Hi ,new to the sport, currently paddling a adjustable heavy duty paddle, Feel that I have progressed enough to warrant purchasing a carbon fibre paddle .While researching paddles I noticed the manufacturers also quote blade angles as well as blade widths , can someone shed some light?
What angle is the best for 80% surfing and 20%flat water.

Red

They all work fine as long as there is some angle.. Most are between 10-18 degrees I think with 12-14 being most common.. I'm guessing that more angle might give slightly more reach and give more lift (you and the board) but maybe less push forward mid stroke.. I wouldn't worry too much about it.. Having no blade angle gives less reach and the paddle doesn't exit the water very well.. Too much angle and it starts to feel a bit odd.

DJ

Thanks DJ ,That makes alot more sense ,This weekend I will take more notice of my entry and exit angles.

Red

The other angle to look at is the 'sweet spot' i.e. the point in your stroke where you are getting max drive.
When you are paddling with full power mid-stroke your top hand is forward of your bottom hand - meaning the paddle shaft is on an angle. At this point to achieve max efficiency the blade should be near vertical in the water - hence the paddle angle.

So, e.g. a tall person with short arms & narrow shoulders would want less paddle angle as their paddle shaft would be closer to vertical at the sweet spot, where as a SUP gorilla would need a massive paddle angle (and a life jacket) as in this situation with short body, wide shoulders, & long arms, at mid-stroke the paddle shaft would be nearly horizontal (& gorillas can't swim :) )

That must be why the first Laird paddles had heaps of angle on the blade..

DJ

Rough guide:
1) band-aids on the knuckles? - higher paddle angle required;
2) Can't touch your toes? - lower paddle angle requried.

Hey SSSIMON,
I,m no gorilla and I can swim, I can still touch my toes , but I,m not tall, my arms are proportionate to my height ,5,10. hahah
so ,I think I will go middle of the rd.
DJ suggested somewhere from 12 to 14 deg as a guide.
Its funny, days after writing the post ,I had a close look at my own paddle its basically has no angle at all, so any angle would be of great improvement.

Red

I think the jury would be unanimous - you want to get a paddle with MORE angle than the one you currently have!