
Thanks for sharing a bit about your paddling preferences.
Your 10% discount code is:
Maui10

Aug 22-33, 2026
Henley, UK
We’re proud to return to Wales in partnership with the GBSUP National Series opener for 2026.
As the first stop of the national racing calendar, this event brings together the UK’s top paddlers for two days of high-performance racing, including distance, technical, and sprint formats.
Join us for on-water demos and personalized advice from Chris Freeman and our UK team, with a full range of paddles and fins available to try—and yes, you can use them in the races as well.
A limited number of ex-demo paddles will also be available to purchase across the weekend.
Whether you’re racing or supporting from the shoreline, this is your opportunity to experience world championship–winning performance in real conditions.
No race entry required—demo paddles and fins are available to all paddlers.
Saturday 2nd May: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday 3rd May: 9:00 am to 4:00pm
Join founder Chris Freeman, your local retailer, and the Black Project team for an inclusive SUP event where performance meets community.
Try the full range of Black Project paddles and fins, including the Hydro SynergyX, Hydro SprintX, Hydro TempoX, Nexus, Lava, and more.
Enter on-site giveaways for a chance to win limited-edition paddles, fins, and gear signed by Chris or Black Project athletes.
𝙒𝙀’𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙒𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙎 🏴
Join us at the @gbsup Llandegfedd Pursuit this weekend as the Synergy Tour rolls into one of the UK’s premier race events.
From elite coaching to hands-on gear testing—this is your chance to paddle with purpose. 💥
👉 Swipe to see what the Synergy Tour is all about.
⚙️Test 50+ paddles & 30+ fins on the water
💡 Get personalized paddle fitting advice
💪Train with Black Project athletes
💰Access event-only offers on race-proven gear
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📆 May 17–18, 2025
📍 Llandegfedd Reservoir, Wales
🔗 Link in bio to sign up!
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#blackprojectsup #blackprojectsynergytour #blackprojectsynergytourwales #sup #supracing #supracer #standuppaddle #supfitness #suptouring #fitness
@totalsup @gbsup
@manu_hoyuela @bastiangrimm @will.keetley @hector_jessel @annie.supx @chrisk97
✊ Feel the difference with the PowerGrip.
At the recent Synergy Tour event at @braylakewatersports, @chrisk97 shared why the PowerGrip palm handle is a game-changer—designed to sit naturally in your hand for a secure, ergonomic hold that promotes good paddling form, reduces fatigue, and boosts control.
🏁 Whether you’re racing or just want to paddle longer in comfort, better grip = better performance.
Want to feel it for yourself? Join us this for the next Synergy Tour event in Wales at the @gbsup race weekend at the @blackproject Llandegfedd Pursuit, May 17-18, 2025.
🔗 Learn more about choosing the right handle—link in bio.
📸 @si_crowther
#blackprojectsup #powergrip #blackprojectsynergytour #blackprojectsynergytourwales #suppaddle #supracing #supfitness #standuppaddle #paddleboarding #paddlegear #fitness #supgrip #paddlebettter #chrisk97
The next stop of the @gbsup x @blackprojectsup UK National Racing Series is just days away. Two days of paddling action and community, with paddlers from across the UK and Europe this looks set to be one of the biggest UK events of the year.
Show up, bring a friend, challenge yourself, and become a better paddler as a result.
For full details check the GBSUP website and watch our social channels for upcoming announcements 📣
#blackprojectsup #gbsup #sup #standuppaddle #paddleboarding #supracing #suptouring #supfitness
@totalsup @blackprojectsup.uk @paddleuk @aquapaddleuk @paddlelogger
‼️Breaking News💥 @manu_hoyuela @blackprojectsup / @sunova.sup has confirmed his entry for the upcoming @gbsup x @blackprojectsup National Series event in Wales this weekend.
【Manu Bio】
“Manuel “Manu” Hoyuela known as the “Fish Kid” (Niño Pez), had an outstanding 2024 season. Hailing from Suances, Spain, Manu has the perfect training playground at his doorstep – world-class waves, a canal for sprint training, and ideal downwind conditions. These diverse elements have shaped him into a versatile and powerful athlete, excelling in both SUP racing and SUP surfing.
In 2024, Manu claimed major titles, including the European Long Distance Championship, a silver medal in the Sprint at both the ISA and ICF Worlds, and a bronze in the Technical Race at the ICF World Championships in Sarasota.” @totalsup
【Tech Training】
📆 Saturday May 17, 2025
📍Llandegfedd Reservoir
@manu_hoyuela and @bastiangrimm will lead a sprint / tech training session to help you work on your starts, turns, finishes ahead of the technical and sprint races in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to train alongside two leading athletes and you may even pick up some winning tips! Start, turn, finish, repeat - then put it all into practice in the race in the afternoon.
This is a fun, inclusive, and free session for any @gbsup racers looking to improve their skills and short distance racing.
#blackprojectsup #gbsup #supracing #supracinguk #sup #standuppaddle #paddleboarding #supfitness #fitness #ManuelHoyuela
@totalsup @supboardermag @blackprojectsup.uk
As we prepare for the @gbsup x @blackprojectsup UK National tour stop in Wales 🏴 this weekend which of our international team do you think are coming?!
Throughout the year this amazing list of athletes all plan to attend races in the UK as part of our commitment to developing racing and participation in the UK and building our team cohesion.
@katnissparis 🇺🇸
@kcsillagv 🇭🇺
@seychelle.sup 🇺🇸
@arthurarutkin 🇫🇷
@donato_freens 🇳🇱
@manu_hoyuela 🇪🇸
@bastiangrimm 🇩🇪
@will.keetley 🇬🇧
@annie.supx 🇬🇧
+ more
#gbup #blackprojectsup #totalsup #supracing #sup #standuppaddle #paddleboard #fitness #supfitness
@totalsup @supboardermag @paddleuk
📅 @blackprojectsup founder @chrisk97 will be at the @ryadinghyshow ⛵️this Sunday, be sure to stop by the @sailingfastuk / @paddlefastuk booth to say hello and check out the new Hydro SynergyX paddle.
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@supboardermag will have a mini-interview with Chris about the new paddle and what makes it a ‘Super Paddle’.
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#blackprojectsup #hydrosynergyx #sup #standuppaddle #paddleboarding #supracing #supracer #supfitness
Thanks for sharing a bit about your paddling preferences.
Your 10% discount code is:
Maui10
Choosing the right shaft is just as important as choosing the blade. Shaft type, flex, diameter, and shape all impact comfort, control, and performance on the water. Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down so you can choose the right setup with confidence.
Your paddle shaft is the connection between you and the water, influencing power transfer, comfort, injury prevention, and endurance performance. Whether you prefer a lightweight fixed shaft for maximum efficiency, an adjustable shaft for versatility, or a 3-piece design for travel, each option has its advantages. Weight, flex, shaft diameter, and shape further impact how your paddle feels and performs. In this section, we’ll explore the key factors to help you confidently choose the best shaft for your needs.
From lightweight 1-piece designs to versatile 2-piece adjustable and travel-ready 3-piece options, we offer shaft configurations to match every paddler’s lifestyle and goals. Whether you prioritize weight savings, adjustability, or portability, there’s a setup built for you.
Our FUSION adjustment system redefines adjustable paddles with an ergonomic design, internal marine grade brass pin, and Slick Rail Technology. Lightweight and durable, it ensures precise adjustments, resists sand and salt, and delivers a seamless paddling experience for paddlers of all levels.
Innovative solution offering fixed paddle feel in a travel-ready 3-piece build.
Shaft flex is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of paddle performance. It affects how your paddle feels in the water, how much power you generate, and how much strain is transferred to your body. At Black Project, we tune flex by adjusting carbon grade, fiber layup, shaft shape, and diameter—so every paddler gets a paddle that feels responsive, comfortable, powerful, and efficient, no matter their size or paddling discipline.
If your paddle blade is too big, you may experience these common issues:
Getting the right shaft flex means you’ll paddle more efficiently, reduce strain on your body, and enjoy a better overall experience on the water. Here’s what you can expect:
Every Black Project shaft is crafted with 100% carbon construction, using premium Japanese Toray pre-preg carbon for exceptional performance and durability. From the ultra-responsive Tour Carbon, to the surf-optimized Apex, and the all-round Quest, each model is purpose-built to meet the demands of different paddling styles. Use the options below to explore and compare the shaft that’s best for your goals on the water.
The Apex shafts also feature 30T pre-preg carbon laminates for reduced weight and increased paddling power. Being marginally stiffer than previous models the shafts have been optimized for the full range of paddlers. Available in both 29mm and 26mm straight round options. With the trend towards slightly higher volume SUP surf boards, we wanted to increase power slightly and these new shafts help us achieve this while maintaining our familiar flex, reducing fatigue, and safeguarding against injury – when the surf is good, we want you to make the most of it with long pain free sessions.
Your paddling lifestyle plays a big role in shaft choice. If you want the lightest setup for pure performance, a 1-piece fixed shaft is ideal. Need versatility for sharing, changing boards, or evolving technique? A 2-piece adjustable shaft is the most flexible option. Traveling or tight on storage space? Go with a 3-piece travel paddle that fits in your bag without sacrificing performance.
Taller paddlers typically use longer paddles, which naturally flex more due to their length. To maintain consistent performance and feel, taller paddlers benefit from using stiffer flex ratings—especially for racing or high-output paddling. Shorter paddlers may prefer softer shafts to match their body type.
If you’ve experienced shoulder, elbow, wrist, or back issues, a slightly more flexible shaft can make a big difference. Added flex reduces shock and softens transitions during each stroke, easing the impact on joints without sacrificing performance.
Order online for fast, direct delivery—or visit a trusted retailer for expert advice and in-person support.
Shaft diameter has a big impact on comfort. Paddlers with smaller hands often find standard shafts tiring or hard to grip, especially over long sessions. Our Slim Fit shaft options offer a thinner diameter that enhances grip, reduces fatigue, and improves control—especially for youth, smaller paddlers, or women.
Use our shaft flex chart as your starting point, then personalize your choice. Depending on your height, weight, paddling style, and physical condition, you’ll either choose a stiffer shaft, stay with the recommended option, or select a softer shaft.
If you’re heavier, taller, or prefer powerful, aggressive strokes, consider a stiffer shaft (lower flex number). If you’re lighter, recovering from an injury, or favor longer, relaxed paddling sessions, a shaft with more flex (higher number) will typically be beneficial.
One factor alone might not justify changing from the recommended stiffness unless you’re already at the upper or lower end of a range. However, if two or more factors align, even paddlers in the middle range should consider adjusting. The goal is to find the perfect balance for your paddling comfort and performance.
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 | Paddle Length | Paddle Length |
|---|---|---|
| 45 - 55 / 99 - 121 | TourCarbon 100 | None |
| 56 - 60 / 123 - 132 | TourCarbon 90 | None |
| 61 - 65 / 134 - 143 | TourCarbon 80 | None |
| 66 - 75 / 145 - 165 | TourCarbon 80 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 76 - 85 / 167 - 187 | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 86 - 90 / 189 - 198 | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 91 - 95 / 200 - 209 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 96 - 100 / 211 - 220 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 101 - 106 / 222 - 233 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
Racing & touring paddle with FUSION adjustment technology
$375.00
Fast & Efficient – The SUP Paddle for Short & Middle-Distance Racing, Complete with Premium Bag
$650.00 Original price was: $650.00.$550.00Current price is: $550.00.
Lightweight & Efficient – The SUP Paddle for Long-Distance Racing, Complete with Premium Bag
$650.00
Precision & Responsiveness – The SUP Paddle for Dynamic Middle & Long-Distance Racing, Complete with Premium Bag
$650.00
Weight | Recommended | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 45 - 55 / 99 - 121 | APEX Flex 105 | None |
| 56 - 60 / 123 - 132 | APEX Flex 105 | APEX Flex 95 |
| 61 - 65 / 134 - 143 | APEX Flex 95 | APEX Flex 105 |
| 66 - 75 / 145 - 165 | APEX Flex 95 | None |
| 76 - 85 / 167 - 187 | APEX Flex 95 | APEX Flex 85 |
| 86 - 90 / 189 - 198 | APEX Flex 85 | APEX Flex 95 |
| 91 - 95 / 200 - 209 | APEX Flex 85 | APEX Flex 75 |
| 96 - 100 / 211 - 220 | APEX Flex 75 | None |
| 101 - 106 / 222 - 233 | APEX Flex 75 | None |
Weight | Paddle Length | Paddle Length |
|---|---|---|
| 56 - 60 / 123 - 132 | TourCarbon 90 | TourCarbon 70 |
| 61 - 65 / 134 - 143 | TourCarbon 90 | TourCarbon 70 |
| 66 - 75 / 145 - 165 | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 76 - 85 / 167 - 187 | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 86 - 90 / 189 - 198 | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 91 - 95 / 200 - 209 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 96 - 100 / 211 - 220 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 101 - 106 / 222 - 233 | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
Weight | Hydro TempoX | Lava |
|---|---|---|
| 45 - 55 / 99 - 121 | QUEST Flex 95 | QUEST Flex 95 |
| 56 - 60 / 123 - 132 | QUEST Flex 95 | QUEST Flex 95 |
| 61 - 65 / 134 - 143 | QUEST Flex 85 | QUEST Flex 85 |
| 66 - 75 / 145 - 165 | QUEST Flex 85 | QUEST Flex 85 |
| 76 - 85 / 167 - 187 | QUEST Flex 75 | QUEST Flex 75 |
| 86 - 90 / 189 - 198 | QUEST Flex 75 | QUEST Flex 75 |
| 91 - 95 / 200 - 209 | QUEST Flex 65 | QUEST Flex 75 |
| 96 - 100 / 211 - 220 | QUEST Flex 65 | QUEST Flex 75 |
| 101 - 106 / 222 - 233 | QUEST Flex 65 | QUEST Flex 75 |
All-round paddle with Fusion adustment technology
$300.00
All-round travel paddle with FUSION adjustment technology
$350.00
Racing & touring paddle with FUSION adjustment technology
$375.00
Smooth & Responsive – The 2-Piece Adjustable SUP Paddle for Racing, Fitness & Touring
$375.00
Smooth & Responsive – The 3-Piece SUP Paddle for Racing, Fitness & Touring, c/w Bag
$425.00
Contact us for personalized recommendations based on your paddling goals, body weight, and experience level.
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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 to all 50 U.S. states and worldwide directly from Maui, Hawaii.
Every order is sent via FedEx 2-Day, ensuring a fast, reliable, and hassle-free delivery experience.
Shipping costs are based on the products in your order — and you’ll only ever pay one shipping fee. For example, if you order two paddles and a fin, you’ll be charged for just one paddle shipment.
Each package is carefully prepared in Maui and delivered safely to your door, ready for your next session.
Explore shipping rates for domestic and international orders
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.
All Athlete Series and Ultimate Series paddles, as well as our 3-piece travel paddles, are supplied complete with a Black Project Paddle Bag unless otherwise stated. Some models are supplied without a bag. For example, the FoilX does not include a paddle bag. Bag inclusion is clearly shown on each product page. Black Project Paddle Bags can also be purchased separately. Some US and international retailers may offer paddles without a bag at an adjusted price. We strongly recommend protecting your paddle with a quality padded bag, ideally a Black Project Paddle Bag.
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.
SUP paddles are not one-size-fits-all, and different factors come into play when determining the ideal paddle length. That’s why many of our SUP paddles offer a wide 30cm (12 inches) range of non-twist adjustment. This means you can easily adjust the paddle length to suit your height, paddle board, water conditions, and paddling style. Whether you prefer a shorter paddle for your SUP surfing sessions or a longer paddle length for relaxed touring, our adjustable paddle options have you and your Ohana (family) covered. Toggle Content
Absolutely! As part of our commitment to exceptional service, we provide a free personal consultation with Chris Freeman, a renowned expert in the SUP industry. Chris, with his extensive knowledge and expertise, will personally guide you through the process of selecting the perfect paddle and fin based on your height, paddling style, and preferences. At Black Project SUP, we believe in going the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction and success on the water. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity – contact us today to schedule your free personal consultation with Chris Freeman.
Tell us a bit about how you paddle—we’ll send you a 10% discount code as a thank you and keep you in the loop with new gear, tips, and offers.