This is a review of the best SUP Paddles for paddle boarding.
My name is Mako and I have been paddle boarding for over 10 years, I am also running a kayak and SUP-guided tours business for over 5 years.
In SUP, paddles, and boards always go hand in hand. Without the right paddle, even the best board is useless.
My top pick of SUP paddles is Aqua-Bound Lyric Paddle, they are lightweight, durable, and come with an adjustable fiber shaft. I will also include some great options that perform particularly well in other aspects in this article too.
Let’s dive in and get some great SUP paddles!
Quick Summary
- Aqua-Bound Lyric Paddle (Best overall)
- Abahub Carbon Fiber (Best adjustable)
- Bullet Proof Surf Alloy (Best budget)
- WooWave Carbon Fiber Paddle (Best durable)
4 Best SUP Paddles Reviewed
Here are my top picks when it comes to the best SUP paddles.
Aqua-Bound Lyric Paddle
- Key Features: Detachable into four pieces, contoured palm grip, 10 degrees offset, adjustable from 70 to 80 inches
- Weight: 26 oz
- Material: Carbon fiber shaft, fiberglass-polymer blade
- Blade Dimension: 85 sq in.
- Shaft Material: 100% Carbon
- Best for: Overall
Among other competitive brands, the Aqua-Bound Lyric Stand Up Paddle is comparably lighter for its high-quality materials. With its 100% carbon fiber shaft, you get a paddle that’s extremely durable.
The adjustable carbon fiber shaft can be extended from 70 to 80 inches for adults, and 64 to 74 inches for kids. Its white blade color instantly stands out, making it a lot easier to spot and locate.
Its 7.5 by 14.5 inches blade enables you to take smooth forward strokes. It is also crafted using fiberglass-polymer which is one of the strongest and most durable materials for SUP paddles.
The Lyric Stand Up Paddle’s lightweight design and contoured palm grip make it a breeze to maneuver. Plus, its 10° blade offset makes paddling easy yet powerful. This paddle also features detachable parts for added convenience and portability.
Abahub Carbon Fiber
- Key Features: Detachable and adjustable shaft, ergonomic handle, can be 67 to 86 inches long, includes paddle bag
- Weight: 28.5 oz
- Material: Carbon shaft, fiberglass-polypropylene blade
- Blade Dimension: 91 sq in.
- Shaft Material: Carbon
- Best for: Adjustability
The Abahub’s 3-piece Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle allows you to easily assemble and adjust the paddle to your height. With its anti-twist clamp and locking pin system, the security of your paddle is guaranteed.
The Abahub Carbon Fiber Paddle is ideal for paddlers with a height of 5 ft and above. Its technology allows you to easily customize the height of the shaft from 67 to 86 inches. With this, you can adjust the shaft’s height to your convenience.
It also has an easy-grip handle that greatly reduces muscle fatigue and strains. Additionally, its lightweight and durable carbon shaft makes it easy to use.
Storing it after use is also made convenient by Abahub. The parts are just as easy to remove as they are to attach. Plus, every purchase comes with a paddle bag so you can keep them in one place.
Bullet Proof Surf Alloy
- Key Features: 71 to 84 inches long, TwinPin adjustment and locking system, 10.5 degrees offset
- Weight: 27.2 oz
- Material: Aluminum shaft, nylon blade
- Blade Dimension: 95 sq in.
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Best for: Budget
Trying out new sports doesn’t mean having to put up with inferior gear. That is why Bullet Proof Surf’s Alloy is perfect for SUP beginners who don’t want to jump to premium paddles yet. Even at such a low price, its durable build won’t let you down.
Its dihedral nylon blade is scratch resistant which is why accidentally bumping into rocks won’t be a problem for you. Paddling is also made easier by the 10.5-degree blade offset.
The BPS Alloy also has a lightweight yet sturdy shaft made from aluminum. With its TwinPin system, you can easily adjust the height between 71 to 84 inches. Easily lengthen and lock the shaft by just pulling the plastic clip on the shaft, and extending the shaft to your desired length.
WooWave Carbon Fiber Paddle
- Key Features: Adjustable length from 69 to 87 inches, detachable 3-part paddle, ergonomically designed
- Weight: 33.12 oz
- Material: Carbon fiber shaft, nylon blade
- Blade Dimension: 125.58 sq in.
- Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber
- Best for: Durability
As far as durability is concerned, the WooWave Carbon Fiber Paddle always stands out. Its carbon fiber shaft has the sturdiness you would look for in a SUP paddle.
Its durable carbon fiber shaft perfectly complements the nylon blade, which is also highly scratch-resistant. With these two main parts, your paddle is sure to last for years to come.
This carbon fiber paddle has an easy-adjust mechanism on its shaft so that you can set the height to your own preference. It is composed of an easy clip cam lock and a quick pin button lock. These two allow you to quickly maneuver and secure the position and height of your shaft.
The WooWave’s Carbon Fiber Paddle is also travel-friendly due to its lightweightedness and portability.
Best SUP Paddle – What to Consider
Having a great paddle is essential to an enjoyable SUP experience. Mentioned below are the things to take into consideration when you buy a paddle.
Weight
You can make around 1,500 strokes in an hour of paddling, so make sure to get a lighter paddle if you can. Unfortunately, lighter paddles are generally more expensive because of their materials—we’ll get to that in a second.
This is why most paddleboarders prefer lighter paddles to heavier ones. Also, if you have a history of shoulder, arm, and wrist injuries, a lighter paddle is better for your joints.
Material
There are three parts to a paddle, the grip, the shaft, and the blade. Each of these can be made from different materials, the most common ones being plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. The best paddle is one that is light yet durable and stiff.
Beginners most often go for a paddle with a plastic blade and an aluminum shaft for their affordability and durability, On the other hand, more frequent paddleboarders prefer those made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a combination of both, for their lightweight nature. These are on the more expensive side of the spectrum though.
Blade
The ideal shape of your blade also depends on the type of water activity you engage in. Teardrop-shaped blades allow you to move faster and farther with one stroke because of their wider contact area. On the other hand, rectangular ones are usually used for smoother paddling and are far gentler on the body.
Also, consider the blade size. Smaller blades are much easier to maneuver and are much lighter. However, heavier ones are more powerful as they move a lot of water at once.
The blade’s offset or the curve angle allows you to give more power paddling. A common paddle that can be used for an all-around activity usually has an angle of 10°. The curve angle suggested for surfing is 7°, while 12° is for racing.
Shaft
Among the types of shafts available, the anodized aluminum shafts are the most affordable. It is more long-lasting than regular aluminum because of its non-corrosive finish.
Fiberglass shafts are more pricey than aluminum ones, but they are lighter and easier to handle. If you’re into premium-quality paddles, carbon shafts are the way to go. This is the most expensive one, but its overall performance and quality make up for its high cost.
Length
The wrong length of the paddle doesn’t only cause inconvenience and difficulty in paddling, but also wrist and shoulder pains. If you plan to get a paddle, choose one that is 9 to 10 inches taller than you.
To check if the length of your paddle is suitable for you, here’s a simple method. Stand beside your paddle with the blade on the ground. Extend your arm upward and see where the grip touches your arm. The bend of your wrist must land on top of the T-grip. This is the key indicator to assess if your paddle is the right length for you.
FAQs
Here are some most commonly asked questions when it comes to choosing the best SUP paddles.
What is the best material for a SUP paddle?
It depends on your level and budget. For beginners, an aluminum paddle and plastic blade is a good option to start with because it’s very affordable.
For advanced levels, fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles are great options. They are lightweight and yet very durable and stiff, which makes them easier for power transfer. However, it’s also more expensive too. If you are just starting out, you may find it difficult to handle.
Will an Aluminium paddle float?
Generally speaking, yes, most SUP and kayak paddles will float on the water, no matter if it’s made of aluminum or carbon fiber. It’s because most SUP and kayak paddles are designed to entrap air to providing enough buoyancy.
Wrapping Up
I believe you will be very happy with my most recommended paddle – Aqua-Bound Lyric Paddle, this very lightweight, easy to store, and yet durable paddles offer you the flexibility to custom made it according to your needs.
Simply pick the paddle according to your needs and you will not be disappointed!
Have loads of fun and stay safe out there!