How to SUP Videos / Cutting down a SUP paddle

If you’re new to paddleboarding you’ll find that over the course of your paddleboarding life you will probably want to change the height of your paddle numerous times before you’re happy with it. And if you’ve got a fixed paddle that means cutting it! There are lots of ways of cutting down a SUP paddle, some more complicated than others. Reuben from SUPboarder explains one of the simplest ways to do it using limited tools and skills. This is a great way of cutting down a paddle when away from the garage or workshop. You just need a hacksaw, insulation/electrical tape and superglue. He also looks at how to get a paddle handle out of a shaft that doesn’t want to move even after applying heat.

Cutting a paddle down that has a handle stuck in the shaft

Some glues that are used to stick a paddle handle will come off with heat from a hot air gun or over hot steam (please be careful when trying this). But some may not. If you find your paddle handle is stuck in the shaft and will not move after applying heat, then unfortunately your only option is to cut your handle off just below the handle shaft using a hacksaw and then make another spiral cut around the shaft before prising it off.

More cutting tips

• Check your chosen new paddle height twice before you make the first cut.
• Remember which side of the tape you wish to cut, and mark it if in doubt.
• Use a sharp new hacksaw blade to make the cutting easier.
• Use a bright coloured tape to make your cutting easier.
• Take your time when cutting to get a nice clean cut.
• When sticking your handle on get it centred on the shaft first and mark with a pencil line and then apply the glue and stick it in.
• If your paddle moves after a session of using it just undo the tape and add some more glue but don’t over glue. Its always better to add more in time.
• Always keep some tape, a junior hacksaw blade and a small tube of super glue in your kit bag in the car and when traveling. You’ll then be prepared to make any paddle changes at the beach or near a waterway.
• Please be careful when handling carbon and glass. It’s very sharp and can cause very painful splinters.
• Cutting an aluminium paddle can be cut in the same way as glass or carbon.

In time you will find your paddle height sweet spot and at this point you can if you wish use a more permanent glue. But until then we hope you find these cutting down tips and video helpful. 

Remember… You can always cut it shorter but you can’t make it longer!