Hi,

Just got into SUP and looking to invest in a bent paddle. I am a fit male with endurance and strength. I do this for good exercise. (First I did 1-2 miles. Second day 3 miles, 3rd day 4.5 miles of just about non stop paddling, varying from kneeling/standing/sitting with occasional bursts of raw power until I can't no more) will be using this on calm waters and rivers where boats are present.

My goal is to find one that can move me fast, so would it go like this:

Large paddle: more energy used, propulsion is stronger, shorter distance

Small paddle: less energy used, less propulsion, longer distance.

So what do people choose. I am from NE USA and there is no one I see out with SUP so I have nothing to compare to. describing your styles and level of fitness with your paddle experience would be great.

thanks

Hi, you must realize that a paddle is just stuck in the water and does not move. It is an anchor you use to haul your body and board.
This helps understanding more what makes a good paddle than the (false) image of a propeller moving water aft, or a paddleboat steamer.

The paddle movement is mostly up and down, to get deep into the water, hold tight, and come out cleanly. You want a paddle that can enter the water with as little water disturbance as possible, otherwise it will create vortexes, turbulences, pockets of air that will compromise its hold in the water. A narrow blade achieve this better, so a narrow paddle can be more powerful than a large one if the large paddle creates more disturbances on entry.

So you want a paddle:
- with a clean hydrodynamic paddle blade shape for the cleanest entry / exit: one that makes as little disturbance in the water as possible
- as light as possible
- as stiff as your joints allow: you should be able to paddle hours without feeling the start of a tendinitis.

As for specific models, I am not expert on the specific models available in the US. But for example you should avoid the old Kioalas with their crude shapes (flat panels with angles)

In a nutshell: it is not the size that matters most, it is the penetration :-)

General development in racing, but I guess also in flatwater fitness paddling is to move towards smaller blades (than 2-3 years ago). I did the same, higher cadence, less stress on the joints and lets you focus more on proper technique even if you get a bit tired. Brands like Quickblade give a good overview on suitable paddle blade sizes and shaft lengths depending on your weight, height and purpose.

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htc1x said..
Hi,

Just got into SUP and looking to invest in a bent paddle. I am a fit male with endurance and strength. I do this for good exercise. (First I did 1-2 miles. Second day 3 miles, 3rd day 4.5 miles of just about non stop paddling, varying from kneeling/standing/sitting with occasional bursts of raw power until I can't no more) will be using this on calm waters and rivers where boats are present.

My goal is to find one that can move me fast, so would it go like this:

Large paddle: more energy used, propulsion is stronger, shorter distance

Small paddle: less energy used, less propulsion, longer distance.

So what do people choose. I am from NE USA and there is no one I see out with SUP so I have nothing to compare to. describing your styles and level of fitness with your paddle experience would be great.

thanks

If you want to go bent paddle you can't go wrong with the KIALOA Hulu Double bend (3 years in development): http://www.kialoa.com/hulu-db.html

I recommend the small blade for most people as it's got plenty of power for an 87 and combination with the double bend, and smaller is the current trend.

Good luck, lots of paddles and prices to try out there.