Need some advice on paddle length. I am a late intermediate surf sup er and have been cutting my paddle down gradually over the last couple of years. Recently I chopped a good couple of inches off on some advice. Started at 6 inches over height, but now it is only the handle that stands proud of my head.
My initial experience was great, it felt much easier to paddle into a wave and is not as in the way. I also feel it helps on smaller sups to balance as i can get lower. The only problem is I have had lower back pain after my last two sessions.
I am getting a new paddle soon, (Werner nitro) question is, do i cut it to the same length or go longer? Werners advice is go 8 inches more than your height for surf! Is this outdated advice or something to do with it being a more high aspect and longer blade?
I am reluctant to go long as i have previous shoulder injuries but back pain isn't much fun either!
Nobody can tell you what length your paddle should be. Our bodies all differ, and so do the boards we use and the conditions we face. You have to find out for yourself. It sounds like you may have gone too short, but usually with time and adjustment of technique you can adapt to just about any length. But if you are experiencing pain, listen to your body. It was striking watching the surfers at the ISA Worlds recently - paddlers there were using paddles of hugely varying lengths.
Somebody will be along shortly to say that they are now using a paddle that only comes up to their waist in length. Maybe as a consequence they surf far better than those who have longer paddles. Maybe not. Maybe they will need back surgery just like Connor had, despite being so young. Who knows? If I were you I'd borrow an adjustable, and make up my own mind.
Just on kind of a whim I ended up with a Kialoa adjustable... never wanted one before as I thought they were just for rentals/beginners. I learned A LOT! For me I choose the length depending on what board I'm riding and how I feel. I usually end up right in the old 6" zone, but you would be amazed how much you feel even tiny changes. Area10 is on it, take out an adjustable and just experiment.
Yep I agree ..adjustable ..I have one as well as a fixed ..if I've got a sore back or if its choppy .i will use the adjustable ...I go a little bit longer so I can stand up right a little more ..posture ..
.depends if the bending is aggravating your back being too low ....it...sounds like it ..
Its good to have both ...
trial and error.....I got a Kaholo ..adjustable ....
He all ..
Ive been doing the same gradually getting smaller and smaller ... Im under my head now prob bout an inch and love it .. Like said above it helps with balance heaps on short boards as u stay way more bent at the knees ..
Ive only really kept going shorter becuase its easier on my shoulders .. So now my arms are bent down there not much stress on the shoulder ..
It does take it out on your back a bit more tho so u really have to concentrate on using your abb's instead of you back .. Like doing a kind of sit up ..
ALSO when paddling back out just cruise .. with your back straight and small strokes ... takes an extra minute to get out but gibes you a break .. And you stay out longer ..
Hope that helps ...
Since it is a new paddle. I would go a little longer than your original paddle. You can always cut down again later. But I think you would have to take into account the area of the blade. I think a large blade area would put more pressure on your back & shoulders when paddling hard. So you may just have to ease off on the power of your strokes a bit & concentrate a bit more on your timing & smoothness until you come good again. Short hard sudden bursts does't help in my opinion.
I sometimes suffer the sore back too & have since bought & wear a neoprene wide belt that I believe helps with back support. I put it around my waste before the wetsuit or vest goes on. Extra body protection too. I will wear it if my back is a little sore or when I think I will have a heavy session.
Like a previous poster I also use an adjustable paddle….I have a Naish Makani which is so good. I Change boards and can change the paddle length to suit. Some adjustable paddles are quality and can offer options. I have a non adjustable paddle that sits in the corner after being used once.
Thanks for all the feedback. I am actually going for a smaller blade and have narrowed it down to werner nitro or kialoa methane, I know they are not adjustable but I think I am close. I Think I will go about 1,2 inch longer on the new one and go from there. Which one though?!! The werner is about $50 more but is new. Kialoa is mint used but comes with bag.. descisions!..
I would go with the Kialoa for durability reasons. I had two nitros, broke both of them. Nice feeling paddle though, just couldn't handle big surf abuse.
Try to get filmed to see if you are bending your back too much.
As others said, you need to bend your knees, or just learn to paddle with the upper hand lower...
Better paddle with your lower back straight but the hand under your chin:
than bend your lower back and have you hand above your head:
Note that keeping you upper hand low means you will have less reach (the lower low hand will limit it)... just learn to use smaller strokes, your lower back will thank you!
