July 26, 2022 4 min read

The length of a SUP paddle is an important factor in your overall paddling experience and your gear. It is important to find a paddle that is comfortable for you and that meets your specific paddling needs. There are a few things to consider when determining the length of your inflatable paddle board paddle, such as your height, the width of your board, and your paddle stroke.

What Length Should My Sup Paddle Be

There is no definitive answer to the question of what length your sup paddle should be. A number of factors will influence the answer including your height, the width of your sup board, and your personal paddling style. However, there are a few general guidelines that should help you choose the right paddle length for your sup board.

If you are unsure what length to choose, it is always best to err on the side of a longer paddle. You can always trim down a paddle that is too long, but you can't add length to a paddle that is too short.


First, your height and paddling style will play a role in choosing the right length. If you are a taller paddler, or if you like to paddle with a longer stroke, you will want a longer paddle. Likewise, if you are shorter, or if you prefer a shorter stroke, you will want shorter paddles.

Generally, a paddle should come up to somewhere between your chin and nose. If you are on the taller side, you might want a paddle that is a bit longer, and vice versa for shorter individuals.

Of course, you also want to take into account the type of SUP boarding you will be doing. For example, if you are doing more racing or touring, you might want a slightly longer paddle in order to generate more power. Ultimately, it is important to experiment with different paddle lengths to see what feels most comfortable for you. Second, the type of boards you are using will also affect the length of paddle you need. For example, a racing or touring board will require a longer paddle than a surf or yoga board.

The length of your sup paddle should be based on the width of your board. A good rule of thumb is to add 10-12 inches to the width of your board. For example, if your board is 32 inches wide, your paddle should be approximately 42-44 inches long.

How to Set Sup Paddle Length

It's important to have the right sized paddle when stand up paddle boarding. If the paddle is too short, you'll have to bend over too much to reach the water. If the paddle is too long, you'll have a hard time controlling the inflatable board and surfing. Here's a quick guide to help you find the right sup paddle length for your paddle boards: -To start, stand up straight with your arms extended above your head. -Measure from the ground to the top of your head. -Add 6-10 inches to that number. -The resulting number is the approximate length of paddle you need.

Summary

When it comes to finding the perfect paddle for SUP (stand up paddleboarding), there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal paddle length depends on a number of factors, including your height, the width of your board, and your paddling style. That said, a good rule of thumb is to choose a paddle that is roughly the same height as you are.

sup paddles

For example, if you are 6 feet tall, a paddle that is approximately 6 feet long will work well. Of course, you'll also want to take the width of your board into consideration when selecting a paddle. A wider board will require a longer paddle, while a narrower board can require a shorter paddle.

FAQ

How high should the paddle be on the paddle board?

There are a few things to consider when deciding how high to set your paddle on your paddle board.

The first is the type of board you are using. If you are using a flatwater board, you will want to set your paddle higher so that you can paddle through the water with ease. If you are using a surfboard, you will want to set your paddle lower so that you can maneuver through the waves more easily.

The second thing to consider is your own personal preference. Some people find it more comfortable to paddle with the paddle set high, while others find it more comfortable to paddle with the paddle set lower. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is most comfortable for you.

person with sup paddle

What size SUP paddle blade should I get? Sup paddle sizing

There are a few things to consider when deciding on the size of your SUP paddle blade. The first is the width of your board. A wider board will require a longer paddle. The second is your height and weight. A taller, heavier person will also need a longer paddle.

And finally, your paddling style and the type of water you'll be paddling in will also affect the size of paddle blade you'll need. A recreational paddler in flat water can get away with a smaller blade, while a more experienced paddler in rougher water will need a larger blade.

How do you measure I SUP paddle step by step?

There are a few things to consider when measuring an I SUP paddle.

  • First, you need to know the width of your paddleboard. This will determine the length of the paddle.
  • Second, you need to take into account the height of the paddler. A taller paddler will need a longer paddle.
  • Finally, you need to consider the type of paddling you will be doing. If you are doing flatwater paddling, you will need a shorter paddle. If you are doing whitewater paddling, you will need a longer paddle.
Author - Olivia Poglianich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the surf, watersports and outdoor adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.


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