Adjustable Paddle Won't Stay Tight? Quick Fix

The short answer

The adjustable top section of your paddle is held by a clamp with a tension screw. If it slips, open the clamp, rotate it clockwise to tighten the screw, then close it again. That extra bit of tension is almost always all it takes to make the paddle hold firm. A loose clamp is a setup issue, not a fault.

Know your paddle

Your Wave paddle comes in three pieces: the blade at the bottom, the middle shaft, and the top handle section that adjusts for height. The two lower joints push together and click; the top section is the adjustable one, held in place by a clamp (a small lever with a tension screw). That clamp is what needs a touch more grip when the paddle won't hold its length.

The fix — tighten the clamp

1. Open the clamp on the adjustable top section (flip the lever open).
2. Rotate it clockwise to tighten the tension screw. Small adjustments make a real difference here, so go a little at a time rather than cranking it hard.
3. Close the clamp. It should snap shut with a firm resistance — enough that it takes a bit of effort, not so much that you're forcing it.
4. Test it. Set your length, close the clamp, and give the handle a firm push and twist. If it holds, you're done. If it still moves, open up and add a touch more tension.

You're aiming for a clamp that closes firmly and holds the section solidly in place, without being so tight you can't operate the lever.

If the paddle pieces won't stay connected

That's a different joint. The lower sections connect with a spring-loaded push button: hold the button in while sliding the pieces together until the button pops up through its hole with a click. If a joint keeps separating, the button isn't seating — line the pieces up so the button springs fully through its hole.

While you're at it — set it up right

A well-set paddle is more comfortable and easier on your shoulders:

• Length: build the paddle so it's about 15cm / 6 inches taller than you, then fine-tune from there. A longer paddle suits smooth, easy cruising; a shorter one suits performance and surf.
• Orientation: hold the paddle so the large W print faces you and the blade curves away from you. Paddling with the blade the wrong way round is a common beginner mistake that makes every stroke less efficient.

Is my paddle faulty?

Almost always, no — a paddle that won't hold its length just needs the clamp tension adjusting, exactly as above. It's worth getting in touch only if the clamp itself is cracked or broken, or won't hold no matter how you adjust it. In that case a manufacturing fault is covered by your 2-year Wave warranty, and replacement paddles and parts are available in our SUP accessories if you simply need a spare.

Quick reference

Still stuck?

If the clamp won't hold however you adjust it, send us a photo of the clamp and your order number and we'll help — or sort you a replacement.