Paddles

The best SUP paddle depends on your height, strength, board type and the kind of paddling you do most often. A beginner usually needs something durable, adjustable and easy to transport. A touring paddler will benefit from a lighter paddle with a smooth, efficient catch. A race, surf or foil paddler may want something stiffer, lighter and more specific to their cadence and technique.

• Construction: alloy paddles are tough and good value; carbon paddles are lighter and more efficient.
• Configuration: 3-piece paddles are best for travel and inflatable boards; 2-piece paddles feel cleaner; fixed length paddles suit experienced paddlers.
• Blade size: larger blades offer more power but can be harder on the body; smaller blades suit higher cadence and lighter paddlers.
• Shaft stiffness: stiffer shafts feel more direct, while some flex can be more comfortable over longer sessions.
• Paddle length: this varies depending on your height, board thickness and discipline.

For more detailed advice, read our SUP Paddle Buying Guide.

3-piece SUP paddles are the most practical choice for most inflatable paddleboard owners. They break down into sections, fit into most board bags and are easy to store, travel with and share between paddlers.

2-piece SUP paddles are a good option for regular paddlers who want a stiffer, cleaner feel while still keeping some adjustment.

Fixed length SUP paddles are usually best for experienced paddlers who know their exact preferred paddle length and want the lightest, most direct feel possible.

A carbon SUP paddle is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make. Because you lift and move your paddle thousands of times during a session, a lighter paddle can reduce fatigue and make paddling feel smoother and more efficient.

That does not mean every paddler needs the lightest paddle available. If you are just starting out, sharing with family or paddling occasionally, a tougher alloy or hybrid paddle may make more sense. If you paddle regularly, tour longer distances, race, surf or foil, carbon becomes much easier to justify.

Beginners and families: choose a durable adjustable paddle that is easy to use and transport.

All-round paddling: look for a good balance of weight, strength and adjustability.

Touring and fitness: consider a lighter paddle with a comfortable shaft and efficient blade shape.

Racing: weight, stiffness, blade size and cadence become much more important.

Surf SUP and foil SUP: many paddlers prefer a shorter, more responsive setup with a blade that suits quicker strokes.

We stock SUP paddles from trusted paddleboard brands including Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Black Project, Fanatic and SIC Maui.

Each brand has its own feel and focus. Red Paddle Co is strong for practical inflatable SUP paddles, Starboard offers a wide range across all-round, touring, surf and race use, and Black Project is especially popular with paddlers looking for more performance-focused blade and shaft options.

If you are comparing Red Paddle Co paddle options, read our Red Paddle Co SUP Paddles Buying Guide.

If you are buying or upgrading a full paddleboard setup, it is worth matching your paddle to the board and the way you paddle most often.

• Shop all paddle boards
• Shop inflatable paddle boards
• Shop all-round paddleboards
• Shop touring paddleboards
• Shop racing paddleboards
• Shop surfing paddleboards
• Shop paddle accessories
• Shop paddle bags and protection

Yes. Paddle feel can vary a lot between different blade shapes, shaft constructions and weights, so trying options can be very useful if you are investing in a better paddle.

Our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton gives you the chance to compare selected boards and paddles on sheltered water with advice from our team. For selected products and serious try-before-you-buy enquiries, you can also find out more about Try It Now at The SUP Co x Lymington.

If you are buying a premium carbon paddle or putting together a complete SUP setup, finance options may be available at checkout. You can find more information on our finance page.

If you are unsure which paddle to choose, please contact The SUP Company. Tell us your height, board, paddling style and where you normally paddle, and we will help you narrow down the best options.