Even at the same height, the paddle feel you want can differ between leisure riding and riding waves. This picture shows Connor Baxter's paddle length tips by use, based on hand gestures.
01. Hand gestures are an easy reference for comparison
It uses hand shapes, such as one shaka span, one span with the thumb down and one fist, to show how much to add above your height. Hands differ in size, so it isn't the same number of centimeters for everyone.
It's split into leisure and long-distance racing, big-wave and small-wave surfing, and sprint racing. First notice that the original suggests a different reference for each use.
02. Don't force it together with other length charts
The existing paddle length guide explains a separate chart from the original. Rather than merging it with this hand-gesture reference into one exact formula, read them as different references.
Your standing height on the board, your stance, technique and comfort also affect the right length. Check the adjustable range and that it's locked, and find a suitable length with an instructor.
03. Check the feel before you cut
If you're getting a fixed paddle, don't cut it right away based only on the hand gestures in the picture. Check how it feels at a different length, and look up that product's trimming method separately.
Lock an adjustable paddle within the range marked on the product. It's best used as a picture for finding a starting point that suits your use and your body, rather than a single number.
Sources and scope
The artwork is Starboard's original infographic with Connor Baxter's hand-gesture references for five uses; the explanation is Starboard Korea's commentary. We don't convert it into a centimeter formula or impose the same length on every rider and board.
The illustration is Starboard's original artwork; the explanation is Starboard Korea's editorial guide, translated into English here. Sources checked: 2026-09-08.
