The 6 Best SUP Paddles of 2020

 

SUP stands for Stand up Paddling and is one of the most sorts after water sports. People love to surf the wild waters with their paddles by standing safe and comfortable on a paddle board. This water sport is a combination of both surfing and kayaking.

Stand up boards are longer and wider than kayaks and are more buoyant than surfboards. This helps the surfer to balance them and they use the paddle to propel themselves in the water.

There are three types of Paddle boards namely the Surf specific boards which are short and narrower and more maneuverable to surf on a wave. All round boards are wider, thicker and longer and are versatile for multi-purpose water activity.

They are ideal for open ocean touring, windsurfing and kayaking. Flat-water boards are for open ocean paddling and for flat water cruising. These boards are longer with enhanced Glide. The SUP paddles yield to all these water sports on these different types of boards. They are available in different lengths and materials and yield to the needs of the surfers perfectly.

The Top best SUP paddles and their specifications are listed here. We have also covered a short buying guide to help in choosing the best paddles for SUPs and hope it would be useful for your water sports endeavors.

 

Best SUP Paddles

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Quick Answer: The 6 Best SUP Paddles – [2020]

1. Carbon Fiber Adjustable SUP Paddles 3-Piece
2. BPS Adjustable 2-Piece SUP Paddles
3. Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy SUP Paddle
4. ABAHUB 3-Piece Adjustable Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle
5. iGK Pure Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle
6. SBBC – SUP Paddles 2pc & 4pc SUP Kayak Paddles

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Best SUP Paddles Reviews

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#1.  Carbon Fiber Adjustable SUP Paddles 3-Piece

The Carbon Fiber Adjustable SUP paddles are one of the best rowing systems ideal for grooving, touring, racing and surfing. The shaft of the paddle is of carbon fiber and the blades consist of tough nylon fibers. Stainless steel screws constitute the fitments. The Paddle can endure the worst of water abuse but still last long.

The paddle floats at all types of waters. Its paddles are adjustable from 72 inches to 86 inches in length. It is easy to take apart and assemble in less than 20 seconds. The length of three pieces of the paddle is 30 inches, 2 piece paddles are 35 inches and three-piece paddle is 34 inches.

A three-compartment paddle bag helps in carrying the paddles on to the shoulders and head for an adventure. The bag features nylon closed foam padding pattern for added cushioning and protection for the paddle and the blade. The paddle is economical and comes with a 12-month complete replacement guarantee from is manufacturers.

#2. BPS Adjustable 2-Piece SUP Paddles

The BPS SUP paddles are best at tough waves owing to their smooth strokes and extraordinary rowing power. They are lightweight and comfortable to row. Their durability, adjustability, and versatility make it an ideal paddle of choice for canoeing.

The high-performance paddle has a beautiful construction; they are instant and easy to adjust. It is possible to separate them into two pieces for convenient transport and storage. The parts are easy to fix while rowing. The paddles also have shoulder straps for comfortable rowing.

Three types of paddles are available with BPS, the Fiberglass composite paddle consists of fiberglass shaft and nylon blade whereas the Carbon fiber paddle is made of carbon fiber shaft with Nylon blade. The shaft, handle and the blade of 100% carbon fiber paddle are carbon fiber made.

All the three products have hundred percent manufacturer guarantee for 12 months.  The angled blade helps in excellent propulsion with minimal strain on the muscles. Heat reflecting coat on the paddles diminish damage from the sun.

#3. Own The Wave Adjustable Alloy SUP Paddle

The Own the wave SUP Paddle is an excellent companion for all adventures as it is highly suitable for all heights and levels at a very reasonable cost. It has a strong Aluminum shaft and the blade is a make of Nylon composite. The ergonomic design of the handle makes it an ideal paddle for canoeing.

There is a choice to choose the accent color of the blade as well. The height of the paddle is adjustable at three levels and is ideal for all level of paddlers including children. It is lightweight and decreases muscle fatigue considerably.

It is easy to break the paddle into two or three segments for easy transport and storage. When the parts are together, they float exceptionally well in both fresh and salt water. The total length of the two-piece paddle is between 71 and 83 inches. The total length of the 3 piece paddle is between 66 and 83 inches.

The product features 12 months warranty from the manufacturer against manufacturing defects. The blade has a 10-degree angle with the shaft to enable excellent propulsion in the waters.

#4. ABAHUB 3-Piece Adjustable Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle 

The ABAHUB Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle is extremely strong and durable as it is made of Fiberglass blade with polypropylene Blade and UV stability. The blade features a double concave surface to add power and stability to every stroke and reduce flutter at every paddle.

The weight of the paddle is only 850 grams and floats easily in all waters. Its shaft is made of carbon; it renders its characteristic stiffness with the flexibility required for optimal water performance. The polypropylene grip at the handle enhances traction with enhanced comfort for the hand.

It is easy to assemble and adjust the paddle from 67 inches length to 86 inches. It is ideal for paddlers 5 feet and above. The paddles come with a free paddle bag to store and transport them easily. The SUP paddle bag has a shoulder strap, quality zipper, and an inner flap to secure the blades and for convenient carrying during travel.

ABAHUB offers replacement warranty with a refund with no questions asked for their dissatisfied customers.

#5. iGK Pure Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle

The iGK paddles help in discovering new routes and reach great places with its high-quality durable paddles. They are highly convenient and comfortable to help even the kids learn the paddling technique with their parents. The paddle weighs at 1.8 pounds and offers super-light performance easing the fatigue off the wrist and shoulders.

The paddle is made of glass fiber and carbon fiber and thus could float in all types of waters. It is possible to adjust the height of the paddle from 72-86 inches to yield to all heights of paddlers.

Users can dismantle the paddle into two or three pieces for convenient storage. The paddle assembles in less than ten seconds and a free travel bag helps to store and transport it conveniently. There are two color variations available with the paddle.

The red paddle is made of glass fiber and carbon fiber whereas the black paddles are made of carbon fiber purely. The matte and bright material of both the red and black paddles makes them a unique style statement for all water trips.

#6. SBBC – SUP Paddles 2pc & 4pc SUP Kayak Paddles

The SBBC SUP Paddles takes kayaking to the next new level with is two pieces and four piece kayak paddles. The independent pieces are good to carry in a paddle bag during travel. They float amazingly well in all types of water when they are put together.

It is possible to adjust the length of the paddles from 65 inches to 84 inches. They are ideal for paddlers who are 5 feet and above, even children can try their hands in rowing with these paddles.

Two types of SUP paddles are available with SBBC, The carbon fiber paddles consist of full carbon fiber in their shaft and their blades and handle consists of Nylon composite. The handles of Aluminum paddles are made of Nylon composite whereas its blades are composed of Aluminum shafts.

Both the types of paddles feature excellent and smooth paddle grip at their ergonomic handles. The long face paddles offer great control over paddle glide and rows smooth in both salt and fresh waters.

SUP Paddles Buying Guide

Water Surfing is a sport filled with thrill and fun, but playing with the waters can sometimes be risky as well. Investing in a good and reliable SUP board and paddles is desired to enjoy the water trip to the fullest without having to worry about safety issues. The points are to be borne in mind before investing in a SUP paddle to realize the best return on investment.

Length of The Paddle:

SUP paddles are generally adjustable according to the height of the surfer. The ideal way to find a customer length that will suit an individual is to ensure that the paddle is eight to ten inches taller than the height of the surfer. Most paddles are available with two, three or four pieces so that their height is adjusted by missing or adding a piece. They are the best paddles of choice for families with children. He adjustable paddles can be a little heavy owing to its interlocking shafts.

 

Blade of The Paddle:

Some paddle blades are exclusively meant for surfing. These blades have an extensive surface area to help with the stability and control of the surfer. Some paddle blades feature smaller heads to help with shredding. These blades are suited for riders at a small height in all water conditions.

Larger blades in paddles help in taking long and powerful strokes. They are ideal for touring, water racing and to explore the waters. Racers and professional paddlers prefer a blade with a small bend for effective surfing. Before buying a paddle, the user should check if the blade size and angle will suit his style of paddle boarding.

 

Handle Grip:

The grip is important to ensure paddle stability in the waters. Most paddles have a T Grip to hold the shaft firmly with the palm. Some paddles can have ball shape grip or a hybrid designed ergonomically for a difference.

 

Offset:

Offset the degree at which the blade angles from the shaft in the forward direction. This angle explains how vertical is blade is when it is propelled in the water. This also affects the power the surfer spends with each water stroke. Most of the paddles have angled blades to make surfing and rowing easier in the waters.

 

Blade Material:

Paddle blades are generally made of Aluminum, fiberglass or carbon composite. Each of these materials has its own properties in enduring stability and strength to the paddle. The surfer has to choose the paddle material of his choice depending on his age, height, strength and endurance and type of water sport he indulges in.

 

Budget:

Cost is always a factor to consider before investing in any product. Most of the manufacturers back up their sales with replacement warranties and refunds for 12 months. Costlier the product, greater is its specifications and durability, but a number of paddles with exceptional features are conveniently priced. It is wise to choose a paddle that serves one’s purpose without bothering the wallet.

 

Dihedral Paddles:

The blades of dihedral paddles have a small spine on their blades rendering the blade a peaked contour. This spine is more prominent at the top of the blade where it meets with the shaft and fades off as it glides to the bottom edge. The spine helps in enhancing the stability of the paddle and offers powerful water strokes. It also decreases water fluttering and wobbling and reduces instances of board damage.

 

Different types of Paddles:

1. Flat vs Dihedral paddles:

The SUP paddles have two distinctive shapes, namely flat and dihedral. Dihedral blades decrease water flutter. Fluttering happens when the blade does not come back straight during a powerful stroke. The blade would rock back and forth or wobble if the paddle does not hold the strength to keep the blade away from fluttering.

When flutters occur, there are chances for the surfer to bang the paddles against the sides of the boat and challenge its stability. Dihedral shaped paddles allow the blade to glide through the water better.

Though some power is lost in the stroke, stability is not challenged. Dihedral blades are the best choice for beginners to learn the basics of surfing better.

 

2. Small/ Medium and Large Paddles:

 Small blades are for recreational surfers who use the paddles for touring purposes.  Paddles with small blades require less strength to cut through the water. But they do not move the water as quickly as larger paddles. Small blades are ideal for children and novice surfers.

Paddles with large blades are able to handle water surf and water turbulence effectively. They help the surfer to navigate the ocean and conquer its waves pretty simply.

 

Blade Materials:

There are several options to consider in SUP paddle materials. Different materials hold different qualities and could affect rigidity, durability, and flexibility considerably.

1. Carbon Fiber:

Carbon fiber paddles are lightweight yet strong, they help to surf the waters for long hours as they throw minimal strain on the wrists and shoulder joints. Water racers generally use Carbon fiber paddles. They are also tougher against wild winds and can push through any obstacles on their way.

 

2. Fiberglass:

Paddles made of fiberglass are slightly heavier than its counterparts, but it is excellent for intermediate boarders. They are strong and lightweight and are competitively priced compared to carbon fiber paddles.

 

3. Aluminum:

Aluminum paddles are economical and are the least expensive. They are relatively light to handle and are the best option for beginners to enjoy their surfing endeavors.

 

Final Words:

More and more people wish to surf the magnificent waters of the exotic ocean on their own foot. The demand for water sports is increasing and so is the demand for SUP boards and Paddles. A number of manufacturers pack this water sports equipment with tremendous functionalities and improvising options so that they yield to the sporting needs of all types of people.

Paddles have a number of convenience features along with being tough and flexible in the waters. It does take a little research in finding out the best fit paddle based on the surfing needs and the budget to allocate.

Hope you would start your water trip soon and start surfing the water on your own boards and paddles shortly.

 

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