How to Choose and Customize Your SUP Paddle

HOW TO CHOOSE THE
RIGHT SUP PADDLE

5-STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING & CUSTOMIZING YOUR NEW SUP PADDLE

Even the best standup paddle on earth isn’t ideal for all SUP disciplines, and even the best standup paddlers need to factor in size and skill-level to determine which paddle works best for them. Because different paddle types perform better in certain conditions, often paddlers need a few different paddles—various blade types, grips and lengths—to perform at their peak in various conditions and disciplines. All considered it’s a lot to process when purchasing a new paddle. Our five-step guide will help you pick the right paddle and customize it to suit your needs.

STEP #1
WHAT TYPE OF PADDLE DO I NEED?

A guide to picking the right paddle for you based on paddling experience, budget and a wide range of variables.
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STEP #2
WHAT BLADE SIZE DO I NEED?

How to choose a blade-size based on paddler weight, style of paddling and a range of other considerations.
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STEP #3
WHICH SHAFT IS BEST FOR ME?

A breakdown of the many options involved in selecting a paddle shaft—fixed-length, adjustable, three-piece, carbon content, flex and diameter—and which will perform best for you.
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STEP #4
WHICH HANDLE DO I NEED?

Here we analyze different grip options to optimize your main point of connection to your paddle—the handle.
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STEP #5
HOW LONG SHOULD MY PADDLE BE?

Defining the best length for your paddle based on body type, board, discipline and aspirations.
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SUP PADDLE RESOURCES

Black Project Hydro FlowX SUP Paddle

Reviews: Hydro FlowX SUP Paddle Earns High Praise

October 15, 2021

The response to our new Hydro FlowX has been overwhelming.   Featuring a revolutionary new design––including our proprietary Advanced Flow Technology and Deep Power Scoop––the goal of the Hydro FlowX was to redefine what a paddle stroke feels like.   Incorporating over a decade’s worth of research, data and innovation, this paddle is lighter and faster than our original Hydro, while simultaneously requiring less effort from the paddler. Not only does this significantly improve speed and acceleration, but also leads to reduced fatigue and strain––extremely effective for preventing and rehabilitating injuries.   We believe the Hydro FlowX is the best paddle in the sport. But at the end of the day, only one opinion truly matters––yours.    Whether you are training, racing or cruising, this paddle was designed to enhance every moment spent on the water––both in terms of performance and pleasure. Here’s what the Black Project ohana is saying about their on-water experience with the Hydro FlowX.   Pro

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Niek Van Der Linde uses Hydro FlowX paddle to set 24-hour SUP distance record in SUP 11-City Tour

Niek Van Der Linde Uses Hydro FlowX to Set 24-Hour Distance Record in SUP 11-City Race

September 13, 2021

One of the most grueling races in the sport, the SUP 11-City Tour tests paddlers to their physical and mental limits. The event takes place in Friesland, a northern province in Holland, where competitors must paddle along a 220 kilometer (136 mile) route that passes through 11 historical cities. The competition began in 2009 and normally takes place over the course of five days, but there’s an even tougher version of this race for the ultra-hardcore paddling crowd––The SUP 11-City Non-Stop Race. No breaks, no stages, no mercy. This year, seven individuals and two teams crossed the finish line of the SUP 11-City Non-Stop race, but only one paddler made history––Niek Van Der Linde. The endurance paddler not only set the course record with a time of 23:32:16, but also broke Bart de Zwart’s 24-hour SUP distance record (193.8 kilometers) by paddling 204.27 kilometers in 23 hours, 45 minutes and 27 seconds.  As for the

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Beginner SUP Surfing Technique and Etiquette Tips for 2021

August 30, 2021

Don’t let @kookoftheday discourage you, SUP surfing is an absolute blast. Not only will you end up getting more waves per session, but they will often be bigger, longer, and cleaner rides. However, before you go charging out into your local lineup, these beginner SUP surfing tips for 2021 will help you find your flow and avoid a nasty wipeout. Know Before You Go Abiding by Surfline’s motto is always a wise decision, but especially if you’re a beginner SUP surfer. Before you even think about packing up your board, paddle and leash, you need to look up the ocean conditions for both the time and place you want to surf. There are several sites that offer detailed condition reports, forecasts and live cams––Surfline, Magic Seaweed and even the NOAA Buoy Data Center are all great options. Once you’ve confirmed the waves are within your personal limits (nothing above three-foot

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I Started Standup Paddling During the Pandemic, Now What?

August 3, 2021

If you’re someone who is relatively new to standup paddling, welcome to the paddling family! You have joined a very supportive community and sport that will provide range of benefits, both physical and mental. As lifelong paddlers and watersports athletes, we want you to experience that same passion that inspired us to get into the paddlesports business over a decade ago. To help you take the next stroke in your SUP career, we’ve put together a few tips to optimize your equipment and maximize your stoke. Invest in a Lighter, More Flexible SUP Paddle You already know that using a cheap, overweight paddle will not only hamper your on-water performance, but can lead to a range of other issues including fatigue, injuries and bad habits. But it’s not just the bargain bin equipment that’s turning your paddle sessions into a grueling slog. There’s three common misconceptions about SUP paddles: bigger

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How To Measure SUP Paddle Shaft Stiffness

How To Measure SUP Paddle Shaft Stiffness

February 23, 2021

Understanding shaft and SUP paddle flex will help you make an informed paddle buying decisions; remember that in general, heavier paddlers need a stiffer shaft whereas lighter paddlers need a softer shaft. To be able to compare shafts we need a precise way of measuring flex. By understanding how shafts bend under load we are able to fine tune your paddling experience. To measure the flex of our shafts we: Support the shaft at two pivot points 150cm apart. Apply 50kg of force to the center of the shaft. Measure the deflection in millimeters. What do the numbers mean? A shaft with a rating of 75 bends 75mm when the 50kg force is applied. What is considered a stiff, medium or soft shaft? Stiff = < 65 Medium = 65 to 105 Soft = > 105 Need help choosing a paddle? ASK A QUESTION Learn more about paddle and shaft

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