1. Paddle size
The first is size. Because the paddle originated from abroad and started from the OEM factory in China, the size of the paddle is basically in English. Most brands on the market will use ruler and inch to express the size of the paddle.
1.1.1 General specification of length:
9 feet 6 (290cm)
10 feet (305cm)
11 feet (335cm)
12 feet (360cm)
12 feet 6 (380cm)
14 feet (427cm)
Among them, most of the speed races of paddle board are in two sizes: 12 feet 6 (380 cm) and 14 feet (427 cm).
Is there any rigorous principle of sports science? Of course not!
This is purely a commercial compromise and consideration by foreigners in promoting paddle.
In the early stage of the market, there was no uniform industry standard for pulp board, and there were many different brands and manufacturers' sizes and specifications. Therefore, in the 2008 Battle of the Paddle race, in order to let most people bring their own boards to participate, the organizers found a common denominator that everyone was happy with, and finally set the length standard of 12 feet 6 (380 cm), which has been slowly extended to the present.
So what happened at 14 feet (427 cm)? It is said that the paddle brand Naish found that it could not compete with the K15 of the famous Starboard. So when the Naish series was held, the rule was that it should not exceed 15 feet, which became the standard of 14 feet.
This is so simple.
1.1.2 General specification of width:
Compared with several dimensions of length, there are too many data of width, ranging from 23 inches (58cm) to 37 inches (94cm). Each brand will develop new models and specific dimensions.
You may think that the longer the length of the paddle, the narrower the width. Is this the best?
No. Suitability is most important. Note that there is no difference between good and bad. You can choose according to your actual needs.
For example, paddling in the sea requires different board sizes than paddling in the lake. If the board used for rowing is too narrow, the slight waves can affect you, and make you consume too much energy in stability, but too wide? It will slow down your speed and eventually consume your physical strength. If you just play casually, the size is not important, just happy.
Generally speaking, the smaller the number is, the narrower the board is, which means that some stability will be sacrificed for speed. I made a picture:
Optional paddle width and use
Of course, manufacturers and brands have their own research and development technology, and different widths have different product designs, which are subject to their products.
1.1.3 Common thickness specifications
Generally, what is seen on the market is 6 inches (15 cm). Decathlon produced a new pulp board product "small schoolbag" in 22 years and made a 5 inch (12 cm).