Lima vs. Velocity: How Starboard’s paddles compare

The difference between paddles is probably the most common question in the SUP world, and when brands put real science behind the answer, interesting things happen. Starboard has just completed a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study comparing two of its best-selling race paddles, the Lima and the Velocity, working in collaboration with Aubin Petit, a mechanical engineer from an aeronautic company in Toulouse, France.

The analysis revealed the unique performance strengths of each design, offering valuable, data-backed insights for the paddleboarding community. The results confirmed that Starboard’s R&D is right on the mark, with the on-water feel of each paddle perfectly matching the performance predicted by the numbers. When the science aligns with user experience, you know you’ve got the right paddle in your hands.

Both, the Lima, designed for acceleration and sprint power, and the Velocity, developed to deliver smooth, controlled propulsion for endurance paddling, were put through advanced testing where Starboard measured pressure forces, blade angles, and water interaction at various paddling speeds – offering science-backed guidance for paddlers who want to maximize performance.

Starboard Lima Paddle | Rider: Rai Taguchi

Results are in: Lima = Explosive release power, optimal for sprints, race starts, and intervals. 

Lima’s design focuses on delivering maximum force at the end of each stroke, especially during sprints or short power efforts.

Starboard’s testing revealed that at fast speeds (12–13 km/h), Lima generates up to 110,509 Pa of pressure at the release, which is a significant boost compared to Velocity’s 106,392 Pa. That extra release force translates into a noticeable surge forward, helping you accelerate faster off the line or after a turn.

Even at medium speeds (9–10 km/h), Lima maintains a higher release pressure of 106,161 Pa compared to 105,851 Pa for Velocity – giving you that same kick when you need to push during intervals or tactical race moves.

And at slower speeds (6–7 km/h), Lima keeps you feeling powerful and connected with 104,983 Pa of release pressure (104,775 Pa for Velocity), making it ideal for technical races or quick accelerations in choppy waters.

Lima has been developed for paddlers who are after:

• The strongest release power for instant speed
• A paddle that amplifies your acceleration
• A dynamic, responsive feel in sprints and short distances.

Starboard Velocity Paddle | Rider: Alba Frey

Results are in: Velocity = Stronger catch and mid-stroke pull, optimized for marathons, endurance racing, and distance paddling.

The Velocity paddle is built to keep you moving with less effort. It shines during the catch and mid-stroke phases where most forward momentum happens, delivering power early in the stroke so you can settle into a rhythm and go further with less fatigue.

At fast speeds (12–13 km/h), Velocity produces a stronger catch pressure of 107,610 Pa, compared to Lima’s 105,604 Pa, giving you a solid, stable entry into the water.

At medium speeds (9–10 km/h), Velocity continues to lead with 106,401 Pa at the catch and 105,840 Pa through the mid-stroke, compared to Lima’s 104,600 Pa and 105,599 Pa respectively – helping you hold speed more easily during long efforts.

At slow speeds (6–7 km/h), Velocity remains easy on the body with 105,484 Pa at the catch and a smooth, efficient release of 104,775 Pa, allowing you to paddle longer without strain, even during casual touring or warm-up sessions.

Velocity has been developed for paddlers who are after:

• Smoother, low-impact paddling over long distances
• Stable power in the catch for a stronger pull with less fatigue
• A paddle that keeps you feeling efficient and fresh in endurance paddling.

Key Takeaways: Which Starboard paddle is for you?

Lima: 

• Optimal for: Sprints, Race Starts, Intervals
• Feeling: Fast, explosive acceleration
• Strength zone: Strongest release force
• Ideal speeds: Quick power at all speeds

Velocity: 

• Optimal for: Distance, Endurance, Marathons
• Feeling: Smooth, stable, easy stroke
• Strength zone: Strongest catch & mid-stroke force
• Ideal speeds: Consistent power with less effort

Read the full study by Roman Borisov, Starboard’s Paddle R&D Manager, here 

Find out more about Starboard 2025 range at sup.star-board.com

Follow Starboard on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube