Best Paddle Board Paddles Review

Boardworks Kraken 2-Piece SUP Paddle - Best SUP Paddles in 2020
Boardworks Kraken 2-Piece SUP Paddle

Updated September 2, 2024

For a leisurely day of cruising or a real workout, it’s hard to beat paddle boarding.  To suit your style and experience the right paddle is almost as important as the board itself.

In order to sort through the marketplace and help you make the right selection, a range of top paddles are reviewed in the way of introduction.  First is a comparison table, followed by key features, photos, and videos with a buying guide to lay all the factors out for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.  I’d love to know your thoughts.

For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:

SUP Boards Yoga     SUP Roof Racks     Fishing SUPs     SUP Life Vests     SUP Boards Surfing     Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards     Stand Up Paddleboards

Best Paddle Board Paddles

Best Paddle Board Paddles Comparison Table

PicturePaddleShaft/Blade MaterialsWeightLengthPrice
BPS Adjustable 2-Piece Alloy SUP PaddleAluminum/Nylon2.1 pounds70.86 - 83.85 inches$
Super Paddles 3-Piece Elite 12K Carbon Fiber SUP PaddleCarbon/Carbon1.5 pounds72 - 86 inches$$$$
BPS Adjustable 2-Piece Carbon Fiber SUP PaddleCarbon/Nylon1.7 pounds69.29 - 84.64 inches$$
iGK Pure Carbon Fiber 3-Piece SUP Paddle - Best Paddleboard Paddles ReviewiGK Pure Carbon Fiber 3-Piece SUP PaddleCarbon/Carbon1.5 pounds72 - 86 inches$$$
Own the Wave Adjustable 2-Piece Adjustable Alloy SUP PaddleAluminum/Nylon2.15 pounds71 - 83 inches$
Abahub 3-Piece Adjustable Carbon Fiber SUP PaddleCarbon/Composite1.875 pounds67 - 86 inches$
ISLE Surf 2-Piece SUP PaddleCarbon/Carbon1.5 pounds67 - 84 inches$$
Stage Switchblade Double-Bladed SUP PaddleCarbon/Carbon2.5 pounds118 - 156 inches$$$$
Aqua Bound Malta Fiberglass 2-Piece SUP PaddleCarbon/Fiberglass1.25 pounds64 - 74 inches
70 - 80 inches
76 - 86 inches
$$$$
Boardworks Kraken 2-Piece SUP PaddleCarbon/Fiberglass1.375 pounds64 - 74 inches
70 - 80 inches
76 - 86 inches
$$$
PicturePaddleShaft/Blade MaterialsWeightLengthPrice

BPS Adjustable 2-Piece Alloy SUP Paddle

Low-Priced, Reliable, Durable Aluminum and Nylon Construction, Ergonomic Grip, One-Year Guarantee

  • 2-piece locking adjustable paddle
  • Length: 70.86 to 83.85 inches
  • Weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Grip: Ergonomic T-shape handle
  • Shaft Material: aluminum
  • Blade Material: nylon composite
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • Currently comes in 4 color combinations
  • Blade cover available
  • 12-month “next level” guarantee (BPS is renowned for good service)
  • Price: $

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Super Paddles 3-Piece Elite 12K Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle

Lightweight & Durable 12K Carbon Fiber Shaft & Blade, 3-Piece Portability with a Storage Bag, Expensive, One-Year Guarantee

  • 3-piece adjustable paddle with anti-twist channel system for secure fastening
  • 20 seconds to assemble or take apart
  • Suits paddlers from 5 feet tall on up
  • Length: 72 to 86 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Grip: palm grip
  • Shaft Material: 12K carbon fiber
  • Blade Material: 12K carbon fiber
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: 5 degrees
  • 3-compartment paddle bag included
  • 12-month complete replacement guarantee
  • Price: $$$$

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BPS Adjustable 2-Piece Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle

Lightweight & Durable Carbon Fiber Shaft, 2-Piece Adjustable with Paddle Bag, One-Year Guarantee, Moderate Price

  • 2-piece adjustable paddle with a secure adjustment mechanism
  • Length: 70.86 to 83.85 inches
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Grip: palm grip
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber (also available in fiberglass)
  • Blade Material: nylon
  • Floatation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • Full paddle bag included
  • 12-month guarantee (BPS is renowned for good service)
  • Price: $$

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iGK Pure Carbon Fiber 3-Piece SUP Paddle

iGK Pure Carbon Fiber 3-Piece SUP Paddle - Best Paddleboard Paddles ReviewLightweight, Durable Carbon Fiber Shaft & Blade, 3-Piece Adjustable, Ergonomic Grip, Quality Paddle Bag

  • 3-piece adjustable paddle
  • Suitable for paddlers from 5 feet tall on up
  • 30 seconds to setup
  • Double concave dihedral blade
  • Length: 72 to 86 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Grip: ergonomic hybrid
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber
  • Blade Material: carbon fiber
  • Floatation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • 3-compartment nylon paddle bag with closed-cell foam padding included
  • Price: $$$

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Own the Wave Adjustable 2-Piece Adjustable Alloy SUP Paddle

Low-priced, Aluminum Shaft, Nylon Composite Blade, 2-Piece Adjustable, Ergonomic Palm Grip

  • 2-piece adjustable paddle
  • Suitable for paddlers 4 and a half feet tall on up
  • Seconds to assemble
  • Dual concave blade face with a dihedral shape
  • Length: 71 to 83 inches
  • Weight: 2.15 pounds
  • Grip: ergonomic palm grip
  • Shaft Material: aluminum
  • Blade Material: nylon composite
  • Floatation: yes (foam inserts in the handle)
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • Currently available in 4 colors
  • Also comes in a 3-piece model
  • 12-month guarantee
  • Price: $

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Abahub 3-Piece Adjustable Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle

Low-Priced, Lightweight, Carbon Fiber Shaft, Nylon Composite Blade, 3-Piece Adjustable, Premium Travel Bag, Oval Ergonomic Grip, “No Question Asked” Warranty

  • 3-piece adjustable paddle
  • Easy pin-button adjustment and locking mechanism
  • Suitable for paddlers 5 feet tall on up
  • Concave dihedral medium-sized blade
  • Length: 67 to 86 inches
  • Weight: 1.875 pounds
  • Grip: oval ergonomic grip
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber composite
  • Blade Material: fiberglass/polypropylene composite (also available in carbon fiber)
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: 10 degrees
  • Comes with a premium travel bag
  • “No Question Asked” manufacturer’s warranty
  • Price: $

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ISLE Surf 2-Piece SUP Paddle

Low-Priced for Carbon Fiber Shaft & Blade, Lightweight, Durable, 2-Piece Adjustable, 30-Day Guarantee, 1-Year Warranty

  • 2-piece adjustable paddle
  • Assembles in 5 seconds with an easy-to-use locking system
  • Length: 67 to 84 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Grip: palm grip
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber
  • Blade Material: carbon fiber (also available in nylon)
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • 30-day guarantee with a 1-year warranty on materials
  • Price: $$

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Stage Switchblade Double-Bladed SUP Paddle

Innovative, Double-Bladed, Kayak-Like Paddle, Durable Carbon Fiber Shaft & Blades, Not Cheap

  • Multiple-piece adjustable double-bladed paddle
  • 2 cam-lock adjusters
  • Feathering is possible
  • Suitable for paddlers from 5’2” to 6’3”
  • Length: 118 to 156 inches
  • Weight: 2.5 pounds
  • Grip: NA
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber (other materials available)
  • Blade Material: carbon fiber (other materials available)
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • Price: $$$$

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Aqua Bound Malta Fiberglass 2-Piece SUP Paddle

High-Performance, Ultra-Lightweight & Durable, Carbon Fiber Shaft & Handle, Sturdy & Trim Fiberglass Blade, 2-Piece Adjustable, Fairly Expensive

  • 2-piece adjustable paddle
  • Length: 3 available (64 to 74 inches, 70 – 80 inches, 76 to 86 inches)
  • Weight: 1.25 pounds
  • Grip: contoured palm grip (100% carbon grip)
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber
  • Blade Material: compression-molded fiberglass
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: 10 degrees
  • Currently available in 4 colors
  • Price: $$$$

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Boardworks Kraken 2-Piece SUP Paddle

Lightweight & Durable, Carbon Fiber Shaft & Handle, Fiberglass Blade with Reinforced Edge, 2-Piece Adjustable, Stylish Print Blade, a Bit Expensive

  • 2-piece adjustable paddle
  • Length: 70 – 80 inches
  • Weight: 1.375 pounds
  • Grip: palm grip (carbon)
  • Shaft Material: carbon fiber
  • Blade Material: fiberglass
  • Reinforced blade edge
  • Flotation: yes
  • Blade Offset: yes
  • Bamboo print blade
  • Price: $$$

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SUP Paddle Buying Guide

To find a paddle that works well for your style of paddling and physical characteristics, the most important factors are the length of the paddle, materials used in construction, and the features of the blade.

Length

Generally, the right length for a SUP paddle is 8 to 12 inches longer than your height.  If it is too long it can be harder to pull up out of the water.  Paddles that are too short require more effort and exertion to paddle.  Other factors to consider are the width and length of the SUP hull and water conditions.  An adjustable paddle will allow you to change the length to match the specific conditions at hand.

Materials

Shafts and blades can be fabricated from several materials and combinations thereof including plastic, aluminum, nylon, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.  Wood is even still used in some paddles.  Carbon fiber is durable, the lightest in weight, and the most expensive.  Fiberglass is durable and reasonably lightweight and comes in at number 2 in expense.  Nylon, aluminum, and plastic all have their strengths and weaknesses but all are often heavier and less durable.

Blade

The blade’s size, shape, and offset influence a paddle’s performance.

  • Blade Size – Several factors affect the most appropriate size for a blade.  Blades with a larger area take more strength and often match up best with larger paddlers.  Larger blades are more powerful but smaller blades more efficient.  Inexperienced paddlers are often more comfortable with smaller blades.
  • Blade Shape – Differences in blade shape can produce somewhat subtle differences in performance that will become more evident as a paddler gains skill and experience.  Tear-drop and rectangular shapes are commonly used.  Tear-drop blades tend to require more power and rectangular ones have less surface area contacting the water for a gentler more leisurely style.
  • The shape across the blade is also a consideration.  If the blade is flat it may have a tendency to wobble or flutter if the paddle doesn’t have the strength built in.  To combat this effect, some paddle blades have a dihedral shape kind of like brackets on a typewriter, like this {.   This allows the blade to embrace the water while maintaining its shape without the flutter.
  • Blade Offset – This refers to the angle of the blade as it protrudes from the end of the shaft.  The angle can range from zero to around 12 degrees.  For SUP racing the offset may reach the top of the range at 12 degrees.  For all-around use, you will often see 5 to 10 degrees.

Here is an article outlining the components and features of a SUP paddle:  The SUP Paddle 

Weight

The lighter the paddle, the less the effort required for effective paddling.  For longer periods on the water, a lighter model can make a major difference.  Carbon fiber materials in both the shaft and blade are a major influence.

Grips

This is the part at the top of the paddle that you grab onto.  Two shapes are most often used, T-shaped or a palm grip often called an oval grip.  Many consider the oval grip more comfortable.

For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:

SUP Boards Yoga     SUP Roof Racks     Fishing SUPs     SUP Life Vests     SUP Boards Surfing     Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards     Stand Up Paddleboards

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