How Do You Use an Angled Paddle?

When you're on a paddleboard, you might wonder how to use an Angled Paddle. You might have heard about them before but never used one. They tend to dive down when you're facing a head wind and get blown up when you're paddling into a side wind. In this article we'll cover some tips to get the most out of your Angled Paddle.

Angled Paddles Tend to Dive Downward in a Head Wind

In a head wind, angle the paddles slightly upward. Then, in a draw stroke, the paddle should be vertical with the leading edge in a closed face position. This will create a sail-like effect and allow you to turn in an arc with ease. The angle should be just behind your body with your elbow and shoulder relaxed. If you take the stroke too far, your boat will dive out of the water and will not be as efficient as if it were in a head wind.

If you've noticed, paddles with an angle less than 90 degrees often dive downward. Angled paddles at 45 degrees often dive down, but that doesn't mean that they'll never work well in a head wind. The opposite is true for side winds. The blade of the paddle that's angled downward will get blown upward, and the same holds true for paddles with higher feather angles. However, if you want to sail well in a head wind or sidewind, you should consider bending your arms at the waist and lowering your blade to achieve a lower push.

They Tend to Get Blown Upward in a Side-Wind

In a headwind, a paddle with an angle of less than 90 degrees tends to dive. A paddle with an angle of 45 degrees or more often gets blown upward in a side-wind. Likewise, a paddle with a high feather angle can get blown upward in a side-wind. While this does not always happen, it should be considered when choosing a paddle.