Black Project Nexus with Bag – The race paddle for dynamic middle and long-distance racing
With the Black Project Nexus, Black Project adds a second pathway to speed to its race paddle line: instead of relying on outright power, the Nexus is built around technique, feel and control. You decide how and when power is applied – ideal for middle and long-distance races where pace and race dynamics keep changing.
The slim high-aspect blade with its refined, narrow tip, the reduced blade volume and the progressive dihedral combine with a high 12° blade angle for a clean entry and a buttery smooth catch, with power building progressively through the mid-stroke. The paddle responds naturally to changes in cadence, effort and technique: conserve energy in the draft, accelerate instantly when the pace changes and load the blade harder whenever you need it.
Black Project developed the Nexus in response to athlete demand for a race paddle that adapts as a race unfolds: shifting cadence, effort and technique without being locked into a single stroke style. Rather than more aggression, the goal was a paddle that responds to how it’s paddled – rewarding precision, timing and skill.
Athlete insight: made for pack racing
In a draft, speed is rarely constant. If the paddler ahead accelerates mid-stroke, the Nexus lets you load more of the blade and dihedral smoothly to generate extra power without breaking your rhythm. Sitting in the draft, it’s just as easy to back off and paddle efficiently. This ability to switch between lighter and more committed efforts within the same stroke makes the Nexus especially effective in pack racing.
Reduced Blade Volume (RBVT) & Power Ridge (PRT)
Less blade volume means less weight and less blade buoyancy, which promotes a higher cadence. The power ridges give precise control over blade flex. Together they deliver a consistent, efficient stroke.
Scooped Dihedral Blade Technology (SDBT)
The dihedral shaping creates a lively paddle feel. The scoop holds water effectively while still releasing cleanly – for high cadence and quick responses.
REACT+ Technology (RE+T)
Two external 30T carbon plates amplify blade power, responsiveness and energy return and improve the stiffness-to-weight ratio. RE+T is tuned for every blade size so the flex suits the paddler size.
High 12° blade angle
The high blade angle promotes a smoother entry and helps you keep a clean catch as fatigue sets in – ideal for middle and long-distance paddling.
Carbon reinforced rounded edges
The blade edges carry extra carbon reinforcement and are rounded with smooth transitions. This adds strength and safety and protects your board from damage.
Slim-line blade/shaft joint
The sleek, smooth transition reduces drag in the water, saves weight and prevents board damage.
TourCarbon 30T oval taper shaft
The double-tapered shaft with its kick flex profile works in three zones: the stiff, round lower section drives power efficiently into the blade, the oval middle section adds comfort, grip and blade control, and the slimmer, more flexible round upper section protects your shoulders over long distances. The textured natural carbon finish gives grip while staying gentle on the hands. Made from Toray 30T pre-preg carbon (T800 fibres) – very light, with a near-zero failure rate. Black Project offers the TourCarbon in four taper versions and twelve stiffness options from 45 to 100.
PowerGrip
The award-winning hollow carbon handle was developed with world champion Arthur Arutkin and Maui waterman Bernd Roediger. Its triangular shape with a wider, flatter back sits securely in the palm, stays comfortable through long races and transfers your effort directly into the paddle.
Hot glue assembly
Black Project uses a component system with hot glue assembly: blade, shaft and handle can be separated and swapped when needed – for fine-tuning or after damage. That’s good for you and for the environment.
Black Project Paddle Bag
The padded, lightweight paddle bag with low water absorption has two individually padded paddle sleeves, sectioned mesh pockets for fin, phone, rash guard and leash and a hidden pocket with key saver. The fold-over length adjustment fits paddles from 57" to 84" (145–213 cm); the sliding handle and shoulder strap keep the bag balanced even with varying loads.
Who is it for?
The Nexus is made for racers and performance-driven paddlers who want more control over how power is applied during a session or race – and who see paddling as an art form, where technique, timing and feel matter as much as physical effort. It excels in middle and long-distance racing with drafting, tactical sprints, variable conditions and moments of active recovery.
Blade Sizes
| Blade Size | Area (cm²) | Area (in²) | Paddler Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL (X-Large) | 627 | 97 | 90–110 kg |
| L (Large) | 582 | 90 | 80–100 kg |
| M (Medium) | 540 | 84 | 70–90 kg |
| S (Small) | 502 | 78 | 60–80 kg |
| XS (X-Small) | 466 | 72 | 50–70 kg |
Black Project’s blade size guide is a starting point – technique, conditions and personal preference also play a role.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade angle | 12° |
| Blade | High aspect, narrow tip, progressive dihedral (SDBT), RBVT & PRT, REACT+ (RE+T) |
| Construction | Athlete Series: Toray 30T pre-preg carbon, X-Flex Core |
| Shaft | 1-piece fixed, TourCarbon 30T oval taper (double-tapered), stiffness 45–100 |
| Handle | PowerGrip (hollow carbon) |
| Weight | from 325 g |
| Warranty | 2 years (Black Project) |
TourCarbon Shaft – Stiffness Guide
| Paddler Weight | Paddle Length 165–188 cm | Paddle Length 188–216 cm |
|---|---|---|
| 45–55 kg | TourCarbon 100 | – |
| 56–60 kg | TourCarbon 90 | – |
| 61–65 kg | TourCarbon 80 | – |
| 66–75 kg | TourCarbon 80 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 76–85 kg | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 86–90 kg | TourCarbon 70 | TourCarbon 65 |
| 91–95 kg | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 96–100 kg | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
| 101–106 kg | TourCarbon 50 | TourCarbon 45 |
Higher number = more flex. At the lower end of a weight range choose the softer shaft (higher number), at the upper end the stiffer one (lower number). Taller paddlers with longer paddles benefit from stiffer shafts.
Paddle Length Guide
| Body Height | Recreational, Touring & Racing | Advanced/Pro Racing (Regular Boards) | Advanced/Pro Racing (Dugout Boards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 152 cm | 173 cm | 168 cm | 165 cm |
| 155 cm | 175 cm | 170 cm | 168 cm |
| 157 cm | 178 cm | 173 cm | 170 cm |
| 160 cm | 180 cm | 175 cm | 173 cm |
| 163 cm | 183 cm | 178 cm | 175 cm |
| 165 cm | 185 cm | 180 cm | 178 cm |
| 168 cm | 188 cm | 183 cm | 180 cm |
| 170 cm | 191 cm | 185 cm | 183 cm |
| 173 cm | 193 cm | 188 cm | 185 cm |
| 175 cm | 196 cm | 191 cm | 188 cm |
| 178 cm | 198 cm | 193 cm | 191 cm |
| 180 cm | 201 cm | 196 cm | 193 cm |
| 183 cm | 203 cm | 198 cm | 196 cm |
| 185 cm | 206 cm | 201 cm | 198 cm |
| 188 cm | 208 cm | 203 cm | 201 cm |
| 191 cm | 211 cm | 206 cm | 203 cm |
| 193 cm | 213 cm | 208 cm | 206 cm |
| 196 cm | 216 cm | 211 cm | 208 cm |
| 198 cm | 218 cm | 213 cm | 211 cm |
Guide values that may vary by around 2.5 cm (1") depending on preference. Shorter paddles suit sprints and short distances, longer paddles suit longer distances.
Why buy from SUPstore.de?
We are an authorised Black Project dealer and help you find the right blade size, shaft stiffness and paddle length – just get in touch with our SUP experts.
25A Aloha Aina Pl
Haiku, United States Minor Outlying Islands, 96708-5456
chris@blackprojecthawaii.com
Karl-Feldmann-Str. 20
Schleswig-Holstein
Neumünster, Deutschland, 24536
shop@supspiritsoul.com
Material / Construction
- 100% 30T Pre-Preg Carbon
- REACT+ Technology for enhanced responsiveness
- Advanced Flow Technology (AFT) reduces turbulence
- Power Scoop for controlled, powerful strokes
- Precision-rounded carbon-reinforced edges
- Lightweight CNC foam core for precision layup
- Ergonomic hollow carbon PowerGrip handle
Scope of Delivery
- Hydro SynergyX Paddle
- Protective Paddle Bag
- Black Project Sticker




