BLACK PROJECT // HYDRO SYNERGY-X // SUP RACING PADDLE

"THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPER PADDLES EMPOWERING YOU TO PADDLE FASTER FOR LONGER"

HYDRO SYNERGY-X

THE BEST SUP PADDLE FOR MIDDLE & LONG-DISTANCE SUP RACING

The best SUP racing paddle for medium and longer distance racing – The Hydro SynergyX SUP racing paddle is used for distance racing by World Champions Arthur Arutkin and Seychelle Webster. Both paddlers demonstrated the paddle’s effectiveness by winning national and international races with prototypes during development culminating in Arthur’s win at the APP in Korea, we look forward to more racing success this season.

SIZES:

BEST FOR:

PROFESSIONAL PADDLERS, ADVANCED PADDLERS, MIDDLE- AND LONG-DISTANCE PADDLING, ULTRAS & ENDURANCE EVENTS, 10-15km EURO TOUR, APP & ICF RACING

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

WHY CHOOSE THIS PADDLE?

The Hydro SynergyX is the ultimate SUP paddle for middle and long-distance racing and is your ideal choice for ultra-distance races and touring. Engineered for speed and longevity, every detail is optimized to keep you paddling faster for longer as you strive to outlast your competitors. 

Featuring a 10° blade angle and a narrower, higher aspect blade outline, the catch is easy with each stroke being effortlessly smooth and efficient. A moderate power scoop and reduced blade volume encourage increased cadence and promote rhythmic paddling – helping you to crush the miles/km.

The TourCarbon double taper shaft combines power and comfort, with an oval middle section and a flexible top round section to reduce shoulder fatigue. The ergonomic and hollow carbon PowerGrip ensures a secure, relaxed, and comfortable grip during long paddling sessions.

Constructed with 30T pre-preg carbon, the Hydro SynergyX is the pinnacle of speed and responsiveness. For serious SUP competitors and enthusiasts alike, it’s a must-have in your paddle quiver.

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 to eliminate 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.

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.

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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SUPERIOR QUALITY & PERFORMANCE

POWER SCOOP
TECHNOLOGY (PST)

The Hydro SynergyX features a single moderate depth scoop design with dihedral shaped edges. This design is optimized for high cadence and high-power output, and it delivers forward thrust in a smooth and controlled manner. PST is designed to work in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology (AFT).

ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)

The proprietary Advanced Flow Technology (AFT) is designed to significantly increase paddle efficiency. By reducing fluid turbulence around the blade, unwanted lateral blade movements are eliminated. This increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue, and faster speeds. AFT is designed to work in harmony with our Power Scoop Technology (PST).

Hydro SynergyX SUP racing paddle made of carbon fiber by Black Project.

TOUR CARBON SHAFT

Engineered with a double tapered round-oval-round design, the Tour Carbon shaft maximizes stiffness in the lower section, delivering stability and optimizing power transfer to the blade. The upper section has a thinner and more flexible round profile, minimizing fatigue. The oval-shaped middle-grip area has a natural carbon-textured matte finish ensuring a directional feel with a secure and relaxed grip. Constructed with 30T pre-preg carbon laminates for reduced weight and increased paddling power. With a range of options there’s a perfect fit for every enthusiast across the entire spectrum of paddlers.

Tour Carbon SUP paddle racing shaft, black project sup, oval shaft, oval tapered shaft, 30T carbon

POWERGRIP
HANDLE

The PowerGrip has been optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort while paddling hard. Developed in collaboration with world champion Arthur Arutkin and Maui waterman Bernd Roediger, the wider and flatter back creates a secure feel that remains comfortable during longer races and workouts. Like all our handles, the PowerGrip is hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.

BUILT TO RACE

The Hydro SynergyX was designed to meet the specific demands of middle and long-distance racing; it is the paddle of choice for competitive distance racing. We set out to build the next generation of super paddles enabling athletes to paddle faster for longer and outlast their competition – the Hydro SynergyX is that paddle.

BUILT TO RACE

The Hydro SynergyX was designed to meet the specific demands of middle and long-distance racing; it is the paddle of choice for competitive distance racing. We set out to build the next generation of super paddles enabling athletes to paddle faster for longer and outlast their competition – the Hydro SynergyX is that paddle.

MODERATE 10°
BLADE ANGLE​

The Hydro SynergyX has a moderate 10° blade angle results an easier catch, with a smooth paddle entry, slightly more forgiving feel, and increased comfort for longer distances.

MODERATE POWER SCOOP
(MPS) TECHNOLOGY

The Hydro SynergyX features a moderate scoop design with dihedral shaped edges. This has been optimized for medium to high cadence paddling, delivering power in a smooth and controlled manner.

ADVANCED FLOW
TECHNOLOGY (AFT)

A completely reimagined design concept for SUP paddles, the AFT significantly increase efficiency by reducing turbulence and unwanted blade movements. This is a feature used in all our Hydro paddles.

REACT+ (RE+T)
TECHNOLOGY

The latest SUP paddle innovation is our REACT+ Technology (RE+T). This incorporates two external 30T unidirectional carbon plates, amplifying blade power, responsiveness, and energy return.

30T CARBON
CONSTRUCTION

The 30T carbon construction reduces weight and increases responsiveness of the paddle. This enables us to optimize the internal layers and build an even more durable paddle.

PRECISION
CNC BLADE CORE

The paddle is molded from layers of pre-preg carbon with a lightweight high density CNC foam core. This internal precision improves laminate adhesion increasing the longevity of your investment in a quality paddle.

"FEELS AWESOME, NICE SMOOTH ENTRY"

Hydro Synergy-X
Customer Reviews

Super light, easy entry, and quick recovery

The new oval tapered shaft creates a comfortable and minimalist feel. The paddle is super light and has the quickest entry, release, and recovery of any paddle I have ever used.
Dennis P
SUP Racer (US)

Tremendous power yet easy on my body

Wow! The catch is soft yet grippy, it creates tremendous power yet is easy on my body. I was very apprehensive about the oval tapered shaft, but it feels awesome.
Don F
SUP Racer (US)

Fast shipping and great customer service

Thanks for the efficient service, my Hydro SynergyX arrived quickly. I have found it a little cleaner on entry and more forgiving than the Hydro FlowX, especially when getting tired.
Adrian W.
SUP Racer (UK)

SPECIFICATIONS AND PADDLE SIZING

We don’t think you need to be an expert paddler to enjoy the benefits of a custom paddle. In fact, it’s why we offer the Hydro SynergyX in five blade sizes and a range of shaft customization options to best suit your specific paddling needs. Choosing the right paddle might seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, we made it easy to identify which is the best option for your optimal paddling experience.



XL

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

XS

Size (cm2)627586549517487
Size (in2)9791858076
Shaft Diameter (mm)29-25-23.5 or
29-26-23.5
29-25-23.5 or
29-26-23.5
29-25-23.5 or
27.5-23.7-21
29-25-23.5 or
27.5-23.7-21
27.5-23.7-21
Shaft Options:Tour CarbonTour CarbonTour CarbonTour CarbonTour Carbon
Max Width (mm/in)186.4 / 7.30178.5 / 7.00171.0 / 6.70164.2 / 6.50157.7 / 6.20
Paddler Weight (KG)90 - 11080 - 10070 - 9060 - 8050 - 70
Paddler Weight (lbs)200 - 245175 - 220155 - 200130 - 175110 - 155

SHAFT STIFFNESS

This table is not designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, shaft choice will depend on the paddler’s preference, height, and any previous injury. Stiffness recommendations are detailed according to paddle length, if your length crosses over remember that the higher the number = more flex, so if you are at the lower end of the weight range select the softer shaft (higher number) and if you are at the upper end of the range consider the stiffer shaft option (lower number). If you need help in selecting the right shaft flex, please view our Tour Carbon shaft (detailed) guide, 5-step guide, the FAQs or contact us.

Weight
(kg / lbs)

Paddle Length
65 - 78"
165 - 188cm

Paddle Length
74 - 85"
188 - 216cm

45 - 55 / 99 - 121TourCarbon 100None
56 - 60 / 123 - 132TourCarbon 90TourCarbon 85
61 - 65 / 134 - 143TourCarbon 90TourCarbon 85
66 - 75 / 145 - 165TourCarbon 70TourCarbon 65
76 - 85 / 167 - 187TourCarbon 70TourCarbon 65
86 - 90 / 189 - 198TourCarbon 70TourCarbon 65
91 - 95 / 200 - 209TourCarbon 50TourCarbon 45
96 - 100 / 211 - 220TourCarbon 50TourCarbon 45
101 - 106 / 222 - 233TourCarbon 50TourCarbon 45

SUP PADDLE LENGTH GUIDE FOR RACING

This table is not designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, and recommended paddle lengths may vary by approximately 1″ (2.5cm) depending on the paddler’s preference. For sprint and short distance paddling a shorter paddle will be more effective. Longer paddles are preferable for greater paddling distances. Remember, it is easier to cut your paddle down than to glue on more shaft (especially with our hot glue construction), so we err on the side of caution by recommending the longer end of the spectrum.

Height (ft / cm / in)

RECREATIONAL TOURING & RACING

ADVANCED OR PRO RACING (REGULAR BOARDS)

ADVANCED OR PRO RACING (DUGOUT BOARDS)

 5′ / 60 / 15268 / 17366 / 16865 / 165
5′ 1″ / 61 / 15569 / 17567 / 17066 / 168
5′ 2″ / 62 / 15770 / 17868 / 17367 / 170
5′ 3″ / 63 / 16071 / 18069 / 17568 / 173
5′ 4″ / 64 / 16372 / 18370 / 17869 / 175
5′ 5″ / 65 / 16573 / 18571 / 18070 / 178
5′ 6″ / 66 / 16874 / 18872 / 18371 / 180
5′ 7″ / 67 / 17075 / 19173 / 18572 / 183
5′ 8″ / 68 / 17376 / 19374 / 18873 / 185
5′ 9″ / 69 / 17577 / 19675 / 19174 / 188
5′ 10″ / 70 / 17878 / 19876 / 19375 / 191
5′ 11″ / 71 / 18079 / 20177 / 19676 / 193
6′ / 72 / 18380 / 20378 / 19877 / 196
 6′ 1″ / 73 / 18581 / 20679 / 20178 / 198
 6′ 2″ / 74 / 18882 / 20880 / 20379 / 201
 6′ 3″ / 75 / 19183 / 21181 / 20680 / 203
6′ 4″ / 76 / 19384 / 21382 / 20881 / 206
6′ 5″ / 77 / 19685 / 21683 / 21182 / 208
6′ 6″ / 78 / 19886 / 21884 / 21383 / 211

COMPARE SUP PADDLES FOR RACING

What began as Project-X to celebrate our 10th anniversary has evolved into a full collection of innovative paddles, designed to meet the needs of the diverse SUP paddling and foiling community. The original Hydro FlowX was replaced with the Hydro SynergyX which is complemented by the Hydro SprintX and Hydro TempoX. Explore our collection of racing, touring and fitness orientated carbon sup paddles to find which one is best for you – Which Hydro?


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
USA Retail (Ex Tax)$650
c/w bag
$650
c/w bag
From $425
c/w bag
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

5-STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR NEW SUP PADDLE.

LEARN ABOUT TYPES OF PADDLES, BLADE SIZE, SHAFT OPTIONS, HANDLES & PADDLE LENGTH SO THAT YOU CAN CONFIDENTLY CHOOSE & CUSTOMIZE YOUR NEW PADDLE.

Even the best SUP paddle isn’t ideal for all occasions. Paddlers need to consider a range of factors to determine the best paddle for them. This five-step guide explains the science of how paddles work so you can confidently choose the right paddle for your needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have collated some of the most frequently asked questions about SUP racing, touring and fitness, and the Hydro SynergyX paddle in specific. If your question is not covered, on this page, in the 5-step guide or in these FAQs, you are encouraged to reach out to us for a personal consultation or support.

Bt far the most popular size of blade is the Medium which is 549cm² / 85 in². This is what the majority of our athletes use. Be sure to refer to sizing table to select the right size for your weight.

Existing customers – Yes, despite the actual blade sizes increasing when compared to the Hydro FlowX paddle, you should still select the same size for your new paddle,  e.g. if you were happy with a Medium Hydro FlowX (with Medium75 shaft), you should order a Medium Hydro SynergyX paddle (probably with a Tour Carbon 70 shaft). If you Medium Hydro FlowX blade felt a little too small then consider the Large blade when upgrading to the Hydro SynergyX paddle.

New customers – If you are upgrading from another brand of paddle, try to ignore the numbers and focus on the size rating e.g. Medium which is recommended for your weight. 

Always refer to our size guides and contact us if you have any questions. 

The Tour Carbon 70 shaft is the most popular option, this is a medium range stiffness shaft which suits a wide range of paddlers, it is similar in feel to our older model Medium75 shafts. Taller paddlers with longer paddle lengths should use the Tour Carbon 65 shaft. Heavier paddlers should consider the 45 or 50 shafts while smaller paddlers are advised to order the 90 or even 100 shaft. The most popular shafts for each blade size are detailed below.  Refer to the shaft selection table and contact us if you have any questions.
  • XL with 45 or 50
  • Large with 65 or 70
  • Medium with 70 (most popular shaft and blade combination)
  • Small with 70 or 90
  • XS with 100
The Tour Carbon 45 and 65 shafts are better for longer paddles while the 50, 70, 90, & 100 are optimized for shorter paddle lengths.
No. While we have different shaft diameter shafts and PowerGrip variations to match each shaft, the actual main dimensions of our award winning PowerGrip handle are the same. We worked hard during testing to ensure that the PowerGrip is comfortable for big hands, small hands, and all hands.

When ordering via our website the Hydro SynergyX paddle is supplied complete with our Paddle Bag, it is not a free bag and some US and international retailers do sell the paddle without the bag at an adjusted price. We strongly recommend that you protect your investment with a quality padded bag, ideally a Black Project one.

Yes, our Hydro SynergyX paddles are assembled with hot glue and you can heat up the shaft below the handle to remove and shorten the shaft. We have a number of guides on our YouTube channel which explain the process. Be sure to use quality extra-strength, high temp, hot glue and not hobby grade glue. This is particularly useful if you move to different board or change focus.

No – the Hydro SynergyX paddles are meant to be enjoyed as we intended them, in their very best/lightest form i.e., 1-piece (or 3-piece). If you are looking for a high quality and performance orientated adjustable paddle, then consider the Hydro TempoX. If you still think you want the Hydro SynergyX experience but are not sure about length, please check the paddle length guide and if that doesn’t help please contact us.

Paddles are very expensive to design, produce and ship, hence the price which you pay for your Black Project paddle is extremely reasonable. We have cut out a number of business layers and work directly with customers and smaller independent retailers to ensure that markups are reasonable. If we operated a more traditional business structure paddles would be 50-100% more expensive. Standup paddling is a small sport so it is hard to produce enough units to benefit from mass production and gain significant economies of scale.

Yes, if your local SUP store is an official Black Project retail partner they will be able to arrange your new paddle. If they are not currently one of our retailers you can either buy online or ask them to get in contact with us. Refer to our Dealer Locator Map to find your closest store.

All Black Project paddles have carbon reinforced edges and can withstand a good amount of abuse. The use of protective tape is not needed for general consumer use.

We ship from our Maui workshop via FedEx 2-Day shipping to all 50 states, we do not charge for this service. We also offer low shipping rates worldwide via FedEx International Economy.

We want you to be 100% satisfied with your new paddle. If something goes wrong, we are here to help resolve any issues in a fast and effective manner. Please contact us for support.
Thanks to our innovative designs, quality manufacturing and attention to detail, our paddles have a very low failure rate. For your peace of mine, we have a standard 1-year warranty to cover faulty manufacturing. Thanks to hot glue assembly it is possible to replace any damaged parts. If you feel that you have an issue which you feel should be covered, please contact us for support.

HYDRO SYNERGY-X COMMUNITY

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPER PADDLES BLENDING SPEED AND EFFICIENCY

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