How to Choose Your SUPSKATE Skate Paddle

The complete guide to selecting the perfect paddle for land-based skate paddling

This will be revised over time to be as thorough and helpful as possible.  

Whether you're a stand-up paddleboard enthusiast looking to take your paddling skills to land, or a longboard skater seeking new ways to propel yourself efficiently, skate paddling offers an exciting fusion of both worlds. But choosing the right paddle setup is crucial for comfort, performance, and enjoyment.

Understanding Skate Paddling: Where Two Worlds Meet

For paddle sports athletes, skate paddling will feel familiar yet distinct. The fundamental paddling motion translates beautifully to land, but instead of pulling water in front of you, you're pushing against pavement behind you. The energy storage and release principles you know from SUP apply here, with the added dynamics of wheel-based momentum.

Longboard skaters will recognize the board control aspects immediately, but the addition of a paddle transforms your relationship with terrain. Hills become less intimidating, flat sections become effortless, and your range expands dramatically.

The Three Paddle Families: Finding Your Performance Level

Street Sweeper: The All-Around Performer

Best for: Beginners, fitness enthusiasts, recreational riders

The Street Sweeper represents the sweet spot for most riders. Its mid-flex design provides forgiving energy storage that's comfortable on your joints while still delivering efficient propulsion. Think of it as the touring SUP paddle of the skate world – versatile enough for various conditions and forgiving enough to build proper technique.

Key characteristics:

• Mid-flex carbon fiber construction balances comfort and efficiency
• Available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) covering riders from 4'9" to over 6'2"
• Comes with the durable Poi Pounder pusher tip
• Patented tapered design provides natural "whip" action

Race: The Competition Machine

Best for: Competitive riders, long-distance athletes, experienced paddlers seeking maximum performance

If you're coming from racing SUP or competitive longboard skating, the Race paddle will speak your language. It features the highest carbon fiber content in the SUPSKATE lineup, delivering maximum power transfer with minimal weight penalty. The stiffer flex profile demands better technique but rewards skilled riders with unmatched efficiency.

Key characteristics:

• Stiff-flex design maximizes power transfer
• Three sizes (M, L, XL) for riders 5'2" and above
• Lightest weights in the adjustable category (584g-676g)
• Includes the high-performance Poi Mini pusher tip

Custom: The Ultimate Performance Tool

Best for: Experienced riders prioritizing maximum efficiency and willing to commit to a fixed length

The Custom paddle eliminates every compromise. By removing adjustable joints and cutting to your exact specifications, it achieves the lightest weight and most direct energy transfer possible. This is the equivalent of a custom racing SUP paddle – built for one rider's exact needs.

Key characteristics:

• Fixed-length design eliminates energy-robbing joints
• Lightest option at up to 688g
• Mid-flex profile suitable for all riding styles
• Requires permanent assembly and precise measuring

Sizing: The Foundation of Comfort and Performance

Understanding Riding Height vs. Rider Height

This is where skate paddling differs significantly from traditional paddle sports. Your effective height while paddling includes the skateboard deck height – typically adding about 2 inches to your ground-standing height.

The measurement process:

1. Rider Height: Your normal standing height
2. Riding Height: Your height while standing on your skateboard
3. Paddle Length: Based on riding height for optimal biomechanics

The Complete Sizing Chart: Your Starting Point

Note: This chart provides baseline recommendations. Individual preferences may vary based on riding style, experience, and personal comfort. For riders requiring fixed-length paddles below 62", only the adjustable models in Size S are available.

Fine-Tuning Your Length

For beginners: Start with paddle length equal to your riding height. This provides stability and confidence while learning proper technique.

For specific riding styles:

• Sprinting and hills: Choose 1-2 inches shorter for quicker stroke rate and better control
• Level cruising and distance: Choose 1-2 inches longer for maximum efficiency and reach
• Technical terrain: Shorter lengths provide better maneuverability

Body Feedback: Listen to Your Paddle Fit

Your body will tell you if the length is wrong:

• Top shoulder pain: Paddle is too long
• Lower back pain: Paddle is too short
• Jarring sensation: Focus on softer ground contact technique
• Elbow soreness: Keep lower wrist straight, punch-like grip

Travel vs. Standard: Lifestyle Considerations

Standard Models: Maximum Performance

If you primarily ride from home and have adequate storage, standard models offer the best performance-to-weight ratio. The continuous construction eliminates potential flex points and provides the most direct energy transfer.

Travel Models: Convenience Without Major Compromise

Travel variants break down to fit in most luggage while maintaining 95% of standard model performance. They're ideal if you:

• Travel frequently with your paddle
• Have limited storage space (apartments, dorms)
• Want TSA-friendly gear for flying
• Prefer the option to make the paddle permanent later (can be epoxied)

Available in: Street Sweeper Travel (L, XL), Race Travel (L, XL), and Custom Travel (any length)

Pusher Tip Selection: Your Connection to the Ground

Poi Mini: Maximum Performance

• Softest compound (65A durometer) provides exceptional grip
• Lightest option at 125g
• Preferred by competitive and long-distance riders
• Wears faster than other options – carry a spare on long rides

Poi Pounder: Maximum Durability

• Medium compound (70A durometer) balances grip and longevity
• Larger contact patch provides stability for beginners
• Standard with Street Sweeper models
• Best overall choice for recreational riding

SK8: Wet Weather Specialist

• Firmer compound (75A durometer) with unique tread pattern
• Excels in wet conditions and for drag braking
• Baffled design maintains ground contact throughout stroke
• Avoid in sandy conditions or areas with pine needles

Adjustable Models: Setup and Safety

Proper Adjustment Technique

The thumb lock system allows infinite adjustment within your paddle's range, but proper setup is crucial:

1. Find your baseline: Start at manufacturer-recommended length for your height
2. Check hand position: Your lower hand should grip just below the thumb lock, not on it
3. Test and adjust: Fine-tune in 1-inch increments based on feel and conditions
4. Secure the lock: Ensure thumb lock is tight to prevent slipping

Critical Safety Rule: Minimum Insertion

Always maintain at least 9 inches of upper tube insertion into the lower pole. Pulling the sections too far apart creates a dangerous flex point that can cause the upper tube to break during normal use.

Making Your Decision: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Assess Your Background

• Paddle sports experience: Consider Race or Custom for immediate performance
• Skating experience: Street Sweeper provides easier transition to paddling mechanics
• New to both: Street Sweeper is the safest starting point

Step 2: Define Your Goals

• Fitness and recreation: Street Sweeper
• Competition and performance: Race or Custom
• Maximum efficiency: Custom (with commitment to fixed length)

Step 3: Consider Your Lifestyle

• Travel frequently: Prioritize Travel variants
• Limited storage: Travel models break down smaller than skateboard decks
• Performance above all: Standard models offer marginal but measurable advantages

Step 4: Determine Your Size

• Measure your riding height on your actual skateboard
• Use sizing chart as starting point
• Consider your riding style preferences (shorter for agility, longer for efficiency)

Step 5: Choose Your Pusher Tip

• Performance priority: Poi Mini (plan for replacements)
• Durability priority: Poi Pounder
• Wet conditions: SK8

Advanced Considerations

Technique and Paddle Choice

Proper skate paddling technique emphasizes pushing rather than pulling – think pole vault energy storage rather than canoe stroke. The paddle should flex naturally during the stroke, storing energy at contact and releasing it as you push through.

Breaking In Your Paddle

New riders often start with shorter lengths and gradually increase as their technique improves. Adjustable models allow this progression, while Custom users should consider their long-term goals when selecting length.

When to Consider Upgrading

Start with an adjustable model if you're unsure about length preferences. Once you consistently use the same length for several months, consider a Custom paddle for that final performance edge.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Paddle Awaits

Choosing the right SUPSKATE paddle comes down to honest assessment of your experience, goals, and lifestyle. The Street Sweeper offers the broadest appeal and easiest entry point. The Race delivers serious performance for committed athletes. The Custom provides the ultimate efficiency for riders who know exactly what they want.

Remember, the best paddle is the one that gets you out riding consistently. Start with proper sizing, choose the model that matches your commitment level, and don't be afraid to experiment with length and pusher tips as your skills develop.

Whether you're exploring your neighborhood, commuting to work, or training for competition, the right paddle setup will transform your relationship with both the board beneath your feet and the pavement ahead.

Ready to find your perfect paddle? Use our sizing chart as your starting point, but remember – the best fit is the one that feels right when you're out there pushing miles.