Maybe-maybe not. If you are strictly playing recreation and the occasional local tournament you will likely be fine with just about any paddle. If you’re a competitive player playing USAPA sanctioned tournaments the answer is yes—you’ll need at least one paddle that’s officially approved by USAPA. The approval process ensures paddles meet specific standards so no player has an unfair advantage. These standards include material restrictions, size limits, surface texture rules, branding guidelines, and surface compression tests.
You can view the full list of over 4,100 USAPA-approved paddles—including select Brick House models—at USAPA’s official paddle list. Keep in mind that even if a paddle says “USAPA Approved” on it, the model and manufacturer must appear on the official list to be valid for sanctioned events. Unfortunately, many knock-offs sold online illegally display the USAPA logo without meeting the required standards.
What If You’re Just Playing Recreationally and in Local Tournaments?
USAPA certification isn’t free—and for smaller brands, it’s a major investment. Between testing, review, and approval fees, the cost to certify a single paddle can exceed $10,000 CAD. That cost inevitably gets passed down to you, the customer.
If you’re playing recreationally, you don’t need a USAPA-approved paddle. However, you will still want a paddle that is fair to play and made to reliable standards.
IPMA (Independent Paddle Manufacturers Association) certification was created to support smaller brands and independent manufacturers who build quality paddles for recreational players. IPMA tests paddles using the same performance standards as USAPA—but without the high certification fees. This allows smaller companies including Brick House greater flexibility in offering affordable well-built, high-performance paddles, especially during the early testing phases of new designs.
What’s the Bottom Line?
- Tournament Players: You’ll need a USAPA-approved paddle that appears on their official approved paddle list which can be found on the USAPA website. If a paddle is not listed it is not recognized. There have been lots of paddles from manufacturers lately that have been delisted and may still be available to the consumer online or through retail outlets.
- Recreational Players: You don’t need USAPA certification, but make sure your paddle meets USAPA / IPMA standards.
- Smart Shopping: A certification label doesn’t guarantee paddle quality—but it does show that it’s been tested. Look for paddles certified by USAPA or IPMA, and be cautious of unverified claims from online sellers.
There are plenty of great paddles out there to match your style, skill level, and budget. Whether you’re chasing medals or just playing for fun, choosing a paddle built to trusted standards—like those from USAPA or IPMA—will help you get the most from your game and keep the game fair for everyone.
