Choosing the right SUP paddle is the next most important decision after choosing a SUP board. SUP paddles will determine how comfortable you are while paddling, how quickly you get tired, the efficiency of your rowing and, ultimately, how much fun you get from being on the water. The difference between a good branded paddle and a cheap Chinese paddle is huge. The quality of SUP paddles is influenced by a large number of nuances.

SUP paddle anatomy

First you need to figure out what the paddle consists of, because. each part has different characteristics. So, this is a blade, a shaft and a handle.

The blades differ in size, shape and material from which they are made. The pole can be solid, extendable or prefabricated and varies in materials. Also, the handle differs in its shape.

Now let's talk more about the differences and how they will affect your rowing. Get comfortable, fasten your seat belts.

Key features of SUP paddles

All SUP paddles are divided according to the type of material from which they are made, purpose and design.

shaft material:

Sometimes: bamboo, wood, kevlar.

Aluminum paddle. Heavy, but strong enough material, best of all endures blows. The cheapest paddle SUP option.

Fiberglass paddle. Durable and light enough material, fiberglass paddles are more elastic. It is used in oars of an average price category,.

Carbon paddle. The strongest and lightest material, has increased rigidity, is used in expensive and top oars. Professionals - Must have!

bamboo, wood, kevlar- less common materials, as a rule, such oars are more expensive than the above options. These materials are used for various reasons: original design or to obtain special characteristics for certain conditions.

SUP Paddle Construction:

• Whole oars.

They come in a fixed length. If you need to adjust it to your height, this is done once with a hacksaw.

Advantages this type of oars - they are lighter and more reliable. there are no unnecessary elements in the design, it has no moving parts, which means it does not play and does not wear out. Of the minuses - it is not compact, which means it is more difficult to transport it.

Flaws. These paddles are typically used on rigid boards or where maximum performance and reliability are needed, such as surfing and racing.

• Adjustable fixed paddles.

FROM consist of two non-separable parts. The paddle has a telescopic tube lock, more often it is a latch, but each manufacturer may have their own know-how.

Advantages: convenient to adjust to your height or different riding conditions, this type of paddle is well suited if you are not the only one who will use it. Reliable enough.

Of the minuses: More compact than a solid one, but it also cannot be packed in a bag with an inflatable board. There are moving parts, which means they are subject to play and wear.

• Collapsible or folding oars.

FROM consist of three parts. When assembled it is very compact. The folding paddle is easy to put into a bag with an inflatable SUP board, put it in the trunk of a car without any problems or check it in at the airport.

Advantages: compact, easy to carry in a bag with a board or separately.

Minuses: less reliable than other types of oars due to the larger number of collapsible element clamps. Heavier than solid oars. One of the parts can be lost.

In general, the quality, reliability and performance of the oars depends on the manufacturer, in our practice we have seen excellent three-section oars that serve no less than solid ones, as well as solid ones that broke in half at the first blow. The more expensive the paddle and the more famous the manufacturer, the more reliable the design.

oar handle selection

There are a huge variety of different paddle handles: smooth, rough, with notches for fingers. Here you can distinguish 2 main shapes: t-shaped and arcuate. The ideal and only option to decide on the handle is to hold it in your hand and see how it lies, what kind of tactile sensation it has, as well as make a few imaginary strokes to check it in operation. Therefore, the choice of handle is a matter of personal taste.

Looking for a SUP paddle? Do you want it to be functional, reliable and not expensive?

We will help you in this matter!

In a previous article, we told you How to choose the right SUP surfboard. In this article, we will try to tell you as much as possible about the types of paddles for SUP boards, how they differ from each other and which one is better to buy, depending on the style and place of skiing.

So, you can buy a very good SUP board, but without a good paddle you will not be able to swim far on this board. The purchase of a quality paddle that will not only suit your style of riding but will also give you the opportunity to enjoy riding on a SUP board is a very important point. Does this mean that you need to purchase the most expensive paddle, of course not, functionality and a number of other important aspects are important here, which we will discuss later.

To choose the right paddle, consider the following factors:

• Length: Selecting the correct paddle length is the key to effective SUP surfing.
• Material: The materials used to build the paddle play an important role in determining the weight and stiffness of the paddle. As a rule, a light paddle is preferred, but be aware that such paddles can cost a little more.
• Blade size, shape and offset: the size, shape and offset of the blade determine how the blade moves through the water. Generally, blade selection is based on paddling type, user's physique, and personal preference.

SUP paddle length

A very important point is the length of the oar, it must be clearly selected based on your characteristics. A paddle that is too long will be bulky and not comfortable to use; which is too short will also have a negative effect on the rowing process, because you will have to bend over and row in an uncomfortable position.

To choose the right paddle length for SUP surfing you will need:

1. Stand in such a way that the oar is vertically in front of you, and the oar blade touches the ground.
2. Raise your arm above your head and rest your wrist on the top of the paddle.
3. With the right paddle length, the T-handle will sit in the crook of your wrist. (If the blade is adjustable, adjust the length to fit.)
4. If you are ordering a paddle online, be sure to check the maximum length of the paddle.

*If you will be doing something other than standing SUP paddle boarding, such as surfing or racing, you may need a different paddle length. SUP surfers usually choose a paddle that is slightly shorter than the length for regular classic flat water SUP surfing, while riders usually choose a medium length.

Hand position:

Beginners sometimes hold the paddle too close together, limiting their rowing efficiency and performance.

Here's an easy way to figure out where and how to place your hands:

• Grasp the T-handle at the end of the paddle with one hand and the paddle shaft with the other hand.
• Raise the paddle over your head, as in the picture above.
• As a tip, you can make a mark on the handle so you can quickly grab the paddle in the right place when you need it.

Oar types

- Adjustable paddle
- Collapsible paddle
- One piece paddle

Collapsible paddle: some people prefer non-adjustable fixed length paddles because they tend to be lighter and stiffer. Among these oars there are models designed for cutting, so you can get the exact length you need. As a rule, such a paddle consists of three parts: the blade, the middle part and the handle. This option is convenient in that it can be disassembled and folded into a backpack along with the rest of the equipment.

One piece paddle- this is the most frequent choice of professionals and users of the pro level. This is the most rigid and lightest design, there are no unnecessary parts in it, and such a paddle is very difficult to break. But like the pluses, there is a downside, such a paddle will be less versatile and it will no longer be possible to transfer it to someone with a different height.

Mount types

In adjustable and collapsible oars, a variety of clamps are used in the joints of the oar parts. It is about fastenings and clamps for SUP oars that will be discussed further. There are many types, here are the most popular:

- Push pin (push pin)

with the help of this fastening the adjustable part of the oar is fixed. a fairly reliable system, but has a limited range of adjustment and a small backlash

- Cam lock

more universal fastening is suitable both for fixing the adjustable part of the oar, and for fixing the component part of the collapsible oar, it may have a different appearance, but the same meaning, the clamping is done using an eccentric

- Rever lock

This technology is used so far in Redpaddle and JP, the mount is located in the handle itself, easily and securely fixing the adjustable part of the paddle.

- Push Field

Spring retainer of the collapsible part of the oar. One of the simplest types of mounts, used on most budget oars, is very simple and reliable, but does not have a sufficiently rigid fixation, the oar and the rider suffer from the inevitable backlash.

Stand Up Paddle - SUP in our store:

• • SUP paddle materials

    In just two hours of rowing, most people use about a couple of thousand paddle strokes on the water. Now imagine that you have a heavy paddle at your disposal, I think this can quickly tire you out. Therefore, most experienced paddlers choose the lightest paddle they can afford. The weight of a SUP paddle is determined mainly by the materials used to make it. The material from which the paddle is made will also determine how strong and durable the paddle is. A stiffer paddle is more efficient at transferring the power of your stroke into the water.

    

    When choosing the material from which the paddle will consist, consider the following points:

    • Do you need a light weight paddle? If you're racing or going long distances, then a light paddle is your choice.
    • How much do you want to spend on paddle money? Lightweight materials such as carbon and fiberglass cost more than heavy materials such as aluminum and plastic.
    • Hard paddles can harm your muscles and joints. If you have had shoulder, arm, or wrist injuries, then you may need a paddle with some bend.

    Here are the most common options for materials that are used in the manufacture of oars:

    Plastic: Used in entry level paddles, the plastic is durable and affordable.

    Aluminum: used for the most part, aluminum is an affordable and lightweight material, but not as light or rigid as fiberglass or carbon. Aluminum handles are often paired with plastic blades; these paddles are a great choice for beginner paddlers.

    Fiberglass: excellent light weight, fiberglass is used in the manufacture of both handles and the blades themselves. Fiberglass is quite stiff, making it effective at transferring the power of your punch. But it's slightly less rigid than carbon fiber. Fiberglass paddles are often more expensive than aluminum or plastic, but more affordable than carbon fiber.

    The carbon fiber: it is the lightest and stiffest material, and often the most expensive. Saving weight makes sense if you are going to row quite often and a lot. The rigidity of the carbon fiber results in superior energy transfer from your muscles to the paddle blade. High quality paddles use carbon fiber throughout the handle including the blade, while more affordable designs sometimes have a composite construction such as a mixture of carbon and fiberglass or a carbon handle connected to a fiberglass blade.

    Wood: some SUP paddles are made entirely of wood, while others use wood in the construction of the paddle. Wooden paddles are beautiful, but sometimes they can weigh more and cost more than those made from other materials.

    

    Blade size, shape and offset

    If you choose a paddle, then you could not help but pay attention to the fact that the blades can differ in both size and shape. Someone might think that this was done for aesthetics, but this is far from the case, this has a functional meaning. As you already understood, paddles can be conditionally divided into three types, these are paddles for SUP surfing, for touring (classic SUP surfing with a paddle on flat water) and for a flight (races). If you are a beginner, then the touring paddle will definitely be your choice, being the most versatile.

    Correctly hold the paddle with a forward bend, pay attention to the figure:

    

    
    

    The paddle is an important part of the paddle that you put into the water when you hit (stroke). The size, shape and offset of the blade affect the functionality of the paddle.
    

    Experienced riders can take paddles with slightly oversized blades. For example, for surfing or short races when explosive acceleration is needed. On the other hand, for long distances, it is worth choosing a paddle with a smaller blade in order to maintain the speed of the board and not put too much stress on the muscles.
    

    • Big blades are more powerful: The large paddle moves a lot of water around due to its area, which allows you to make powerful shots and bring the board to maximum speed much faster. For example, if you're a SUP surfer, you might like a paddle with a larger blade that allows you to hit a few powerful strokes to quickly position your board to catch a wave.
    • Small blades are more efficient: a small paddle moves less water with each stroke, but it is easier to move through the water, so you use less force with each stroke. A small to medium sized blade can be an advantage if you are a racer or going to swim long distances and want to conserve energy for the long haul.

    
    

    Blade Shape

    
    

    

    Blade shape can affect many factors such as speed and efficiency. The performance differences between blade shapes may be subtle if you're a beginner, but as you gain experience you may want to change your preference.

    Tear-Drop: This shape is widest at the bottom. This means that when you lower the blade into the water, you immediately paddle with the full maximum area. The use of a large amount of blade surface area allows for a powerful hit, which is sometimes preferred by SUP surfers and paddlers who enjoy a slower stroke rate, but at the same time more powerful.

    Rectangular: Rectangular blades are narrower at the tip, meaning less surface area is used the first time the blade is immersed in water, which in turn results in a softer hit and therefore less power consumption. As a result, the impact frequency may be higher.

    
    

    Blade offset (OFFSET)

    Blade offset refers to the amount of deflection of the blade from the handle of the oar. The size of this angle affects how vertical the oar is in relation to the surface of the water, which, in turn, can affect the energy consumption of each individual stroke.

    You don't have to spend a lot of time learning offset angles, here are some general guidelines based on different rowing styles:

    For SUP surfing: approximately 7 degrees

    For mixed use: approximately 10 degrees

    For SUP racing: approximately 12 degrees

    Conclusion

    If you are new to SUP boarding, chances are your choice will fall on the cheapest aluminum paddle. There are so many paddle options on the market that differ in build material, shape and length, but this is more of a problem for an advanced user, as with experience the desire to move through the water more efficiently will only grow. Different oars serve different purposes, so it is simply impossible to stop at one thing. If you love SUP and are willing to pay for your convenience, keep a few paddles in your arsenal: for walking, racing and surfing.

    

    
    
    

COPY TO BUFFER

You can buy the best SUP board, but you can't get far without a paddle. And the right paddle will give even more pleasure from riding SUP. Paddles are much cheaper than SUP boards and, at first glance, they do not differ much from each other. In order not to take the first one that comes across and not suffer the whole season, read our guide on choosing oars!

If you like to study the market and understand the details, then you will like choosing a paddle no less than choosing.
The paddle consists of three parts: the handle, the shaft (shaft) and the blade. And all these parts have different shapes, can be made from different materials and vary in size.

Length
Properly selected oar length is the key to rowing efficiency. An oar that is too long will not allow you to row with pleasure, and too short will load the muscles of the back. In order to determine the optimal paddle length for you to walk on the SUP, you need to put the paddle straight in front of you and push the shaft up to arm's length. That is, your height + arm length to the thumb - this is the universal paddle height. Athletes use shorter oars.
We found out the appropriate length, now we need to find out how to adjust the height of the oar.
There are adjustable and non-adjustable paddles. Adjustable paddles are the most popular because they allow you to experiment with length, use the paddle in different situations on the water, and share it with those who are not the same height as you. Such paddles are used in SUP schools and rentals, it is good to start your acquaintance with SUP surfing with them.

Non-adjustable (paddles with a fixed length) are lighter and stronger due to the absence of joints. They are usually used by more experienced riders who know exactly their comfortable paddle height. Non-adjustable oars can be adjusted only once - immediately after purchase, sawing off an unnecessary part of the shaft to fit your height. A significant disadvantage of such oars is the difficulty in transportation. During flights they often break.

materials
The weight of an oar, its rigidity and efficiency depend on the material from which it is made. For an hour of walking on the SUP, we lower and raise the paddle a couple of thousand times. Heavy oars for such a time can tire the muscles, and too light oars will not give a good impetus for the stroke. There are many options for combining materials in one oar, let's try to consider them all:

Aluminum
Aluminum oars are heavier than others, they are rigid and not so easy to break, but easy to bend. The combination of an aluminum shaft with a plastic blade is the most common choice for beginners.

Plastic
Used in the blades and handles of budget oars paired with an aluminum shaft. There are all-plastic oars on the market, a heritage of kayakers and kayakers, but they are not suitable for - the material is too soft and fragile.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a polymer composite material that is as strong as aluminum but weighs much less. Fiberglass paddles are usually slightly more expensive than aluminum paddles, they are stiffer and do not slip in the hand.

Carbon fiber
The lightest, strongest and most expensive material on the SUP paddle market. Carbon paddles are used in sports SUP, they perfectly transmit the impulse of movement and do not load the muscles. Cons of carbon oars: high price and fragility. Manufacturers solve both of these problems with hybrid connections. For example, Starboard combines fiberglass with carbon fiber to create a lightweight and affordable Hybrid carbon paddle. The Red paddle uses a carbon shaft and a plastic paddle in a Carbon nylon model.

Some oars can be made entirely of wood, some use veneer only on the blade. The strongest and lightest material for wooden oars is balsa. Wooden oars are undoubtedly beautiful to look at, but they are often too heavy and expensive.

Paddles entirely from one material are not the most frequent occurrence in the SUP market. It is more likely to meet a hybrid paddle from combinations of different materials. Why is this needed? The shaft and the blade carry different loads during the stroke, so they wear out unevenly. It is also a compromise between the lightness of the paddle and the price: a full carbon paddle is quite expensive, and a paddle with a hybrid shaft and a carbon blade is affordable for many.

Blade

If you are not a professional rower, then the shafts and handles of the oars will seem to you about the same, but the blades are noticeably different even at first glance.
The size of the blade, its shape and angle of inclination determine how the paddle enters the water and with what force it will push the board.
There are no clear rules in choosing a blade: which one you like, choose the one you like. And we will describe the features of each type of blade.

For those manufacturers who provide a choice of blade sizes, the following size grid is most often found: XS, S, M and L. The larger the rider and the more powerful his stroke, the larger the blade should be. Wide blades capture a large area of ​​water, so the stroke is harder. Narrow blades capture a smaller surface of the water, but they are easier to paddle. There are different tables comparing rider weight and blade size, but such things are best determined by yourself in practice. Conventionally, the size of the blade corresponds to your size. That is, if you wear clothes in size L, you will most likely fit the size L blade, and so on. Some manufacturers don't bother with different blade sizes and offer standard mid-sized paddles that will fit most amateur riders.
Please note that a paddle with a wide blade will row powerfully, but slowly. For sprints and fast strokes, choose narrow paddles.

Blade shape
The shape of the blade determines how quickly the paddle will enter the water, how much area it will capture, and how powerful the stroke will be.
Each manufacturer invents their own shapes and curves of the oars, it is unlikely that there are at least two identical oars from different brands. But they all start from two standard shapes: rectangular and teardrop.
Drop-shaped: triangular blade with an extension at the end. The blade of this shape captures water even when partially submerged. Drop-shaped blades transmit a powerful impulse, use a large surface of the water. Suitable for long distance rowing, walking and SUP surfing.

Rectangular: Rectangular shaped blades hardly expand downwards, so they capture a smaller surface of the water. At the same time, they enter and exit the water much easier and faster, which allows you to row very quickly. Such blades are popular among athletes and those who are not new to SUP.

Paddle handles are also different: some are both handles and an adjustment mechanism, some have special notches for fingers, some are rough, some are glossy. It's all a matter of taste and individual choice. The main thing is that the handle fits comfortably in your hand, otherwise why do you need a technological handle if it is simply inconvenient to paddle with it?

It is even easier to get confused in choosing a paddle than in choosing a board. There are more than 200 paddle options on the market with variable shaft thickness, different blade shapes, different adjustment mechanisms and different designs. Different oars serve different purposes, so it is simply impossible to stop at one thing. If you love and are willing to pay for your convenience, keep a few oars in your arsenal: for walking, racing and surfing.

For a beginner who is confused about the types and shapes of paddles, we advise you to buy a SUP paddle in the middle price range and look at hybrid options. Fiberglass paddles and carbon hybrid paddles won't stress your hands and will last a long time. And for the first experience on the water, you should have an aluminum oar that will not break in case of an unsuccessful collision with the embankment.
A confident SUP user thinks not only about the strength of the paddle, but also about its weight and shape. These riders will love paddles with carbon shafts or blades. The next level is a full carbon paddle or fixed length paddle. This is the choice of a professional rider.

A paddle for an athlete or a fan of SUP-boarding is the main tool, steering wheel and mover. Just as a samurai's sword is an extension of his hand, so a rower's oar is the main element, without which he is no longer a rower.
So, let's look at what a Sup-oar is, what it consists of and what design features it has, as well as what varieties exist. Let's start with the materiel, let's go.

A SUP paddle consists of three main parts:

Blade or blade- the wide part of the oar that enters the water.
Shaft- the base of the oar, a long tube for which the rider holds it.
Lever- upper part of the oar. Covering it with his hand from above, the rider controls the oar.

Types of SUP paddles.

Just like boards, paddles have a purpose and are made from a variety of materials. Whatever direction in SUP sport you choose, be it surfing, hiking or whitewater rafting, for each of them there is a special paddle that helps the rider most effectively achieve his goal.

What materials are SUP paddles made of?

— Aluminum
The shaft of the oars is made of aluminum and as a rule these are the cheapest oars. Usually included with entry-level recreational boards. The advantage of this material is only in its cheapness, and there are a lot of disadvantages:

the first is a lot of weight;

the second lack of buoyancy, if such an oar is not understaffed with air plugs, foam plastic or other means of increasing buoyancy

eat it immediately goes to the bottom;

third, electrical conductivity, with such an oar it is dangerous to walk in a thunderstorm, it can attract lightning. We generally do not recommend going out on the water in adverse weather;

the fourth is a high thermal conductivity, in the scorching sun it can become hot, and in the cold season it remains very cold, which absolutely deprives the rower of any comfort.

— Carbon

This is an excellent material for oars, and the shaft and blades and handles are made from it. Carbon fiber paddles are commonly used in SUP racing and Touring, but are also suitable for everyday swims because the main advantages are:

Low weight (the lightest oars are made from carbon fiber), rowing consumes much less energy than with an oar, for example, made of aluminum;

They have low thermal conductivity, it is pleasant to ride with such an oar both in hot and cold weather;

Very durable, different from the same aluminum, does not bend, does not heat up during friction while maintaining its shape.

Of the minuses - it conducts current, the blades made of carbon fiber are quite fragile and can be easily damaged when repelled from stones.

- Fiberglass

Another excellent material for making SUP paddles, which is very popular both in the discipline of SUP surfing and among a large number of fans of SUP boarding on smooth water. The fact is that fiberglass has good flexibility, surfing the waves does not require special strength, and the ability to spring from the water helps surfers feel the water better, and this quality helps to save energy when rowing.

Fiberglass also weighs little, remains warm in the cold season and does not conduct current!

Of the minuses, just like carbon fiber, the blades made of this material are quite fragile, therefore, nylon blades are most often used in combination with a fiberglass shaft.

– Nylon

Or polypropylene is used in the manufacture of the blades (blades) of the handles and small components of the oar such as fasteners, clamps, plugs, etc.

The main advantage of nylon blades is indestructibility. If you decide to go rafting on a rough and rocky river, then choose an oar with such a blade. The flexibility and strength of this material frees the user from excessive frugality. Such paddles are often used by rental shops and extreme riders. The downside, of course, is the weight.

— fiberglass

The material is similar to nylon, but harder, from here and brittle like fiberglass. Used mainly in the manufacture of designer SUP paddles, their blades can be transparent, translucent and a variety of colors.

– Natural material

These are paddles made of wood or bamboo. The most aesthetic material, besides, it does not sink, does not conduct current, does not take heat. Wooden oars are not yet common in Russia, they are quite expensive and they are made mainly for individual orders, because. they are solid and should fit the parameters of a particular person. However, in the USA and Europe, oars made of natural material are in demand, among other things, due to their unique quality - they look very good in the interior of surfers' dwellings.

By appointment, the oars are divided into:

— Touring

If your SUP board is 12’6″ or 14″ and has a large capacity, then the paddle should be suitable for the chosen tourist destination. Touring oars are the most popular, their blades have an impressive 10-12 degree bend relative to the shaft, thereby unloading the resistance of the water and maintaining the strength of the rider during a long stroke. The blade of the touring paddle has a wide shape and can be made of any of the above materials, depending on the preferences of the sapper.

— Racing

The blade and shaft are predominantly made of carbon, in racing the paddle must be light and very stiff in order to cut into and out of the water easily with short and powerful strokes. The blade of such oars has a slight bend, narrowed and slightly elongated to reduce resistance during fast strokes. In general, athletes use one-piece paddles in races to eliminate any backlash in the joints and maintain rigidity along the entire length of the paddle.

— For surfing

A SUP paddle for surfing should be light but not very rigid, but rather resilient, so surfers choose fiberglass in combination with a nylon blade that is necessarily teardrop-shaped. This shape allows you to equally “stroke” the wave at any angle of inclination, and the bend of the blade is not needed here, because. no need to paddle too much. By the way, wooden oars are mainly made just for SUP surfing.

- Enduro or universal

These are the second most popular paddles for SUP boarding, their characteristics are similar to touring paddles, but they are mainly used for rafting on rough rivers in mass walks and rental points. The medium-sized blade material is nylon and the shaft can be either aluminum or fiberglass. Children's paddles are also referred to as universal ones, because. most manufacturers do not make special children's oars. It is important to remember that for a child, the most important parameter is weight, so choose a paddle from the appropriate material with a small blade.

SUP paddle construction.

With the growing popularity of SUP boarding, manufacturers are increasingly introducing various technologies and innovations into the design of paddles, trying to please every buyer in his needs. Let's look at the main types and types of structures:

One piece non-adjustable

Everything is simple here, a strong, reliable paddle is unpretentious, usually either carbon or wooden. Such oars are made either to order or are selected for a certain discipline based on the parameters of the athlete. The downside is obvious, you will need a lot of oars if you are a station wagon rider.

Not collapsible adjustable

This is a great option for a versatile athlete. By adjusting the length with the retractable part of the paddle, you can try different disciplines without losing the strength of the paddle itself, and saving the budget. One BUT - transportation is a little depriving of comfort.

Collapsible adjustable paddle

It is for those people who appreciate comfort and practicality, and according to manufacturers, they are the majority, they are put on sale and sets of all budget boards are supplemented with such oars.

Mounting types.

In adjustable and collapsible oars, a variety of clamps are used in the joints of the oar parts. It is about fastenings and clamps for SUP oars that will be discussed further. There are many types, here are the most popular:

- Push pin (push pin)

with the help of this fastening the adjustable part of the oar is fixed. a fairly reliable system, but has a limited range of adjustment and a small backlash.

- Cam lock

more universal fastening is suitable both for fixing the adjustable part of the oar, and for fixing the component part of the collapsible oar, it may have a different appearance, but the same meaning, the clamping is done using an eccentric

- Rever lock

This technology is used so far in Redpaddle and JP, the mount is located in the handle itself, easily and securely fixing the adjustable part of the paddle.

— Push Field

Spring retainer of the collapsible part of the oar. One of the simplest types of mounts, used on most budget oars, is very simple and reliable, but does not have a sufficiently rigid fixation, the oar and the rider suffer from the inevitable backlash.

SUP paddle selection.

And so, after we figured out the design features of SUP oars, chose what materials we need an oar from, decided how and where we will row them (decided on the purpose), it's time for the practical part.

Paddle for SUP is selected for a person primarily based on his height. There is no specific formula, because the size of the oar at first turns out to be more in practice, but it is recommended to have an oar with a size of 10 to 30 cm above the height of the rider. Why such a large range, you say? The fact is that if you ride a SUP-surf, then you need a paddle no more than 10 cm above your head. When riding for long distances or even during everyday walks, it is convenient to use an oar 10 - 20 cm higher than your height, and in racing it is usually rowed with an oar from 20 to 30 cm longer than the rower's height.

Depending on your height, the paddle is also selected according to the adjustment range, which are different for different manufacturers, for example 100-210 cm or 160-220 cm.

As a follow-up, we give such a life hack: some manufacturers on the adjustable part of the oar do not have notches in cm or even there is no limit to which the handle can be extended, and this is important, because. The paddle can break if pushed too far.

Apply a restrictive notch yourself at a distance of 10 cm from the lower end of the adjustable part, so you will always know that you should not push it higher.