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.

Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh

This marine reserve is home to a vivid and diverse range of sea-life, making it a popular place for snorkelers and divers. The many rocks and kelp dense areas make excellent homes for the fish and also an interesting place to explore. Goat island itself is about 200m out from the mainland and is accessible enough to check out the rockpools and chill out for a bit, too.

 Parking is abundant and free, with quick access to the beach and the campsite just down the road from the site is reasonably priced, though booking is essential.

There are three parts to the beach; a large, grassy bank, which is out of the way and tends to be fairly empty, making it a good place to set up; the main beach, large and crowded, but a good launch point for the boards and the rock faces, which vary in accessibility depending on tides and are great starting point for snorkeling, but not so much for launching on a paddleboard.

 The water between Goat Island and the mainland is sheltered from the wind and so remains fairly flat, making it a good place to paddle, as the waters are crystal clear. The beach area is far more exposed, making the water choppy and even hints at a small surf. It is still the best place to launch from, though as you've got less chance of being knocked towards the rocks and once you get past the break, it's dead flat.

It's a really easy place to paddle and seems safe, with no strong currents to drag you away. Unlike other paddling locations, the best views are actually below you, making it somewhat better to perhaps sit on the board to watch the fish for a while. However, if you're intent on paddling around the vast landscapes will not disappoint and you'll still see you fair share of fish while on the move.
 Paddling right around Goat Island is a feasible task, which offers plenty of places to land and explore, though the majority of the island is sheer or part of the University of Auckland research laboratory.

Snorkeling/diving is simply a must at the reserve. It is rare to see such a range of fish so close to the shore, especially fish that do not seem to be affected by human presence. Combining the two is certainly possible, perhaps paddling out and around Goat Island before landing your board and going for a swim, or even as I saw some people doing, keeping a board with them and holding on to it as they looked underwater. This would be a good option for those not confident with ocean swimming.
 Either way it doesn't really matter, but to really appreciate the wonders of the reserve, you've got to get right into the thick of it.

 When paddling, it is really important to look out for the snorkelers. It's easy to get distracted while watching the fish, so many people don't stop to look at where they are going or if there are any hazards around. You've got to be their eyes and keep out of their way, which can be difficult when you are surrounded by them.
 The other hazard is the glass bottom boat. This goes for paddling and snorkeling. It is very large and doesn't seem to stop for anything, so it's absolutely integral to keep out of it's way and warn anyone who may be getting  a little close to the outboard motors.
 Finally, make sure to only paddle around high tide. This is when the majority of the rocks are under enough water to paddle over without getting caught or stranded, but also when the water is flattest.

 From what I saw of the changing water throughout the day, low wind or off shore winds with little to no swell would be optimal conditions for this beach. These tend to be the flattest conditions, making it more desireable due to increased visibility.

I'm not sure why it is called Goat Island, but as a part of the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Reserve, it is a truly spectacular place to visit, especially in the summer.
 Whether you are more interested in landscapes or sealife, it's easy to spend a day or two exploring the reserve, which stretches on for 500 hectares, so there is plenty to see and do.

Narrowneck beach, North Shore

This is probably my favourite local beach to paddleboard at. It's a fairly open beach, so although there's not much to explore on it's own, there are plenty of places to travel to, in all directions.  

 Parking next to the beach is limited, although there is a large carpark across the road, both of which are free and have no time-limit, which is pretty rad. There's also a cafe and a park to refuel at after a long trek, which is also handy. 

 The beach itself is wide and exposed, leading to it being easily battered by the wind, making it messy and rough in some conditions. 

 However, for the most part Narrowneck is known to be glassy and clear, especially in the mornings. 

 Choosing to stay in the realms of Narrowneck won't get you much scenery, although the stationary view of Rangitoto that you will get is beautiful. However, the generally glassy conditions lend themselves to endurance and flat-water race training, aided by the buoys about 200m out.  

 Close to the shore, you'll get good beginners conditions and you may even catch some runners on your way in. Further out, on a wider board or kayak is perfect for fishing, especially in the morning sun. 

The best part about Narrowneck, though is that it is a great starting point for adventure! 

 Turning left and you'll be off towards Takapuna and Milford, with lots of nooks and secret beaches along the way, although one may want to avert one's eyes at St. Leonard's, the supposed nudist beach!

  You'll see rugged cliff faces and vast open sea, with plenty of awesome sealife to accompany you. This is a popular, short journey which is good for getting used to longer distance paddling. Take note of the wind direction and tides, however. It's easy to get dragged out further than you think, or get grounded upon the rocks if you're not careful.

 Shifting to the right of Narrowneck, you'll end up in Cheltenham or Devonport. This journey tends to be more sheltered than to Takapuna, which makes it a good option if the conditions are a bit rougher. The views are more village-like, but you'll also see the abandoned WWII tunnels in North head and the surrounding cliffs, which are pretty eerie. It is important to note that off-shore winds make it a breeze to paddle towards Devonport, but coming back may make it more arduous. 

 Paddling straight out will take you to Rangitoto island. This is a straight-forward paddle which will save you the potentially steep ferry fare. It also means that you can go when you want, instead of sticking to the ferry's schedule. Along the way, you'll pretty much just be seeing Rangitoto, as it is a rather big island, but time it right and you'll see the sun rising over the top of it, which is truly spectacular.  

 Remember that you are crossing the main container ship path to Auckland. These ships move deceptively fast - if you see one crossing your path, stop and wait for it to go past rather than risk it. They won't stop for you, funnily enough. 

 Assuming you don't get in the way of one of the ships, you'll eventually arrive at Rangtoto; a giant, green, dormant volcano which you can climb. The walk up is decent, but not too gruelling, unless the day is sweltering and muggy. It's totally worth it once you get to the top, though. The panoramic views of Auckland  are breath-taking, especially in the sun. 

 If you're not up to that, why not delve into the heart of Rangitoto, through the caves? It's a pretty mean walk, although remember to bring a torch with you, if you plan on seeing anything. 

 It's about 7km there and back, so you'd be sensible to bring water and it's probably a good idea to have a leash and some sort of flotation device, as the Rangitoto channel does get pretty deep. 

 Overall it's a beach with good potential, especially for beginners. As expected, it's flattest early in the morning, which is great if you like to be able to watch the sunrise. However, in summer, Narrowneck tends to stay pretty good throughout the day, making an evening paddle with a couple of beers at sunset a truly rewarding experience. 

Rangitoto Sunrise at Nearby Milford beach