SUP Paddle Guide – Selecting The Right Type of SUP Paddle
Step #1 – Choosing the Right SUP Paddle Type
Standup paddling is a paddling sport at its core, and choosing the right paddle type is essential for performance and comfort. The right paddle improves efficiency, reduces fatigue, and helps you paddle longer and stronger. Whether you’re racing, touring, surfing, foiling, or paddling recreationally, selecting the best paddle for your needs ensures the best experience on the water. This step will break down the key differences between paddle types.
Understanding SUP Paddle Types
At Black Project, we design every paddle with purpose—because choosing the right paddle isn’t just about preference, it’s about performance. Each of our four paddle types is carefully engineered to meet the demands of specific standup paddling disciplines. Whether you’re exploring local waters, chasing personal bests, catching waves, or gliding downwind on foil, this guide outlines the pros and cons of each paddle type to help you choose the one that best fits your goals and paddling style.
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Choosing the right SUP paddle can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out anytime for expert, personalized recommendations.
All-Water and Recreational Paddles — Versatility Meets Performance
For Paddlers Who Want Versatility Without Compromise
Our all-water paddles—like the Lava—are built for paddlers who want dependable performance across a wide range of conditions and disciplines. Whether you’re touring the coastline, catching small waves, paddling with family, or switching between boards, this category delivers a perfect blend of versatility, durability, and efficiency.
With a lightweight carbon construction, refined flex, and smooth power delivery, these paddles are trusted by recreational paddlers, weekend warriors, and experienced athletes alike. If you want one paddle to handle almost everything, this is it.
What are the Pros of Buying an All-Water Paddle
- Best Performance-to-Value Ratio – Premium quality paddles at an accessible price point.
- Lightweight And Durable – Stronger and lighter than aluminum or fiberglass paddles.
- Versatile for Multiple Disciplines – Great for flatwater touring, and surf sessions.
- Family- and Travel-Friendly – Ideal for sharing and adaptable for all paddlers.
- Smooth, Intuitive Feel – Balance and comfort for paddlers of all levels.
- Adjustable & performance-driven – FUSION system makes adjustment seamless.
- Built to last – High-quality construction means years of enjoyment.
What are the Cons of Buying an All-Water Paddle
- Not Specialized For Racing or Surfing – May not deliver the stiffness or responsiveness needed for high level performance.
- Slightly Heavier than Race/Surf Models – Prioritizes durability over ultra-lightweight materials.
- Not Fully Customizable – Offers multiple configurations, but not built-to-spec like our other paddles.
Shop All-Water and Recreational Paddles
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Lava 1-Piece
$325.00 -
Lava Adjustable
$350.00 -
- Out of Stock
- SUP Paddles, SUP All-Water Paddles, SUP Recreation, SUP Travel, SUP Travel Paddles, 2024-5
Lava Travel 3-Piece
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$375.00
- View Product
Lava Travel 3-Piece
$375.00 -
Lava: One Paddle, Endless Possibilities.
Not everyone needs a paddle designed for world championship racing or big wave surfing. But every paddler does need a paddle that feels good in the hands, performs well in any condition, and lasts for years to come.
Racing and Touring Paddles — The Highest Performance
For Paddlers Who Demand Maximum Paddling Performance and Minimum Weight
Our racing and touring paddles—the Hydro SynergyX, Hydro SprintX, and Hydro TempoX — engineered for paddlers who push the limits of speed, endurance, and efficiency. Whether you’re sprinting off the line, paddling long distances, training for your next event, or simply chasing personal bests, these paddles are built to help you go faster, longer, and with less fatigue.
With ultra-light carbon construction, optimized flex patterns, and advanced blade designs, they deliver instant power transfer and precision control. Trusted by world champions and serious enthusiasts alike, these are the paddles designed to elevate your performance on every stroke.
What are the Pros of Buying A Race Paddle
- Maximum Power & Efficiency – Engineered for power and efficiency.
- Ultra-Lightweight – Reduces Fatigue while increasing efficiency and cadence.
- Premium Materials – The strongest, lightest, and most expensive premium construction.
- Custom Options – wide range of blade sizes, shaft flexes, and lengths available.
- Hot Glue Assembly – Componentized system enables customization and changes over time.
- Race Proven – Trusted by world champions and elite athletes with multiple world titles.
What are the Cons of Buying a Race Paddle
- Less Forgiving – Stiffer shafts and responsive blades can feel harsh for casual use.
- Higher Cost – Premium construction and performance come at a higher price.
- Limited Versatility – Not ideal for surfing, sharing, or relaxed paddling.
- Fixed Length Requires Precision – Sizing must be accurate and isn’t easily shared.
Shop Racing and Touring Paddles
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Hydro TempoX 1-Piece
$425.00 -
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
$450.00 -
Hydro TempoX 3-Piece Travel
$475.00 -
Hydro SprintX
$650.00 -
Hydro SynergyX
$650.00
Hydro: Precision. Power. Podiums.
Not every paddler lines up at the start line—but for those who do, every detail matters. The Hydro range is designed for paddlers who demand peak performance, from sprint starts to long-distance grinds. Lightweight, powerful, and proven at the highest level, it’s the paddle that delivers when every stroke counts.
SUP Foil Paddles — Low Aspect For Power and Acceleration
For Paddlers Who Turn Water into Flight
SUP foil paddles—like our FoilX—are purpose-built for power, acceleration, and high-cadence paddling. Whether you’re downwinding, paddle-pumping through flat sections, or carving endless waves, these paddles deliver the instant power you need to get up on foil—and the boost to stay there.
With a wider, low aspect ratio blade, reduced volume, and shorter overall length, the FoilX is tuned for rapid strokes and quick lift-off. Its foil-specific construction adds durability to withstand foil strikes, while a componentized system and generous replacement parts policy ensure long-term value and easy maintenance.
Designed to make foiling more accessible, efficient, and fun—for everyone ready to take flight.
What are the Pros of Buying a SUP Foil Paddle
- Quick Power & Acceleration – Optimized for quick paddle strokes.
- Low Aspect Ratio Blade – Wider and shorter for instant power and acceleration.
- Foil-Specific Construction – Built tough to withstand foil strikes.
- Componentized System – Easy to adjust, replace, or upgrade over time.
What are the Cons of Buying a SUP Foil Paddle
- Less Forgiving – Stiffer shafts and responsive blades can feel harsh for casual use.
- Not Ideal for Flatwater or General Use – Blade shape and angle are not suitable for other uses.
- Higher Cost – Premium construction and performance come at a higher price.
Shop SUP Foil Paddles
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FoilX
$575.00
FoilX: From Stroke to Flight.
Designed to make foiling more accessible, more efficient—and more fun—for every paddler chasing flight. The FoilX is purpose-built for power, acceleration, and high-cadence strokes. With its wider, low aspect ratio blade, reduced volume, and shorter length, it’s tuned for quick lift-off.
SUP Surfing Paddles — Light and Agile, Built for the Surf
For Paddlers Who Prioritize Performance in Surf
SUP surf paddles—like the Surge—are built for quick, powerful strokes to catch waves with ease. With a compact blade, increased flex, and a lightweight yet durable build, they deliver a responsive feel in all surfing conditions.
Whether you’re using your paddle to pivot through tight turns or driving down the line for speed, these paddles are agile, quick, and built to enhance your style—while tough enough to take a wipeout when things don’t go to plan.
What are the Pros of Buying a SUP Surf Paddle
- Quick, Instant Catch – Designed for acceleration to help catch waves early.
- Lightweight & Balanced – Enhances agility and comfort in the surf.
- Increased Flex – Adds feel and flow while reducing strain on the body.
- Durable Construction – Built to handle impacts, drops, and wipeouts.
- Surf-Specific Handle – The SurfGrip provides direct feedback and is comfortable to hold.
- Premium Materials – Built with high-grade carbon for performance, and responsiveness.
What are the Cons of Buying a SUP Surf Paddle
- Less Versatile Outside the Surf – Optimized for wave performance, not ideal for touring.
- Higher Cost – Premium construction and performance come at a higher price.
Shop SUP Surf Paddles
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Surge
$575.00 -
Surge 3-Piece
$575.00
Surge: Power. Precision. Surf.
Built for quick lift-off and total control, the FoilX turns every stroke into upward momentum. From explosive starts to smooth transitions, it’s the paddle that connects you to flight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have collated some of the most frequently asked questions about paddles. 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.
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.
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.
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.
For maximum paddling enjoyment and performance, it is extremely important to choose the right paddle for your needs. At Black Project we pride ourselves in providing first class support and offer you a 1:1 paddle consultation via email, text, phone, or in person at our Maui workshop.
Ask a questions and arrange a consultation
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.
Paddle length paddle depends on your height, the type of standup paddling you are doing and the board you use. The correct length will protect your body against injury and maximize your performance. For recreational paddling and inflatables your paddle will be longer while for SUP surfing paddlers use shorter paddles. Use our paddle length guide to determine the correct length. Refer to the paddle specific guides on each product page.
Yes, our 1-piece paddles are assembled with hot glue. You can heat up the shaft just below the handle to remove it, and then 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.
We offer paddles for all types of standup paddling, racing, touring, foiling, surfing, and all-round recreation. Finding the right paddle which best fits your needs in terms of performance, price and preference is extremely important. Check out our guide to determine which paddle is best for you.
Choosing the right paddle for your experience, budget, and needs
Blade size depends on paddler weight, height, the type of standup paddling you are doing and any prior medical issues. Bigger blades offer more power and are suited to heavier paddlers while smaller paddler will want to select a much smaller blade size. Many paddlers are using the wrong size blade and that is reducing their enjoyment of the sport. Use our blade size guide to determine the correct size for you.
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.
When ordering via our website all paddles except the Lava Adjustable, are supplied complete with our Paddle Bag, bags can also be purchased separately. It is not a free bag and many US and international retailers do sell our paddles without a bag at an adjusted price. We strongly recommend that you protect your investment with a quality padded bag, ideally a Black Project one.
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, our componentized paddle system enables you to swap or replace parts. If you decide that you want to change blade, shaft, or handle, due to preferences or damage, thanks to our hot glue assembly, this is possible and saves you needing to buy a completely new paddle. This is especially important for SUP foiling.
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