How to choose the size of your paddle blade - theres more to it than just body weight!

In this video we're gonna help you understand and consider the other key points then just your weight when looking for your perfect paddle blade size.
Choosing the right paddle blade size is just as important as choosing the right board. Using one too big or too small can make paddling hard work. And over loading your shoulders with a blade too big can also increase the risk of injury.
So as well as considering your body weight, make sure you also consider the following when deciding what blade size to use/buy...
What type of padder are you?
What is your upper body build?
What is your natural cadence?
What type of board are you paddling on?
What type of paddling are you going to be doing?
What are the conditions you're going to be paddling in?

[@mvhan911]

Very interesting video. I came to the conclusion that my current paddle blade size is to big. I need to change to something smaller. Thanks again.

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment. Beau

[@katsuyasensei]

Thank you for this video! I was looking exactly for this kind of information. I bought an used Enduro Tiki Tech paddle which is cut exactly the length I was looking for - 178cm. Only once I bought it home, I realized the blade is XS size. I’m 170 cm, 65kg, riding a Starboard Spice 8’2”. I haven’t used this paddle yet but I can forecast it’ll make me cry.

[@SUPboardermag]

It might not be as bad as you think! For SUP surfing, it's good to have a smaller blade as your cadence is typically high paddling into waves, and a smaller blade helps to switch the paddle easier when surfing. Will here at SUPboarder rides with a Small blade and he is taller than you with a similar weight. I can understand that a Small blade would have been ideal, but don't discount it before you try. Hope you find it ok! Thanks, Beau

[@marksmall8692]

After months of deliberating, I went for a second hand, Tiki Tech Lima M blade to go with my 2016 Starboard Astro Touring 11'6. The Tiki Tech is a good price point and thought it be a good starter for ten and for my level of paddling experience. No doubt my sister would be happy to paddle with my Tiki Tech once she gets her hands on it and I possibly upgrade to a Carbon M or L blade.

[@SUPboardermag]

Great to hear. All the best with the paddle and sounds like you have made the right decision. Thanks, Beau

[@monsterthemink5787]

Thank you for this very informative video! I am about the same height but a little on the lighter side and am also paddling an Enduro size medium and a Lima size large. It is maybe also important to bear in mind that the Enduro range has a slightly larger surface area compared to a Lima of the same nominal size. I started out with the medium Enduro and found it too large for touring so I got a Lima in medium which was way too small for me: I could pull it through the water faster than the moving speed of the board with ease which indicates bad power transfer and a huge energy loss. That was remedied when I got a Lima in large which I now use as my allround paddle. The experience with different blade sizes also showed me that super high cadence is just not my style of paddling. Totally second "try before you buy"!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for sharing your experience in finding the right paddle. Glad you have the right gear and enjoying paddling! Thanks, Beau

[@cutieslug]

Always love your videos! Do you have one on paddle shapes?

[@SUPboardermag]

Not yet! This is something we definitely need to look at doing. This one will help though kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqSvo6ZpgJhgoqM

[@LuciTulcea]

Doctor House presenting sup paddles.🙂

[@stevedogwildman2133]

Still have my puravida which came with my Quroc, now also have a Lima, went for a M, so blade slightly smaller, as I entered a race with the puravida and shoulder wa burning after about 1.5hrs, so thought smaller might help. Paddle is 3 piece, and is lighter than the puravida, but after using it, the shaft has a slight ridge wound all the way down the shaft and it isn't as comfortable on the hand as the smoother puravida. Good paddle all the same. Never considered the feel of the shaft, thought too much about the T grip, which is fab.

[@SUPboardermag]

Interesting feedback about the paddles. Goes to show it's all personal preference to the feel and comfort of a paddle. Glad you're getting on the water with some fun toys! Thanks, Beau

[@fattyz1]

The main thing I found out this summer is I don’t like my isup because I don’t like paddling. I have too much wind in my location and though I’ve been a surfer 39 years I don’t do it for a workout. I didn’t like the kayak for the same reason. I’m looking at a solid board I think the isup is harder to stand on especially in surf but I have to verify this by renting one . Thanks I like your channel

[@mvhan911]

If had so much wind I would be happy to enjoy my windsurfing

[@seawalkarrg]

ISUPs can be a real struggle in the wind and chop. Hard board will make a massive difference. Just doesn’t roll up in a bag!

[@SUPboardermag]

Paddling on the ocean and surf is much harder, and wind is our worst enemy on SUPs. Like @seawalkin has said, a hard board will help in the sea. Thanks, Beau

[@rickanderson1913]

So many decisions, but some really great information here! Any thoughts on going all out on a prepreg in one size vs two sizes /shapes in the 'normal' carbon to cover more conditions? I guess the answer is two (or more) prepreg paddles.... 🤣🤣🤣

[@SUPboardermag]

hahaha. Two pre preg paddles would be the dream! One pre preg paddle might suit your needs across disciplines...? If not, a carbon blend can be just as good. Thanks. Beau

[@rickanderson1913]

@@SUPboardermag I think I know which decision I'll take. The pre preg is so nice it is hard to look at anything else. Most likely the enduro as I do a variety of paddling (surf, tour, playing with the kids) and a medium probably fits most requirements at the moment (6ft3 and 80kg). If I need more options, another pre preg might be required next year!!! 🤣

[@user-fr8bo6tz2m]

good

[@SUPboardermag]

thanks!

[@adylp7818]

What a minefield! Does anyone know of any sup shops in the midlands (UK) that would be worth checking out? Most that would offer try before you buy seem to be near the south coast. Great video btw

[@SUPboardermag]

It might be worth getting in contact with Starboard UK (Tushingham) to see where they have test centres. We have reached out to them to comment, but they haven't yet replied. Hope that helps. Thanks, Beau

[@k.f.8883]

Is there any relation between shirt and paddle size?

[@SUPboardermag]

Never really thought of it like that, but now you mention it, it's a good guide. I wear a Large shirts and use Medium blade paddles. Depends on your stroke rate, size, power and lots of other factors. Thanks for the comment, Beau

[@didierplouhinec4899]

I use a Pre Preg carbon Lima one piece size M oval shaft S40 cut to 190 cm after a few months at 195 cm . My size is 179cm and weight 68kg. Mostly touring. Before I had a normal carbon Lima 2 pieces size L round shaft 29 mm S35 . Shifted from the seaworthy i SUP Tikhine Wave 12.6 x28 ,done 1500km in 10months, shifted to an Hypr LV Racer 12,6 x 27 which was not faster than the i SUP . Exact average speed of 4,5 knots on the same11km trip. Broken my back tring to speed up this suction cup with a double concave hull . I understood all Hypr videos are lies about the increased speed due to reduced width. How can you claim your Wingtail Racer 14x22 is the fastest board in the world when none Hypr boards are seen on races? and when there is not a single data about the speed?After 64 days of hospital and rest at home ( 4 disc hernias)I went again a few times on the LVR which refuses to glide and decided to buy a well proven designed Naish Maliko 14x26. Originally I had ordered a 14x26 Hypr but the factory went wrong and shipped a disapointing 12,6 x 27. I am pleased with both my Maliko and PP Lima even if now I cannot speed as much as before. MONSOON my Maliko is a ”full pleasure board”.I am 63 Year Young and I paddle at Phuket, only on the blue 30⁰ sea. Often I am the only guy at sea from may to november during the monsoon season with strong southwesterlies.Every paddle is on my facebook Khun Didi. In june I went to Starboard HQ in Bangkok and I was welcome by Trevor. I did some demos of Sprint 14x23, 14x 25,5 and Allstar 14x23 with 4 differents prototyp paddles. Once more I renew all my trust to Starboard.

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for sharing your background in SUP. Glad to hear you have recovered and are back on the best boards for you. Appreciate the comment. Thanks, Beau