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Are you a regular SUPer, touring SUPer, or racing SUPer
You could have different interests based on your passion for adventure. As a paddleboarder, you’re not just heading out into the water to wet your feet. There’s an adventure waiting to happen and you want to be part of it. Well, if you prefer surfing, touring, or racing, we’ll help you understand the type of SUP paddles you’ll need.
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Surfing SUP paddles
Surfing SUP paddles are shorter and have a smaller blade than other types of SUP paddles. They are designed for quick, powerful strokes in waves, and allow for quick acceleration and tight turns.
The smaller blade size also reduces the chance of hitting the board while paddling in rough waters. Surfing SUP paddles are often made from lightweight materials like carbon fibre or fibreglass, which increases manoeuvrability and speed.
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Touring SUP paddles
When touring on a SUP, you'll likely be paddling for long distances and extended periods, so it's important to have a paddle that's comfortable to use, efficient, and effective at propelling you forward. Therefore, they are designed to be longer and have a larger blade than surfing paddles.
They are designed for a more efficient, relaxed paddling experience over long distances. The larger blade size creates more forward momentum with each stroke, reducing the amount of energy needed to paddle. Touring paddles are often adjustable to accommodate different paddler heights and can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, fibreglass, or carbon fibre.
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Racing SUP paddles
Racing SUP paddles are designed to maximise performance, speed, and efficiency, allowing racers to cover long distances in the shortest possible time. Therefore, they are designed to be the lightest and most rigid of all SUP paddles. They have a long, narrow blade that allows for maximum efficiency and speed with each stroke.
The blade is often angled to increase the surface area of the blade, maximising the amount of water it displaces. Racing paddles are made from high-performance materials like carbon fibre or Kevlar, which offer maximum strength and rigidity while minimising weight.
While all SUP paddles may look similar at first glance, there are significant differences between paddles designed for different purposes. Surfing paddles are shorter and have smaller blades, touring paddles are longer and have larger blades, and racing paddles are the lightest, most rigid, and have long, narrow blades.
Knowing the differences between the different types of SUP paddles will allow you to choose the right one for your needs, whether you're paddling in the waves, touring down a river, or competing in a race.
