Following on recent threads trying to pin down a solid recommendation for paddle length I decided to ask the man himself - Blane Chambers what he recommends.



Blane is 5'7 and uses a 73" paddle - 6" above head height.
But when it comes to a recommendation, apparently there isn't one!
Here is what he says many of the top riders in Hawaii are using (inches above their head height).

Ikaika Kalama +14"


Aaron Napolean +12"


Mel Pu'u +6"


Leleo Kinimaka + 4"



Then there is Dave Parmenter, one of the founding fathers of the sport - here is what he has to say-

"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."


So there you go - no definitive answer!
Personally I am trying to shorten up my paddle to reduce shoulder problems from extended sessions. I am at +7" on my Methane and after a solid 2 1/2 hr session today (in 5-6' clean uncrowded barrells of Manly - sorry, had to throw that in ) - I am convinced shorter is the way to go!

Andrew.A





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Dave Parmenter 6" MAX!!