Hey

Looking to get a new paddle, but having difficulty deciding if I should keep same size, or go a bit smaller.
I've been using a 3piece Starboard bolt for the last 3 years, but it's finally time for a fixed length paddle. Pretty much already decided on (tested ofcourse) the new Lima, but as I said, not sure if I should get an L or M size. Both felt good, the L harder to pull, which i find odd since the blade size should have been the same as my current paddle.
I'm leaning to the M, just because I try to paddle at a around 50-60 spm on longer distances, and don't have the strongest arms for slow powerful strokes over 10k (78kg 190cm btw).
Am I limiting myself somehow by going smaller, and could it be too small?

I had a similar situation going from my adjustable to a fixed and got a smaller sized paddle and my cadence increased and it felt great. However I felt I could just not get enough movement with each stroke, felt like I was doing great but never keep up with others who streaked ahead. So I got a larger face better design that allowed me to keep up the reps and feel like I was moving along faster.
I am a fraction heavier than you so I would suggest you go the medium and if you can do full Carbon, you will notice the difference on a long paddle.

Thanks for the input.
Was already thinking of going for the medium, even if it's a bit smaller than my current paddle. Just seems like it would be more forgiving, since any time I do get sore/pain it's my arms/shoulder. I also live inland, so its 99% flat lake paddling longer distances
Still the paddles aren't cheap, so I can't just buy another one if it won't work out, and there is always that little "what if", that keeps me from just going and buying the medium haha. That's why I'm asking for any input, experiences or suggestions

My first rule of life:
"If you even think it.... it's true"

Meaning:
you already know the answer, your body and subconscious has already given it to you.... no need to try to reason it out.

IMO:
Get the smaller blade and enjoy your sessions, instead of suffering afterwards, for a bit more speed.
If you are not racing, speed maybe shouldn't be, the deciding factor.

It sounds like supthecreek has affirmed your thinking.

Here's a few other thoughts on blades and blade size:

- The best way to find out about paddles is to beg, borrow or steal a few paddles and try them out for at least a few kilometers

- Different blades appear to me to suit different power phases in your stroke. Some blades (QB trifecta for example) have more of a mid-stroke power phase. Others like QB V-Drive and especially MB Thor are more catch oriented and push the power phase further forward in your stroke. Ideally, you'd use a paddle that has either a power phase that matches how you paddle or how you're prepared to learn to paddle.

- I'm guessing that the rounded tip on the old Starboard Lima gives it a softer catch and pushes the power further back in the stroke compared to the square tip on the new Starboard Lima which is obviously intended to be more catch dominant and will probably feel more "bitey" regardless of size. It probably also moves the power forward in your stroke which many would say is where it is most efficient and should be.

Hi Daz,
Just to add to the confusion when going from a Bolt to a Lima.
Bolt M is 540cm
Lima L is 531cm

I currently have 2 broken Medium Bolts, trying to make one whole. Has been my favourite paddle by far.
Have a large Lima (older, rounded edges) and while good, is just not as good as the Bolt. Have not tried a square Lima yet.

Plan to go test out some Black Projects before I make my decision, but the Lima medium is feeling like the best so far.

Tested the old Limas (rounded tip) on the same day, and while good, they just didn't feel right. The M felt like it was just catching so much air, and the L felt just a bit softer than my Bolt. The new Lima (square tip) the M felt very comparable to my Bolt, and the L felt great too, but had to slow down my cadance alot because I just didn't have the arm power to pull it after 2h of testing.

Probably going to stop even looking at the numbers, just go by feeling alone for this...

The Lima medium sounds like a good choice. BTW, you might want to consider changing your stroke ratio rather than your stroke rate.
It may translate to better overall speed for long distances in flat water. More efficient and less engine intensive

:I have boothy paddle lot heavier than carbon im a big bugger so i like the extra heft, fixed paddle is way better than three peice.

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burchas said..
you might want to consider changing your stroke ratio rather than your stroke rate.

What exactly do you mean by stroke ratio?

See this link for a good read on paddling stroke styles: kanuculture.com/brokenpaddle/doublebends

Not all of it applies to SUP due to boat weight and length but skip to the Tahitian 1:2 ratio part. That worked for me in flat water.
Notice the footnote about driving down the paddle which is the common practice these days, though I still use some rotation.

You could probably take down about 15 strokes per minute from the specified low-end rate on that section due-to paddle length and the
high level crew that uses it. That puts you at 49spm which is still very reasonable cardio wise, might be a perfect fit for your new paddle

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burchas said..
See this link for a good read on paddling stroke styles: kanuculture.com/brokenpaddle/doublebends

Not all of it applies to SUP due to boat weight and length but skip to the Tahitian 1:2 ratio part. That worked for me in flat water.
Notice the footnote about driving down the paddle which is the common practice these days, though I still use some rotation.

You could probably take down about 15 strokes per minute from the specified low-end rate on that section due-to paddle length and the
high level crew that uses it. That puts you at 49spm which is still very reasonable cardio wise, might be a perfect fit for your new paddle

I am focusing on the drive down aspect as well and am decreasing times with less strokes, it's very nteresting.

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maotad said..
Hey

Looking to get a new paddle, but having difficulty deciding if I should keep same size, or go a bit smaller.
I've been using a 3piece Starboard bolt for the last 3 years, but it's finally time for a fixed length paddle. Pretty much already decided on (tested ofcourse) the new Lima, but as I said, not sure if I should get an L or M size. Both felt good, the L harder to pull, which i find odd since the blade size should have been the same as my current paddle.
I'm leaning to the M, just because I try to paddle at a around 50-60 spm on longer distances, and don't have the strongest arms for slow powerful strokes over 10k (78kg 190cm btw).
Am I limiting myself somehow by going smaller, and could it be too small?

Sounds like you should go with the M if you are struggling with the L. Think about how many repetitions you'll have over a paddle, a week, a season or a year. The idea is to stay in the game as long as you can. It sounds like you can paddle longer with the M. That's what I'd do.

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DaveSandan said..

burchas said..
See this link for a good read on paddling stroke styles: kanuculture.com/brokenpaddle/doublebends

Not all of it applies to SUP due to boat weight and length but skip to the Tahitian 1:2 ratio part. That worked for me in flat water.
Notice the footnote about driving down the paddle which is the common practice these days, though I still use some rotation.

You could probably take down about 15 strokes per minute from the specified low-end rate on that section due-to paddle length and the
high level crew that uses it. That puts you at 49spm which is still very reasonable cardio wise, might be a perfect fit for your new paddle

I am focusing on the drive down aspect as well and am decreasing times with less strokes, it's very nteresting.

It gets even more interesting when you introduce core engagement and hip thrust into the mix. Very tedious practice but the potential
for dividends is very apparent right from the start.

Dropping down in blade size was key in practicing it. The increase in load and slippage on the blade is immediately noticeable once you switch back to the larger blade after an hour practice session, it feels like you're mixing cement

This is and older vid but I found it useful a while back.
Connor was going shorter and smaller back in 2017. Talking about using your core body strength too. It and a few other vids changed my technique a lot. I find a shorter paddle and smaller blade much better. I am 179cm and 83 kgs. I also bought a carbon adjustable paddle years ago as I wasnt sure what length I wanted and still have it. It's nice to be able to change it for different boards and conditions. I did borrow a paddle that was just under 500gs on the weekend and thought hmm maybe it is time to get a new paddle.

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tarquin1 said..

This is and older vid but I found it useful a while back.
Connor was going shorter and smaller back in 2017. Talking about using your core body strength too. It and a few other vids changed my technique a lot. I find a shorter paddle and smaller blade much better. I am 179cm and 83 kgs. I also bought a carbon adjustable paddle years ago as I wasnt sure what length I wanted and still have it. It's nice to be able to change it for different boards and conditions. I did borrow a paddle that was just under 500gs on the weekend and thought hmm maybe it is time to get a new paddle.

Hi tarquin1,

I am 180 cm and 79 Kg, just got a smaller paddle, Full carbon fixed Quickblade 82. Smaller than my past one and I used to have the length to 190 cm. As I haven't yet cut and glued it, what are you guys lengths Own and paddle?
I am on a Sup Foil

Cheers Anders

I dont foil so better of waiting for some advice from someone that does.

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anders884 said..

tarquin1 said..

This is and older vid but I found it useful a while back.
Connor was going shorter and smaller back in 2017. Talking about using your core body strength too. It and a few other vids changed my technique a lot. I find a shorter paddle and smaller blade much better. I am 179cm and 83 kgs. I also bought a carbon adjustable paddle years ago as I wasnt sure what length I wanted and still have it. It's nice to be able to change it for different boards and conditions. I did borrow a paddle that was just under 500gs on the weekend and thought hmm maybe it is time to get a new paddle.

Hi tarquin1,

I am 180 cm and 79 Kg, just got a smaller paddle, Full carbon fixed Quickblade 82. Smaller than my past one and I used to have the length to 190 cm. As I haven't yet cut and glued it, what are you guys lengths Own and paddle?
I am on a Sup Foil

Cheers Anders

My SUP Foiling paddle is about 74" (186cm) and my SUP Race paddle is about 81" (204cm). I am 6'2" (188cm) and 90kg.

For SUP surfing and foiling, just cut it to your length. That's the base length you should start with, it works for most people and styles.

JB, Colas thanks for info.

Regards Anders