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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Texcarbon paddle shaft

The TEXCARBON Shaft Range & Flex Categorization Explained

April 23, 2020

The Most Technologically Advanced Paddle Shaft Shaft design, construction and flex is one of the most important, and often overlooked aspects of paddle design. Choosing the correct shaft is vitally important when customizing your paddle. TEXCARBON Shaft Options We have six TEXCARBON shaft options to suit all paddlers from 100 – 250 lbs (45 – 114kg). Standard Diameter (SDS / 29mm / 1.14”) STIFF50 MEDIUM75 SOFT125 Reduced Diameter (RDS or SLIM / 26.5mm / 1.04”) MEDIUM75 (formally known as RDS Stiff) MEDIUM100 SOFT150 TEXCARBON shafts in order of stiffness Through testing and analysis, we have set 75mm of flex, as the midpoint in our range. This is the flex which is suitable for a widest range of paddlers. The SDS and RDS versions of the MEDIUM75 shaft generate the same flex. SDS Stiff 50 (stiffest) SDS Medium 75 = RDS Medium 75 RDS Medium 100 SDS Soft 125 RDS Soft 150 (most

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Black Project wins 14 SUP world championships in 2019

14 World Titles In One Year Is Not Just Impressive, It’s Unprecedented.

January 16, 2020

14 World Titles In One Year Is Not Just Impressive, It’s Unprecedented. Black Project enjoyed historic success in 2019, with our elite team of paddlers claiming 14 world championships and racking up dozens of race and surf wins around the globe. Powered by industry-leading paddle and fin technology, our paddlers were able to consistently overpower their competition and break records along the way. Results don’t lie and 2019 proved that Black Project’s cutting-edge fins and paddles provide our athletes with a significant edge. Of the 26 racing titles that were up for grabs this year, 13 were won with either a Tiger or Sonic in the fin box. Not to mention, eight of those titles were won by athletes using our Hydro race paddle. With so much success, selecting highlights from the past year was more challenging than we expected. Of course, these are the type of problems we like

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Black Project Slimline Ergonomic Anti-Twist Adjustable Clamp System

Black Project’s Slimline Ergonomic Anti-Twist Adjustable Clamp System

November 26, 2019

Black Project’s 2020 Slimline Ergonomic Anti-Twist Adjustable Clamp System We are pleased to announce that Black Project adjustable paddles will be receiving a significant upgrade with our completely redesigned clamp system. Effective immediately, this new adjustment clamp will be used on all adjustable paddles leaving our factory. With improved features and a slimline design, we believe this upgrade results in an enhanced paddling experience. New Design Features Redesigned for 2020, this ergonomic adjustment system allows your hands to easily slide over the shaft without getting caught on the clamp. And with the lever integrated into the main body of the clamp, it creates a low-profile design that enhances the overall aesthetics of the paddle. To prevent any unwanted twist, the adjustable shaft features a flat section along one side that perfectly matches up with a corresponding 45mm long (1.75”) flat section on the inside of the clamp. The increased length

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Choosing the Best Beginner SUP Paddle

August 1, 2019

Best Beginner Stand Up Paddle in 2019 Let’s be clear, choosing the best beginner SUP paddle is no easy task. Some come with pretty graphics and others at ridiculously low price points. Meanwhile, a few brands will even boast that their paddles float (not a praise-worthy achievement). Perhaps you try to clear up the confusion with a Google search of “Best Beginner SUP Paddle,” but you’ll likely be met with a smattering of outdated answers and cheap knock-off paddles that leave much to be desired on the water.That’s why we believe in educating our customers in basic paddle science. Understanding the basic components of paddles is crucial and will help you choose the right fit for you. In this article, we’ll highlight the three major paddle features that beginners should look for and how those will drastically improve your overall paddling experience. Heavy vs. Lighter Paddles While paddles made from aluminum

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Black Project founder Chris Freeman standup paddling.

The Benefits of Smaller, Softer and Shorter SUP Paddles

July 10, 2019

Over the past few years, I’ve had countless conversations with paddlers from around the world about the matter of size. More specifically, the simple concept that at least when it comes to SUP paddles—smaller, softer and shorter is better. We call it the Three S’s, but the paddle science behind this philosophy inspires the paddles we create.  Unfortunately, far too many people in the SUP community are suffering from pain caused by paddling. At Black Project, we don’t want to be part of something that leaves people with back or shoulder problems, which is exactly why we’re spreading the word about size.  “Like many of you, I am a lifelong sportsman in my 40s. I spent three decades competing in multiple sports both on and off the water, but that lifetime of adventure and competition left my body with scars, creaks and pains. Nowadays, I’m focused on taking care of

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