I am using 11" over for flat water and big board and about 8" over for the surf and smaller board.

Because paddle blade size can vary and you want the blade fully dipped I like this system to find the right length for you.

DJ

I still like my paddle on the longish side, I'm 5'9" or 175cm and my paddle is overall including the blade 200cm.
When you are rapid stroking for a wave, you can always grip the shaft lower down under the T-handle to get a lower balance. A longer paddle is really nice for paddling back out with a relaxed upright stance.

A longer paddle also lets you when turning, start your stroke further forward near the nose for quicker transitions.


Rod

Hey guys, yes this is a very interesting topic and one that in the end is quite personal.
We have on local paddler who is a physio who likes her paddle 12" over head height!!
(she does not surf and comes form a paddling background).

Here are some of the variables that I have found, make it personal-
1. Arm and body length (as mentioned) varies a lot and combines to make it different for everyone.
2. Board volumes - bigger boards sit higher and require a longer paddle
3. Back problems - I find with a 'dicky' back that a longer paddle forces me to paddle more upright which I find more comfortable.
5. Shoulder problems - I have also found that a paddle that is too long agrivates my shoulders
6. Paddling style - I have carefully watched everyone from Tom Carrol to Woogee Marsh and they all have different styles. It does appear that the stronger you are the shorter you can go.

The solution? Start out longer than you think you need it. If you can, try others paddles and get a feel for the right length. If you cannot do this I would suggest starting at around 9-10" over head height depending on wether you are focussed on surf (shorter) or flat water (longer). The KEY is fixing the handle with 5 minute ARALDITE so you can 'crack' it later ( a bit of heat helps) and shortern the paddle down if you wish. .
5 Minute ARALDITE is not permanent but it hangs in there for some time and can be undone by applying heat (very carefully so as not to burn the carbon ) and twisting the handle one way and the blade the other.

The only way to find the right lengths is to try different lenghts in varying conditions over time. As you improve and get stronger, especially if you move into the surf, you may find you need to shortern it further.

In my experience (in the shop and teaching) most people end up around 8-9" over head height.

I found this article by Dav Parmenter which shows how varying the viewpoints are-

The Top 5 Myths, Mistakes, and Misconceptions
by Dave Parmenter

#4. The Towering Infernal: The Too-Tall Paddle

Wherever we go in the world, the most common sight we see is people using paddles that are way too tall for them. From San-O to Sydney, all too many SUB paddlers are reaching over their heads like children straining to reach the cookie jar atop the ‘fridge.
Aside from squandering the mechanical advantage of the proper and efficient paddle stroke, using too tall a paddle sets you up for some sort of repetitive stress harm to your shoulders.
While a general guideline states that the paddle should extend 5 or 6 inches over your head, some variability exists due to the thickness of your board, slight differences in paddling styles, and even the shape and angle of the paddle blade.
Try standing on a bench with your paddle and take a few pantomime strokes; this way you can simulate the blade depth of your stroke and lets you see how high the top of the paddle goes overhead. Your top hand should be at the height of your forehead and nose when you push into your stroke. Any higher or lower and you will be suffering a power loss.
Additionally, adjustable paddles, on which you can readily change the length of the paddle shaft, are great tools you can employ to zero in on the optimum paddle size for your board and style.

PS: Personally I think 5-6" is too short for most people and could cause back issues.

I checked my paddle again today and DJ's graphic seems to right on.

Rod

Yep, all good thoughts. It certainly is early days but at the pointy end we have to make some recommendations.

Simplified guides to paddle length are great but don't take into account arm length, blade length, board thickness/volumes, paddling style, fitness and ocean conditions.

With so many variables it is really up to the customer to determine what works best for them starting at a datum which I am thinking should start at 9" where it can be cut down from there.

Anyone get some good waves yesterday? It was epic down here in Sydney 6-8' faces at Longy and off-shore all day! Yeeha!

Andrew.A

Oliver,
" = inches
' = feet

He is reffering to 9" above your head.
Thought u would of been smart enough to figure that out for urself.
Obviously not

Haha thought it would be easy to start another one of Oliver's Friday night rant's

Cheers Oliver

Yes Andrew, I think around nine inches is about right, although I prefer eight inches.

Rod