victories at both national and international levels. Unmatched in performance, innovation, quality, and reliability, it continues to earn 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

Hydro SynergyX, SUP, SUP race paddle, racing paddle, carbon paddle, black project

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.
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PADDLE FEATURES

BUILD YOUR PADDLE

WATCH THE VIDEO:

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.

Hydro SynergyX – Introduction

Hydro SynergyX – Customer Reviews

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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 purely for sprinting and short-distance racing, the Hydro SprintX enables paddlers to maximize speed and acceleration when every second counts. Developed in collaboration with APP World Champion Arthur Arutkin, this paddle’s pedigree was proven when Seychelle won the sprint world title at the 2023 ICF World Championships — a feat repeated by Katniss Paris at the 2024 World Championships, marking just one of several world championship victories for the Hydro SprintX in short-distance, sprint, and technical racing.

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

BUILD YOUR PADDLE

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.

Hydro SprintX – Introduction

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Be sure to follow and connect using the hashtag: #hydrosprintx

Which race paddle - Hydro TempoX for fitness, touring, and recreational racing

THE BEST SUP PADDLE FOR FITNESS, TOURING & RECREATIONAL RACING

Inspired by the revolutionary blade design of our world championship-winning paddles, the Hydro TempoX delivers premium performance and unmatched value for paddlers ready to take the next step. Perfect for progressing paddlers who want race-winning technology, increased comfort, and a more accessible price point, the Hydro TempoX features our FUSION adjustment system — the best on the market — for ergonomic, fast, secure, and precise length tuning on the water. This elevates the performance of a 2-piece adjustable paddle far beyond what’s been possible before, delivering a feel extremely close to a fixed paddle yet with the confidence of adjustability. The Hydro TempoX is available in a wide range of options and sizes, including 1-piece, 2-piece, and 3-piece models, plus standard 29mm and slimmer 26mm shaft choices.

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

BUILD YOUR PADDLE

WATCH THE VIDEO

MEET FUSION - THE BEST ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION

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.

Hydro TempoX – Introduction

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.



HYDRO SYNERGY-X

HYDRO SPRINT-X

HYDRO TEMPO-X
Professional Paddlers10105
Advanced Paddlers10109
Intermediate Paddlers8510
New Paddlers 006
200m Sprint Racing 7104
Technical Racing8106
Long Distance Racing 1076
Touring 10410
Fitness10810
Surfing 000
Foiling 575
Rental / School006
Durability 778
Weight 10108
Price $650 c/w bag$650 c/w bagFrom $500 c/w bag

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