Product Description
The Stingray is a revolutionary paddle shape designed to change the way paddlers think about catch, power, and release. With a blade that is only approximately 10 inches long, the Stingray is about half the length of most traditional paddle blades. This dramatically reduces the distance the blade travels through the water during the catch and exit phases, allowing for faster transitions and a quick, snappy stroke.
The Stingray's reduced blade length positions the center of area approximately 3.5 inches from the blade tip, creating a remarkably quick and responsive catch and release.
The blade features a unique thin, foiled shape set at a 12° angle to the shaft. As the blade enters the water, the foil creates a subtle "winged" effect, encouraging the blade to move forward as you initiate the catch. This helps extend the effective power phase of the stroke while maintaining a smooth, efficient feel.
The same foil effect works in reverse during the exit. As the blade begins to leave the water, it naturally wants to thrust forward, helping create an exceptionally clean and efficient release.
To maximize this winged-foil effect, the Stingray features a specially designed all-carbon Single Bend shaft, tapered at both ends. The shaft is designed to minimize drag below the pulling hand while providing a little more flex toward the top hand near the handle. A slight oval shape in the lower hand position provides a comfortable and natural grip.
The Stingray comes standard with our hollow carbon palm grip, designed for a comfortable and secure hold. A carbon T-handle is also available.
Choosing the Right Stingray Blade Size
Choosing the right blade size is similar to selecting the right gear on your bicycle. In general, larger paddlers tend to prefer a larger blade, while smaller paddlers generally benefit from a smaller blade.
Stingray 72
- Blade size: 72 sq. in. (465 sq. cm)
- Blade length: 10" (25 cm)
- Blade width: 11.5" (29 cm)
- Blade angle: 12°
- Weight: approximately 12 oz (340 g)
- Shaft: 1.15" × 1.05" oval
For outrigger paddling, we generally recommend the Stingray 72 for paddlers under 180 lbs (80 kg).
For OC6, the Stingray 72 is generally suited to women and smaller men.
Stingray 79
- Blade size: 79 sq. in.
- Blade length: 10.5" (26 cm)
- Blade width: 11.75" (29.8 cm)
- Blade angle: 12°
- Weight: approximately 12.5 oz (354 g)
- Shaft: 1.15" × 1.05" oval
For outrigger paddling, we generally recommend the Stingray 79 for paddlers over 180 lbs (80 kg).
For OC6, the Stingray 79 is generally suited to bigger men and stronger crews.
Stingray 85
- Blade size: 85 sq. in.
- Blade length: 11" (27.9 cm)
- Blade width: 12" (30.48 cm)
- Blade angle: 12°
- Weight: approximately 12.9 oz (366 g)
- Shaft: 1.15" × 1.05" oval
The Stingray 85 is designed for larger, stronger paddlers and faster-running crews looking for additional blade area and power.
Stingray vs. Traditional Blade Sizes
The Stingray's unique shape means that blade size cannot be compared directly with traditional paddle blade measurements.
A typical traditional paddle approximately 9 inches wide may have a blade area of around 110 sq. in. The Stingray 72 delivers a similar level of power despite its smaller measured surface area.
Traditional paddles approximately 9.5–10 inches wide may have blade areas around 120 sq. in. The Stingray 79 is designed to provide a similar level of power to these larger traditional blades.
The Stingray's efficiency comes from its unique shape, foil, center of area, and angle, rather than simply the total measured blade area.
Why We Recommend the Stingray 2" Shorter
We recommend using the Stingray approximately 2 inches shorter than your traditional paddle length.
Most traditional paddle blades are approximately 18 inches long, while the Stingray blade is only around 10 inches long. Because the Stingray's center of area is positioned much closer to the tip, shortening the overall paddle by approximately 2 inches allows the center of area to travel through the water at a similar distance to that of a traditional paddle.
Based on feedback from several hundred Stingray paddlers, the majority have preferred using the Stingray approximately 2 inches shorter than their previous traditional paddle.
In short: order your Stingray approximately 2" shorter than your normal paddle length for the best starting point.
Initial Testing
Based on our initial testing, we believe the Stingray's efficiency has the potential to increase boat traveling speeds by approximately 1–2%. Results will vary depending on the paddler, boat, conditions, and paddling technique.
Stingray — fast cadence, lightning-quick catch and release, and exceptional efficiency for paddlers who want to keep moving.
