Hold a SUP paddle with the blade angled forward, leaning away from you toward the nose of the board, with one hand on the T-grip on top and the other on the shaft about shoulder-width down. That forward bend is not a mistake in the design, and getting it right is the single biggest fix for new paddlers.
Easy reminder with NIXY paddles: the logo faces away from you.
The most common beginner error is holding the paddle backward, with the blade angled toward you. It feels natural, but it is wrong. The blade is angled forward so that it sits vertical in the water at the moment it passes your feet, which is where it generates the most clean, efficient pull. Hold it backward and the blade scoops and splashes, and you tire out faster for less distance.
Your top hand drives the stroke. Put your palm over the T-grip and push down and forward while your lower hand guides the shaft. Keep your lower hand roughly shoulder-width below the top one. A simple way to check spacing: rest the shaft on top of your head and slide your hands until each elbow makes a rough right angle.
Reach the blade forward, bury it fully in the water, and pull back to about your ankle, then lift and repeat. Take a few strokes on one side, then switch your hands and paddle on the other to keep the board tracking straight. Smooth and steady beats hard and choppy.
A light, well-balanced paddle makes the right technique easier to feel. The NIXY G4 Hybrid Carbon Fiber Paddle adjusts to your height and breaks into three pieces for travel, and it comes standard with every NIXY G5 board. To compare paddle options, browse the NIXY paddles collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which way does a SUP paddle blade face? The blade angles forward, away from you, toward the nose of the board. This keeps the blade vertical at the strongest part of the stroke so you pull cleanly instead of scooping water.
How far apart should my hands be on a SUP paddle? About shoulder-width. Rest the shaft on top of your head and slide your hands until each elbow forms a rough right angle, then keep that spacing.
What length should my SUP paddle be? A common starting point is roughly 8 to 10 inches taller than you, then adjust to taste. An adjustable paddle like the NIXY G4 Hybrid lets you dial it in without buying a new one.
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