Have you ever pulled the handle all the way out to set your paddle length, then wondered where to stop? Starboard HQ's guide says to look at your height and where you ride together. Let's use the table below as a starting point.
01. Your height first, then where you ride
This table is a reference guide for recreational paddling. Pick your height range, then check whether you're surfing or paddling on calm water. The numbers in the table aren't the paddle's total length; they're the length you add to your height.
Read it as ==total paddle length = your height + the extra length in the table==. It isn't a formula to apply as-is to every discipline, racing included, or to every stance.
| Rider height | Surfing: add to your height | Calm water: add to your height |
|---|---|---|
| 122–132cm | +10cm | +15–18cm |
| 133–168cm | +10–13cm | +18–23cm |
| 169–213cm | +12–18cm | +23–28cm |
02. Say you're 170cm tall
Using the table's 169–213cm range, surfing adds 12–18cm for 182–188cm, and calm water adds 23–28cm for 193–198cm. This is an example worked out from Starboard HQ's reference table.
Even the same number can feel different depending on your stance and your board. Adjust an adjustable paddle while checking your actual stance, and if the discomfort keeps up, ask an instructor or an experienced expert to take a look.
03. Before you cut, check once more
Once you shorten a fixed-length paddle, it's hard to undo. Don't cut it based on the reference table alone; check how you'll actually use it and your stance first.
In particular, if your height sits on the edge of a range or isn't in the table, it's best not to stretch the formula on your own. Checking the product's adjustment range and how the handle locks in also makes choosing and setting up much easier.
Sources and scope
The illustration is Starboard's original infographic, and its cm figures are kept as they are; the explanation is Starboard Korea's commentary. The original's imperial and metric height ranges don't fully match, so feet and inches are left out of the height ranges on this page. This is a recreational reference chart and doesn't settle the final length for any individual.
The illustration is Starboard's original artwork; the explanation is Starboard Korea's editorial guide, translated into English here. Sources checked: 2026-09-08.
