Where Should You Put Grip on a SUP Paddle?

Your paddle grip can be neatly installed and still miss the place where your hand actually lands. That is the detail to get right before you peel the backing.

Place the grip around the section of shaft used by your lower hand, with enough coverage for your normal changes in hand position. Find that area with your own paddle at its usual length. Check both sides, mark the position, then install.

There is no single distance from the handle that works for every paddler. Your paddle length, stance and way of paddling all influence where your lower hand sits.

Start with your hand position

In a normal SUP stroke, one hand holds the handle and the other holds the shaft. This guide is about placing grip for that lower hand. When you change paddling sides, your hands swap jobs.

The grip should support a hand position you already find comfortable. If you are still experimenting with paddle length or technique, settle those questions before committing the adhesive.

Find the placement before peeling

1. Set your usual paddle length. With an adjustable paddle, use the setting you actually paddle with. Changing the length afterwards can change where your lower hand lands.
2. Check your normal hold. Stand comfortably and hold the paddle as you would for paddling. Relax your shoulders and notice where the lower hand settles. Repeat a few times rather than choosing a position from one pose.
3. Swap sides. Check the other hand in the lower position. Allow for the small movements you normally make during strokes, turns and transitions.
4. Offer up the grip with its backing still on. Hold it alongside the shaft and compare its length with the area you have identified. Position it so your usual hold sits comfortably within the textured section.
5. Mark the ends beside the intended coverage. Small removable tape markers can help you keep track while preparing the shaft. Keep tape and any residue out of the bonding area.

If the position feels uncertain, check your hand placement during your next normal session before installing. A few minutes spent observing your own setup are more useful than copying a measurement from someone else's paddle.

Watch a real paddle setup

In this short clip, the Water Samurai's paddle setup is seen from below. Look at the grip's position on the shaft and how the hand meets it. Use the footage as a visual reference, then check the placement against your own paddle and hold.

Check that the grip fits your shaft

RSPro Paddle Grip Hexa measures 28 × 10 cm and weighs 6 grams. It is designed for straight shafts with a perimeter of up to 9.5 cm. It is not compatible with tapered shafts; check the dimensions carefully on an oval shaft.

Measure around the shaft where you intend to install it. On an adjustable or split paddle, keep clamps, joints and any section that must slide into another tube clear. If your chosen placement crosses one of those areas, check the fit before applying the adhesive.

Install once you are happy with the position

The full process is shown in RSPro's installation video below. Have your placement marks ready before starting.

1. Work at room temperature. Below 20°C, the material and adhesive become less flexible.
2. Clean and dry the shaft. Remove wax, silicone and other residue. RSPro recommends alcohol or soap and water; follow your paddle manufacturer's guidance for its finish.
3. Expose a strip of adhesive lengthways. Fold back that part of the liner, align the grip along the shaft and press the first section into place.
4. Wrap progressively. Peel away the remaining liner while wrapping and pressing around the shaft. The designed overlap is normal.
5. Press evenly and wait. Give the whole grip firm, even pressure. Allow at least six hours before using the paddle.

Keep the RSPro installation instructions handy while you work.

Placement mistakes worth avoiding

• Aligning to a logo instead of your hand. A tidy-looking position is only useful if the grip covers the area you use.
• Checking only one side. Both hands need to find the textured section when they take the lower position.
• Forcing every movement into one exact spot. The grip provides a tactile reference and a usable area. Your hand can still move for different strokes and manoeuvres.
• Peeling first and deciding later. Work out the position with the backing on, so you do not have to keep lifting the adhesive.
• Installing just before paddling out. Plan for the six-hour wait.

Ready to set up your paddle?

Choose the position with your own hands, check the shaft fit and take your time with the installation. The aim is a textured section where you naturally reach for it.

Explore Paddle Grip Hexa and check the fit for your paddle.

Still deciding whether you need it? Read Do You Really Need Paddle Grip for SUP Surfing?