Paddle length changing?

[TonyGring]

I think the " rule of thumb" guideline regarding paddle length was a shaka (5-6'' ) over one's head.

A few of my friends are now going to paddle length same as their height or maybe an inch above. Saying it takes a bit to get used to but is better overall.

Am I late to the party?

What's your paddle length to body height ratio ?

[mr_proper]

7.8" over head. But I think 2 or 3" less could be better.

[PonoBill]

Ideal length is a function of how good your back is. A shorter paddle is quicker and offers a better brace. If you have the back to fall on your paddle as you stroke you can put a lot of oomph into it. My surf paddle is a few inches over my head, my race/downwind paddle hits my upraised arm at the wrist.

[Badger]

I'm 6'1" and my surf paddle is 1" overhead.

My flatwater/downwind paddle is 7" overhead.

[surfafrica]

For surf, I used to go shaka overhead.  I'm now at head high to 1" overhead.  The shorter paddle makes it easier for me to switch sides and to have quick short strokes getting into waves.  I have major back issues (can't prone anymore) but still find the 1" overhead is OK on my back.  Longer paddles just feel clumsy out there for me now.

[Muskoka SUP]

I'm with PonoBill.  Use what works for you, given your physical ability and or limitations.  Try changing it up, not just for a day, but for a few weeks.  Like it? Good.  If it hurts then don't use that length.  It's NOT rocket science.  If you surf and flat water paddle (and downwind) be prepared to end up with a paddle for each.  There's no one size fits all...

My two sense worth.

[Luc Benac]

I got a board 1 inch or 1 inch 1/2 thicker than my other boards...I got a shaft longer than my other shafts as prescribed by my lower back. So one shaft for the Eradicator and one shaft for the Race and Downwinder but no shaft to rule them all....

[RATbeachrider]

Also depending on the volume.  When I'm on the 9'2 118L (King's SS), I'm above water, so the paddle (Methane) is 2 inches above my head.  When I'm on the 7'7 92L, the water is lapping at the ankles so the paddle (V-drive) is just about head high.

[SUPJorge]

Agreed about flexibility, board volume and use (flatwater v. surf v. DW) but might also blade shape. The "center" on a high aspect (long) blade will be further from the handle than on a short, wide blade.

[Beasho]

If you are SURFING you want a short paddle.  1” – 2” overhead.   It has become painful to watch old surf videos, or recent videos, with people who haven’t cut down their paddles who are reaching high and far to accommodate a paddle that is 6”+ overhead.  It looks kooky. 

The advantages of a short paddle are more power, less swing weight and FAR better control on the wave.
 
The power to launch is one of the most significant benefits.  I was choking down on my original paddle to mimic Connor Baxter’s stroke shown below.  Then I just cut my paddle to the 'choked' length, 1st gear all the time. 

Watch him smoke everyone in the first 50 yards.  Having measured my catch vs. miss waves using the TRACE surf tracker I have found that you can paddle 30 to 50 yards trying to catch a wave.  The sprint gets you in, the shorter paddle then lets you rip it up.   

[stoneaxe]

It's personal and there are lots of variables but in general short is better for surf. I forgot that I had my longer paddles (7" OH) in my bag on Saturday and like Beasho said I found myself choking down most of the time. My surf paddles are 2" OH after lots of going back and forth trying to find what works.

[Dwight (DW)]

I'll play devils advocate.....

Sure short paddles are quick, but they are near worthless as your 3rd leg standing in the lineup.  I surf tiny boards. Without my blade planted for stability, I fall.

[capobeachboy]

In a nutshell I'll say yes but you need to be more specific as there 's so many disciplines today - surf, flatwater, downwind, tour, downriver, whitewater, etc. Things have changed alot since I was a Pohaku/C4 ambassador when it was one shaka over your head.

My surf & whitewater paddles are pretty close to my height

My race paddles depend on the volume of the board & whether it it if a flat or drop deck design but they are shorter than what I used in the early days.

Paddle shapes have changed to make it even more complex. When I take people out for KeNalu demo I always use an adjustable. We can show them a similar size blade/handle to their current use and determine the correct length based on some short runs. From there we can show them the multitude of options thanks to a heat gun and little hot glue. KeNalu's extended ergo T gives you the greatest amount of versatility and performance if you are going to own one paddle. Compared to a fully adjustable paddle it doesn't change your flex patterns or add as much weight but still allows for quick changes for different boards & conditions. Love my KeNalu Ergo T's.

[yugi]

Agreed about flexibility, board volume and use (flatwater v. surf v. DW) but might also blade shape. The “center” on a high aspect (long) blade will be further from the handle than on a short, wide blade.

Good point but I look at it from the point of view that the blade needs to be fully buried. So I look at the length of shaft until the beginning of the blade, not the tip of blade. Which works out simply to eye height with handle placed on floor. (flat/race/DW)

If speaking lengths overhead it’s better to talk in percentages rather than inches for inches overhead will vary for a short person or a tall one.

[TonyGring]

I should have stated this was regarding surfing .  That's all I do