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.
