Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: HapaHaole13 on January 19, 2011, 05:21:27 PM

Title: Paddle Length?
Post by: HapaHaole13 on January 19, 2011, 05:21:27 PM

Was wondering what the "standard" is for paddle length for racing..... You guys use a longer shaft when competing?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Paddle Length?
Post by: natas585 on January 21, 2011, 08:06:02 AM

dont know if theres really a standard.  ive tried a little longer and it kind of bothered my shoulder.  im now using a size that i would usually use for surfing.  as my stroke changed over time ive varied the lengths from wrist to finger height with my arm raised over my head.  i tend to bend alot at my waist with each stroke.  my handle now comes to my palm when i raise my arm over my head.

Title: Re: Paddle Length?
Post by: Neki on January 22, 2011, 08:15:02 PM

I see recomendations anywhere from  7"-10" over head for surfing.  The handle coming to your palm at an overhead reach, would put it at 14inches or more for the average arm length. Thats seems preety long. 
 I do understand you natas when you say to long of a length can bother the shoulders. I was using 12" overhead and it seemed i was pushing with my top hand above eye level witch aggravatide the shoulder. Now im back down to 10 overhead.

Title: Re: Paddle Length?
Post by: juandoe on January 23, 2011, 08:56:17 AM

I have been considering this topic some more.  For a good primer, look at Ponobill's article
http://www.kenalu.com/2010/04/measure-twice-cut-once/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2010/04/measure-twice-cut-once/)

I would consider reworking his method to use a body position with the upper arm extended straight out from the body nearly in line with the torso.  I have been considering this based on some stills such as

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=480289689322&set=a.104765584322.88126.103510544322 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=480289689322&set=a.104765584322.88126.103510544322)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yuxAcNzO_BM/TTutMCfDVMI/AAAAAAAAAwA/7Bm_4DoFgLQ/s1600/164153_1739451080625_1069101872_32053390_2938995_n.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yuxAcNzO_BM/TTutMCfDVMI/AAAAAAAAAwA/7Bm_4DoFgLQ/s1600/164153_1739451080625_1069101872_32053390_2938995_n.jpg)

Because they are stills, it is impossible to know what kind of situation they are paddling in (sprint, photoshoot, endurance race, etc) but I have been struck how some of the elite paddlers like Danny Ching and Shahinian extend the upper arm.

Here is another look in motion.
QuickBlade Paddling SUP Newport Harbor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4dRzv9cJqc&feature=player_embedded.#ws)  

To do this, you would need to get in position and measure distance from hand to waterline.  The shaft would be the key measurement.  The paddleblade would be tailored to taste.  I think paddleblade length is secondary as this should all be entering straight into the water anyway.  

Title: Re: Paddle Length?
Post by: HapaHaole13 on January 28, 2011, 08:07:10 PM

Thanks for the posts...Good stuff!

Title: Re: Paddle Length?
Post by: DavidJohn on January 29, 2011, 04:32:33 AM

I use 8" over for the surf.. 12" over for flat water and down-winding.. and 10" over for racing.. I find the slightly shorter paddle really helps with fast paddling.

DJ