METER STAR 3-Piece Adjustable Aluminium SUP Paddle Board Paddles, Lightweight Stand Up Paddle Oars for Paddleboard, Adjustable Aluminum Alloy PU Coated Shaft 67"-83" for Surfing, Floating,Water Sport carbon shaft $22.49 View on Amazon
Calculator
SUP paddle length calculator
Quick answerAdd 8 to 10 inches to your height for all-round paddle boarding. A 5'10" paddler (70 in) wants a 78 to 80 inch paddle, about 200 cm. Touring adds up to 2 more inches; surfing takes 2 to 4 away.
Paddle length78 to 80 in
In centimetres198 to 203 cm
Set an adjustable paddle to79 in
Adjustable range neededreaching at least 80 in
Quick check: stand the paddle up, blade on the ground. For all-round use your wrist should reach the handle with your arm raised.
Gear that fits your answer
Cards re-sort as you change the inputs: the ones that meet your numbers move to the front. Check each listing's rated capacity and dimensions before buying.
METER STAR 3-Piece Adjustable Aluminium SUP Paddle Board Paddles, Lightweight Stand Up Paddle Oars for Paddleboard, Adjustable Aluminum Alloy PU Coated Shaft 67"-83" for Surfing, Floating,Water Sport carbon shaft 
Abahub 3-Piece Adjustable SUP Paddle, Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Shaft fiberglass shaft $29.99 View on Amazon
ZLX Paddle Board Paddle, 3 or 4 Piece Adjustable SUP Paddle, Detachable Floating Kayak Paddles, 2-Sided Lightweight Oar with Premium Durable Blades, for Paddleboard, Surfing, Water Sports Enjoyment fiberglass shaft $39.99 View on Amazon
Pulse Paddle Board Paddle, Adjustable SUP Paddle with Carbon Fiber Shaft, Poly Blade with ABS Edge, 3-Piece Stand Up Paddle Board Paddle, 67"-83" Adjustable Length, Lightweight 880g 170 cm / carbon shaft $47.49 View on Amazon
Abahub 1 x 4 Section Carbon Fiber SUP Kayak Paddle Black 226 cm / carbon shaft $62.99 View on Amazon
CRISURF GP04A Black & Gray Full Carbon Racing SUP Paddle, Adjustable Paddle Board Paddle, Carbon Fiber Shaft & Blade, No-Twist Shaft, Lightweight for Paddleboard 210 cm / carbon shaft $139.99 View on Amazon
How the math works
paddle length = height + discipline offset + (board thickness - 6 in) / 2
Offsets: all-round +8 to +10 in, touring and fitness +10 to +12 in, yoga +8 in, small-wave surf +4 to +6 in. A thicker board raises your hands, so it needs a slightly longer paddle.
A stand up paddle is sized from your height. For all-round flatwater paddling add 8 to 10 inches; for touring and fitness add 10 to 12 for a longer reach and catch; for small-wave surfing add only 4 to 6 so the paddle is quick in the lineup. Board thickness changes how high you stand, so the calculator adds half an inch for each inch above 6 and subtracts for thinner boards.
Worked examples
| Scenario | Result | In centimetres | Set an adjustable paddle to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2" all-round | 70 to 72 in | 178 to 183 cm | 71 in |
| 5'6" all-round | 74 to 76 in | 188 to 193 cm | 75 in |
| 5'10" all-round | 78 to 80 in | 198 to 203 cm | 79 in |
| 6'2" touring | 84 to 86 in | 213 to 218 cm | 85 in |
| 5'8" surf | 72 to 74 in | 183 to 188 cm | 73 in |
| 6'0" on an 8" thick board | 81 to 83 in | 206 to 211 cm | 82 in |
Frequently asked questions
How long should my SUP paddle be?
Height plus 8 to 10 inches for all-round use. At 5'6" that is 74 to 76 inches, at 5'10" 78 to 80 inches and at 6'2" 82 to 84 inches. Most bundled 3-piece paddles adjust from about 67 to 86 inches, which covers most adults.
What if my SUP paddle is too long?
A long paddle forces your top hand above your head, tires your shoulders and pushes the stroke out wide, which turns the board. Too short and you bend at the waist. Adjust in one inch steps until your top hand sits around eye level mid-stroke.
Do kids need a special SUP paddle?
Yes, for children under about 4'10". Adult adjustable paddles rarely go shorter than 67 inches, while a child needs 55 to 65 inches. A kids paddle is also lighter and has a thinner shaft for smaller hands.
On the water: Wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket every time, dress for the water temperature rather than the air, and check your state and local paddling regulations before you launch.
This is researched general information, not professional advice. Sizing figures are starting points: confirm against the maker's own sizing chart and the capacity printed on the boat or board.