Blade Offset Explained

Blade offset is a crucial design element in paddle performance, but it can sometimes be confusing due to the different ways it’s measured and interpreted. Here’s how we define and measure blade offset at TAI Paddles, using the Hiku paddle as an example:

1. Blade Offset Measurement at TAI:
   We measure the blade offset starting from a zero-degree reference line at the blade/shaft joint. This is the most precise way to describe the blade’s angle as an individual component. For the Hiku paddle, the blade offset at this point is 15 degrees.

2. Blade Offset After Assembly:
   When the blade is attached to the shaft, the overall angle changes slightly due to the integration of the two components. In its assembled form, the effective blade offset for the Hiku paddle becomes 12 degrees.

3. Blade Tip Height:
   If the paddle is laid flat on a zero-degree baseline (such as a table), the height of the blade tip from this baseline is 4 inches (10 cm), which corresponds to the same 12-degree angle.

4. Impact of Paddle Length:
   It’s important to note that changes in paddle length—whether the shaft is cut shorter or left longer—can subtly affect how the blade offset feels in use. While the physical angle of the blade remains the same, the leverage and alignment relative to your paddling technique may differ slightly based on the overall paddle length. Shorter paddles may feel like they accentuate the blade offset, while longer paddles may moderate its impact.