What Type Stiffness Paddle Shaft Do I Need
STEP #3:
THE RIGHT PADDLE SHAFT
SUP PADDLE SHAFT OPTIONS
From wide and stiff to thin and flexible, adjustable to fixed, there is a range of shaft options for you to consider when building your paddle. Here we break down the options with expert recommendations so you’re sure to get what’s right for you.
TYPES OF SUP PADDLE SHAFT
- Fixed – lightest, highest performance
- Adjustable – ideal for families or a range of paddling disciplines
- 3-piece HEX Adjustable– designed for travel and easy storage
- 3-piece HEX Fixed Length – one piece performance in a 3-piece solution convenient for travel
SHAFT DIAMETER
- SDS – Standard Diameter Shaft; regular fit with a diameter of 29mm
- RDS – Reduced Diameter Shaft; slim fit with a diameter of 26.5mm
SHAFT CONSTRUCITON
We use a range of shaft options across the paddle collection, from the lightest, most exotic TEXCARBON to the cheapest and heaviest FG (Fiberglass).
TEXCARBON 100 – Made with a combination of exotic materials such as Texalium and carbon fibers, our proprietary TEXCARBON construction offers lightest and highest performance shafts available in today’s market. These shafts have a textured finish. Available on Hydro FlowX, Hydro SprintX and Surge paddles.
REFLEX 100 – Made with 100% carbon to offer excellent flex characteristics and low weight. The high carbon content makes these shafts stiffer than the lower carbon content options and therefore most suited to heavier paddlers and racers. These shafts have a smooth finish. Available on Hydro TempoX and Surge REFLEX.
REFLEX 90 – Made with 90% carbon to offer excellent flex characteristics and light weight. These shafts have a medium flex rating and are ideal for most paddlers. These shafts have a smooth finish. Available on the Lava paddle.
REFLEX 60 UD – Made with 60% unidirectional carbon. These shafts have a medium flex rating and are ideal for most paddlers. Durable, lightweight and Ideal for families and those looking for a lower-priced paddle. These shafts have a smooth matte finish. Available on the Ohana paddle.
REFLEX 35 UD – Made with 35% unidirectional carbon, These shafts have a medium flex rating and are ideal for most paddlers. Durable, lightweight and Ideal for families and those looking for a lower-priced paddle. These shafts have a smooth matte finish. Available on the Pure paddle.
FG 100 – Made with 100% fiberglass to offer our softest feeling paddle. The fiberglass construction makes these exceptionally durable but this comes at the expense of increased weight and reduced responsiveness. We use these on our School paddle only which is ideal for families and newcomers to the sport. These shafts have a smooth matte painted finish. Available on the Grom and School paddles.
SHAFT STIFFNESS
For shorter distances and sprinting, racers tend to prefer a stiffer shaft, while those paddling longer distanced enjoy the comfort of increased flex. For surfing a softer shaft helps you feel the wave better and enhances your paddle use while surfing. It’s important to note that as paddles get shorter the relative stiffness of any shaft increases. Keep in mind that a softer shaft will protect your body and help you paddle faster for longer.
- Stiff – recommended for heavier and taller paddlers under certain circumstances.
- Medium – recommend for most paddlers in most situations.
- Soft – great for smaller and lighter paddlers.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR PADDLE SHAFT IS TOO STIFF?
If your paddle shaft is too stiff you may notice some or all of these symptoms:
- Sore shoulders
- Back pain
- Quickly fatiguing
- Pain/soreness after paddling and/or next day
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR PADDLE SHAFT IS TOO SOFT?
If your paddle shaft is too soft you may notice some or all of these symptoms:
- Lack of speed
- Excessive flex when paddling
