Mines at head high mate but I've seen a few around the chin too.... Anywhere in between I reckon....

For anyone new I'd recomend not going any shorter than 6" overhead.. and then if you choose go down to about 4" (what I like) and if you're serious and riding very small boards head high seems about what the really good guys use..

It depends on your level of skill as DJ points out.

The old measure was 6" above head height for surfing. As boards got smaller and moves became more aggressive lengths dropped to assist with changing hands and the use of the paddle in hard turns.

I run mine at 4" above. However I don't ride small boards and I am too old for radical turns. As Sweeper says you can always cut it down.

Watch other SUPsurfers, talk to other SUPsurfers and experiment till you find what suits you and your style of surfing.

There is no "one size fits all" measure.

ET.

Dropped down to head height now. I ride a 7/10 X32 and a 8/8 x32 with the same paddle. Seems fine.

Phil

Wouldn't go longer than head high, paddle just gets hung up too much

Foam said..
Also the factor that head high will give you a painfull back if paddling waiting for waves

With some experience, no. You learn to just lower your arms relative to your shoulders (and it reduces a lot the stress on the shoulders) while waiting for waves, and bend the knees rather than the lower back when you want to sprint.

Never would have thought so, but adjustable paddles are sweet. I have three boards and have different lengths for each board and how my body is feeling. Sounds crazy, but I can tell a difference by changing my length just barely. Like, 2-3 cm and I can tell it's too long or too short. Adjustable paddles are great. I use a Kialoa and it's solid.

Like most things surfing wise ... you'll never be happy at all and you'll always will love it shorter in some conditions or longer in some others.

You have 2 options:
1. Get 3 paddles with 3 different sizes: Colas option is the right one
2. Use and enjoy what you have. Can be done ;-)

Another option is to get the Ke Nalu with the extended handle.If you cut slightly too short you have enough length left to use it on your old length while they are lighter and stronger as most adj paddles.I gradually lowered from the very old 1 shaka above your head from the very beginning (at that point low!) to chinhigh for on my small board (8.5x29x112l while i,m 93kg + wearing 5mm suit, boots, hood etc).
My 2th paddle for my bigger board is just below headhigh and that diff feels huge!