Black Project Nexus

Black Project Nexus – 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.

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.

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.