Performance paddles are one of the most important components of the sport of paddleboarding. We see it all the time- a customer will purchase an expensive board, but then they don’t care about the paddle. Why? We can honestly say that the paddle might be as important as the board itself. Having the right paddle is definitely a game changer and, along with having the right paddling technique, will change the way you feel about the sport and will leave you wanting more.
The Blade
If one of the most important components of the paddle stroke is the catch (the first moment when you place the paddle in the water), then the blade is the most important part of the paddle. Blades come in different designs, sizes and angles. Design– flat face, scoop and dihedral are some of the most common designs of blades. Dihedral blades, or blades with concave, offer a solid catch and quick release. The Angle– After years of research and development 10 degrees of blade angle has been applied to the top performance paddles creating just the right amount of power for the push.
Paddleboard Sizing Chart
Just like the board, it is important to have a blade and paddle length that are your size. If you have too long of a paddle this will lead to potential shoulder problems, while too short of a paddle will lead to lower back issues. Then there is the question of where and what type of paddling you will be performing. For beginners, we recommend going with a performance adjustable paddle before spending the big bucks on one that is cut to size. Then there is the blade size that typically ranges anywhere from 7 inches to 8.5 inches in width and is also measured in total area. In general, bigger paddles are for bigger paddlers and vice verse. You will want to find a paddle that is both light and durable, one with the right amount of power and turnover based on its blade design and size.
Height | Length | ||
Recreational | Racing | Wake Surfing | |
5′ 0″ | 69″ | 66″ | 58″ |
5′ 1″ | 70″ | 67″ | 59″ |
5′ 2″ | 71″ | 68″ | 60″ |
5′ 3″ | 72″ | 69″ | 61″ |
5′ 4″ | 73″ | 70″ | 62″ |
5′ 5″ | 74″ | 71″ | 63″ |
5′ 6″ | 75″ | 72″ | 64″ |
5′ 7″ | 76″ | 73″ | 65″ |
5′ 8″ | 77″ | 74″ | 66″ |
5′ 9″ | 78″ | 75″ | 67″ |
5′ 10″ | 79″ | 76″ | 68″ |
5′ 11″ | 80″ | 77″ | 69″ |
6′ 0″ | 81″ | 78″ | 70″ |
6′ 1″ | 82″ | 79″ | 71″ |
6′ 2″ | 83″ | 80″ | 72″ |
6′ 3″ | 84″ | 81″ | 73″ |
6′ 4″ | 85″ | 82″ | 74″ |
6′ 5″ | 86″ | 83″ | 75″ |
6′ 6″ | 87″ | 84″ | 76″ |
6′ 7″ | 88″ | 85″ | 77″ |
6′ 8″ | 89″ | 86″ | 78″ |
Quickblade Paddles
Quickblade Paddles Available at all DFW Surf locations for demo or to purchase including the Kanaha, V-Drive and Trifecta all carbon models available in fixed or adjustable lengths