Author Topic: Paddle Length?  (Read 2955 times)

HapaHaole13

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Paddle Length?
« 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!

natas585

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Re: Paddle Length?
« Reply #1 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.
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Neki

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Re: Paddle Length?
« Reply #2 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.

juandoe

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Re: Paddle Length?
« Reply #3 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/

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://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  

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.  
« Last Edit: January 23, 2011, 09:03:30 AM by juandoe »

HapaHaole13

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Re: Paddle Length?
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2011, 08:07:10 PM »
Thanks for the posts...Good stuff!

DavidJohn

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Re: Paddle Length?
« Reply #5 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

 


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