The Paddle Length Debate

It's a heated debate. Well, as heated as it gets for the relatively chilled out sport, but this does seems to divide the groups. The age-old test is that you stick your arm above your head and if you can rest the top of your wrist on the paddle handle comfortably, that's a good starting point. It's the length it'll be cut to if you buy one from a store.

Of course, depending on discipline, paddle length will differ; surfing requires a shorter paddle than racing or touring, so for the sake of clarity, I'm focusing on the racing side.

 Anyway, it seems as though a change in trends is happening, with racing paddles getting shorter by the week. The new theory, one which I admit I am partial to, is that a shorter paddle forces you to reach more, so that you have to use correct technique to get anywhere, fast. If you have a longer paddle, you don't have to move as much, but you also short out on power.

There isn't really a consensus on what length the paddle should be, as there is so much variation with ability. I've heard varying theories, ranging from, "the paddle should be no taller than head height," to, "Every six months, cut up to an inch off". Obviously, there's a point where equilibrium is reached and any shorter will hinder performance, which is why it is always good change length incrementally. A small amount makes a huge difference. It makes sense to shorten the paddle as your own technique improves and you get more efficient. When to stop, I don't know and I think it would differ from person to person. Keep in mind any injuries or lack of mobility - if you can't extend your hips or back properly, you'd need a longer paddle than if you didn't. It all comes down to personal ability, but just remember that you can take away, but you can't add!

A bit of science:  

Paddleboarding is a great work out, because it uses so many muscles frequently. Correct technique requires you to have bent knees, much like a skiing pose, for core stability, allowing you get more power from each stroke. True, you will feel the burn in your quads, but you'll be travelling far more efficiently!
 Sidenote: Ever get sore or tingly feet while paddling? It's probably because you've been balancing with your feet, rather than with your quads.

Secondly, you want to use your bigger muscles to draw strength from. They are stronger and have more mitochondria (respiration happens here), so they can last longer as well as provide more power. Your shoulders and biceps/triceps are strong, but not as strong as your back muscles. If you only use your arms to pull you along, you'll get tired quickly. If you extend and use your back in conjunction with arms, you'll get heaps more power and individual muscles won't burn out so quick.

So, that's where the technique comes from - parallel, bent knees, bending at the hips as you reach far forward with the paddle and then recoiling as you stand up, for an extra shove. Doing so continuously provides a nice rhythm, but also builds up a heck of a speed! This clip of Annabel Anderson shows the technique beautifully.