custom paddle length

[falcon45]

I am 6'1 how do you figure out the best paddle length?

[exetersup]

I learned this from a HI beachboy: "One shaka ovah dah head, brah"
Works for me

[bigdom]

lots o threads and lots o opinions on this !


if you cant try differtn lengths te do this...

start too long (9 inches taller than you) but just attach
the handle with tape - try it - cut the shaft shorter and try it again
continue until you feel happy then attach the handle properly

[southwesterly]

The general rule is that after you re-glue the handle back on, you will want it one inch shorter.

[JC50]

It depends...

Supplies: masking tape, electrical tape, 5-minute epoxy, tape measure, fine sandpaper, hacksaw w/miter box

Start long and slowly whittle it down to desired length before epoxying handle to shaft. A few wraps of electrical tape around shaft and crossing over handle will be strong enough temporarily until you're sure about making it permanent with epoxy.

Best to take your SUP to a calm piece of water, tape the handle to shaft with electrical tape, and go for a paddle. Stroke should start well forward and end at your feet; the blade of paddle only needs to be just under surface. Top arm should not be too far above shoulder at any time during stroke, otherwise you will potentially induce shoulder injuries (impingement, etc..). Use masking tape over where you are going to cut shaft - this keeps the cut clean. Miter box keeps the cut at 90-degrees, sandpaper to reduce splintering at cut edge.  Continue whittling down until top hand is just under eye level during stroke, but not too short. This episode of testing/cutting will take about an hour or two, but leave on the tall side for further testing before securing permanently. You'll want to evaluate over a few sessions (get some surf sessions in) to really nail it before gluing handle. A good tape job on handle is nearly as strong as gluing, so there's no rush.

If this all sounds too conservative, it probably is. But, I've already made two paddles too short and am leery of just cutting based on popular length recommendations.

My surfing paddle is 8.25 inches taller than my height (about perfect). My Race paddle is 14 inches taller than my height (handle taped not glued...still evaluating).

Good luck, go slow, measure twice.

Edit: I didn't read BigDom's post earlier so, same as he said just a lot more wordy...

[DavidJohn]

I am 6'1 how do you figure out the best paddle length?

IMO it also depends on what conditions (flat/surf) and what board (thick/thin).

DJ

[colas]

paddle length depends on your board, usage, and level.

I would advise trying to borrow an adjustable paddle. What I did is try all positions on one in 100-meters run pretending to catch a wave (knees quite bent, short strokes). When my shoulders forced more than my lower back (felt more heat in) I shortened a notch, and lengthen a notch on the opposite feeling. I was thus able to find my exact length for my board (5" more than my height). You will find that you can find an optimal length quite clearly to the inch.

Due to the price of good carbon paddles, buying a aluminium adjustable paddle may be even worth it just to find your proper length.

[PonoBill]

Definitely a cut and try thing. I use aluminum tape, sometimes called helicopter tape, to tape the handle on and try it for long periods. The more you paddle, the fussier you'll be about length. I use different lengths for surfing and distance, with my surfing paddle two inches shorter. Part of the reason for that is my distance boards are thicker, and part is that surfing stroke is a little different.

Some manufacturers have long shank handles (QB for sure) available so you can try various lengths without cutting, others have ferrules available if you cut too much. I've been using hot glue for my paddles but I noticed the other day that my surf blade twisted a little. I keep forgetting to fix it.

[Roundhouse]

I agree with the idea of whittling it down. I had an adjustable, thought I knew just what size I wanted for flat water and several inches shorter for surfing. When I purchased my methane for surfing, I had the factory cut it to size. The one thing I missed is the methane blade is much smaller. I could have used an inch or two more length. At least that's what she said.

[surfslider]

I like Lairds advice that your paddle should be as tall as the reach above your head.  I have lower back pain when I use a too short paddle.  I am 5'7" and surf with a 78 inch paddle.