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Tux
VIC
Australia
443 Posts |
Posted 03/11/2008, 8:21 am
   
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Hi Guy's,
Was wondering what paddle lengths other are using...I did a bit of digging around and the general consenus seems to be 6in - 8in over your height for surf and 8in - 10 in for flatwater....then I found some guy who reckons stand with your arm straight above your head and measure wrist to floor for the correct length...I have mine paddle about 10in at the moment and was thinking of cutting it down ? |
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DavidJohn
VIC
Australia
5464 Posts |
Posted 03/11/2008, 8:24 am
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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
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oliver
1916 Posts |
Posted 03/11/2008, 11:50 am
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I have a slightly different theory as some peoples arms are longer than others compared to their body length.....
Put the paddle between your feet and grab your paddle. If your arm is fully extended and you can still grab your handle then it's the right length. If your arm is bent then your paddle is a bit short if you have to go on tipeetoes to grab the handle it's too long.
But I'd say you are right Tux about having it a little shorter for surfing. |
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boardbumps
NSW
Australia
478 Posts |
Posted 04/11/2008, 7:03 am
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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
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Brooko
Australia
1620 Posts |
Posted 04/11/2008, 2:58 pm
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Good point Rod about the longer paddle easier for turning, the 9 6" is easy to turn this way by doing quick strokes right up near the nose. |
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AA
NSW
Australia
678 Posts |
Posted 05/11/2008, 3:37 am
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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.
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Piros
QLD
Australia
1345 Posts |
Posted 05/11/2008, 6:50 am
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My guide I tell people is 6 to 8" all my paddles are 7 to 8" , I would prefer a slightly longer paddle on my DC16 as it is thicker but my shoulders just don't allow it , it only takes a few minutes for me to paddle with a 9" before I start straining my shoulders.
It also depends on your intensity, if you're just a river cruiser it's different again but if you're paddling with intensity by racing, doing big downwinders or surfing alot you need to be careful to avoid the repetitive strain on your shoulders. In my 15 years of outrigger paddling I lost count of how many guys who blew there shoulders to pieces by using too long a paddle.
Technique is everything and it's very hard to have a good technique with too long or short a paddle.
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boardbumps
NSW
Australia
478 Posts |
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boardbumps
NSW
Australia
478 Posts |
Posted 06/11/2008, 4:32 pm
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Then I realised that my blade is only 350mm long and that most are around 450mm long.
What we have to understand is that nothing is set in concrete and it is only early SUP days.
Rod |
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AA
NSW
Australia
678 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 11:50 am
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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 |
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oliver
1916 Posts |
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Ben dover
QLD
Australia
503 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 5:40 pm
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Oliver,
" = inches
' = feet |
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oliver
1916 Posts |
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Ben dover
QLD
Australia
503 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 5:59 pm
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He is reffering to 9" above your head.
Thought u would of been smart enough to figure that out for urself.
Obviously not |
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oliver
1916 Posts |
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Ben dover
QLD
Australia
503 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 6:18 pm
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| Haha thought it would be easy to start another one of Oliver's Friday night rant's |
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oliver
1916 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 6:23 pm
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Don't worry about your spelling and grammar ben, I think you will be a champion - you've got a lot of clout.
Look that word up. |
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Ben dover
QLD
Australia
503 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 6:25 pm
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| Cheers Oliver |
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Lfish
QLD
Australia
211 Posts |
Posted 07/11/2008, 6:37 pm
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now, now boys, I thought we were talking about paddle length here............ |
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boardbumps
NSW
Australia
478 Posts |
Posted 08/11/2008, 8:15 am
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Yes Andrew, I think around nine inches is about right, although I prefer eight inches.
Rod |
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