There’s a few older threads but I think it’d be good to hear what length paddle people are running these days (please use inches above/below height).
I’ve been 1-2 inches less than my height but now that I’m spending more time on foil, it feels a bit short. I’m thinking about jumping up to height plus 1-2 inches.
I’m at head height, which seems good for my paddle -ups in my predominantly short, steep bumps. I think a factor in paddle length is the conditions you are typically trying to get up in. Difficult conditions=lower “bent-knees” stance, more strokes to get up=shorter paddle? Easier conditions, less “crouch”, less strokes to get up= slightly longer paddle? After listening to the Edo episode on the PP podcast, he mentions how he likes to use his paddle more these days to avoid a stall, as opposed to aggressive pumping which could stall/“push through” the water column. For this kind of maintenance, I could see higher performers using slightly longer paddles, if they aren’t worried about the paddle-up.
When I was using a longer paddle to do “paddle-pumps” the blade would strike the foil every so often. Generally breaking the paddle. Since I shortened up my paddle to head high years ago I’ve not yet struck my foil with the blade.
I’m using a Stingray at +1.5" over my height, if I were to do it again I would go +3" to help with a more upright stance per Riggs advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeK15Zuyxbc&t=1s
Head high to slightly above head high for paddle ups and +10-15cm / 4-6inch while on foil.
This more upright posture on foil while paddle pumping is a lot more efficient and ergonomic especially for your legs. Saved me a lot times when conditions are borderline or you need to cross flat sections. Different board designs, blade shapes and conditions also favour slightly different shaft lengths.
When its nukin or I don’t need the paddle to dig me out of lulls or flat sections I set it up as short as possible, feels almost like you hold no paddle in hands 
…but def noticeable.
Sure the 2-piece adjustable paddle comes with a weight penalty of 73g/2.6oz in my case (Starboard Lima M prepreg) compared to the 1-piece. But the gained weight is higher up in the middle of the hands so the disadvantage is not that much. More weight at the blade is a completely different story.
I’m actually surprised its not more of a thing. Since pop ups and foiling are two completely different scenarios.
I was thinking about an adjustable for my next paddle and your point about the weight being near your hands is a very good one. What’s the downside of just carrying a longer paddle in your opinion? Too much force on your shoulders or hard to clear the paddle from the water etc?
This video is great. Trying this next session.
Just narrow your grip when up on foil. Boom longer shaft.
This weekend I tried an adjustable paddle and almost immediately snapped it in my hands. The thinner part of the shaft attached to the handle is point loaded at point it slides into the lower, thicker part of the shaft. I think these are essentially a no-go for anyone with my size/paddle strength.
Now 10x that shit.
Boom, first milli.
First thing you do is buy a foil for $3000. Immediately sell it and buy 5 more foils. When you get those sell them and buy 3 different DW boards.
BlackProject Foil X at head high -
That’s what feels good for me with 96L board and I’m 70Kg -
Long enough to give that little extra push when pumping flying - short enough not to overhurt my shoulder. Also not long enough to break my paddle when recovering the foil in a pump and striking the foil -
Which specific paddle did you try?
I haven’t heard of any broken adjustable paddle from Starboard this year from any of my students.
@Hdip sure if you use a fixed paddle that is your only option. If you can extend your paddle 10-20cm, use a comfortable grip, you are even more efficient and have most control.
@probabli don’t know if you’re aware of - but there’s also relation of buoyancy of the board to your weight to the paddle lenght. (would add level and technique of paddling but lets not complicate things any more)
The closer the relation of the volume of the board to your weight in kilos the deeper you’ll be in the water so shorter the paddle. Just a rule of thumb.
Def paddle shape is important. even for regular shapes like Starboard Enduro and Quickblade Kahana. these paddles feel different in the water. they require different levels of depth for power even if both are pretty similar. the low aspect paddles like QB dragonfly don’t need to be that deep in the water because of the shape as well. thus, affecting optimal length.
Yeah!!
With the new Foil X from BlackProject which is also very low aspect I feel like every stroke is faster to do the catch too - since I don’t need to go that deep -
And having the same height as my past paddle which was a regular aspect ratio (Sprint X) - I feel I gained that difference in lenght.
It was a starboard paddle, not sure the model though. Felt very flimsy to me.
I had/have the same issue and my guess is it’s more because of your arm span. I’m only 190cm but my span is 201cm. Shortening your paddle much shorter than head height creates more issues than it solves so we just have to concentrate on not digging so deep. Not so easy when fatigue and desperation set in…
i cut mine too short and one consequence is that you cant reach far enough. paddling becomes less efficient