Found the perfect SUP board? That's a good start. But without a good paddle, you risk not fully enjoying your outing. A paddle that's too heavy, poorly adjusted, or not suited to your style of riding can make your outing much more tiring than it should be.
Luckily, we're here to help you see things more clearly. A well-chosen paddle changes everything: comfort, power, and most importantly... your enjoyment on the water. 
Why is this so important?
Your paddle is your engine. It's what transforms each of your movements into propulsion. A good paddle that's right for you is:
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Less muscle fatigue
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Better efficiency with every shot
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Smoother glide
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A much more enjoyable outing on the water
In short, it's not a detail - it's a key piece of your equipment.
The material: weight, rigidity, price
Material influences hand feel, comfort, and budget. Here are the most common choices:
Aluminum
Affordable
A little heavier
Durable, but less pleasant on long outings
👉 Perfect for beginners or if you paddle occasionally.
A good model: Retrospec - 3-piece paddle
Carbon
More expensive, but...
Ultra light
Very rigid = more responsiveness
👉 Ideal if you want to invest in long-term performance and comfort.
The safe bet: Blackfish - Nootka UD carbon 3 pieces
Carbon shaft + ABS blade
Good compromise
Light and strong
Great value for money
👉 A good, scalable choice if you want something durable with great value for money
The ideal hybrid: Starboard - Tuffskin Carbon 3 pieces
2. The shape of the blade: each to their own needs
Drop shape
More direct power
Better precision for maneuvers
Perfect for cruising and all-around boarding
Square shape
Smooth entry into the water
Less effort per stroke, less tiring
Ideal for speed and long distances
3. Blade size: power or speed?
Large blade
Gives more force to each blow
More demanding, but more powerful
Recommended for people with good build or experience
Small blade
Less effort
Faster cadence
Great for small sizes or long walks
👉 Between 85 and 95 square inches, that pretty much covers everyone.
4. The number of pieces: a question of transport
1 room
Ultra light
Top performance
Less practical to carry around
👉 For those with space and want the ultimate.
2 rooms
Adjustable
Easy to carry
Good rigidity
👉 The right compromise for a high-performance and practical paddle.
3 rooms
Fits in your inflatable board bag
Easily adjusted
A little heavier, but super practical
👉 The choice of SUP nomads!
5. Adjustment: find the right height
A poorly adjusted paddle can tire you out quickly and cause back or shoulder pain. To adjust it properly:
Loosen the clamp
Raise your arm almost straight above your head
Adjust the handle to the height of your palm
👉 Generally, your arm should be slightly bent when you hold your paddle upright in front of you.
In short
✔️ Material : carbon for lightness, aluminum for economy
✔️ Blade shape : drop for comfort, square for power
✔️ Blade size : small for cadence, large for strength
✔️ Number of pieces : according to your transport needs
✔️ Adjustment : take the time to adjust it to your body
Come try it with us!
At SUP Montréal , we're pretty good at helping you find THE paddle you need. Come see us in store: we'll chat, compare, test... and make sure you leave with the one that really fits you. 