To choose a kayak paddle, you need to consider four basic ideas:
- Length: Your boat width and your height determine your paddle length.
- Materials and price: Lightweight materials improve performance, but add to a paddle’s price.
- Blade choice: Your paddle’s blade size and shape affect its overall efficiency in the water.
- Shaft choice: A bent shaft or feathered blades can also improve a paddle’s effectiveness.
Full Answer
How to choose the right kayak paddle for You?
- The wider the kayak is, the longer the paddle you’ll need
- The taller you are, the longer the paddle you’ll need
- If you have a higher stroke, you might want to get a paddle that’s slightly shorter than the recommended length
- If your stroke is lower, you should consider getting a paddle that’s slightly longer than the recommended length
What is the correct way to paddle a kayak?
Steps Download Article
- Know the structure of the kayak paddle. Unlike a canoe paddle, a kayak paddle has 2 blades attached to the shaft of the paddle.
- Hold the paddle with two hands on the paddle (about 40cm apart).
- Have your paddle face the right direction. ...
- Have your paddle right-side up. ...
- Make sure that your knuckles are in line with the blade.
What is the ideal length of a kayak paddle?
The average kayak paddle length is 230 cm, which is the recommended size for low angle, averaged height kayakers. If you’re shorter or taller, you may want to go up or down a little. If you use the high angle stroke more often, you may want a slightly shorter paddle.
How to choose a recreational kayak paddle?
To choose a kayak paddle, you need to consider four basic ideas:
- Length: Your boat width and your height determine your paddle length.
- Materials and price: Lightweight materials improve performance, but add to a paddle’s price.
- Blade choice: Your paddle’s blade size and shape affect its overall efficiency in the water.
- Shaft choice: A bent shaft or feathered blades can also improve a paddle’s effectiveness.
What Are Your Paddle and Shaft Options?
What happens if you don't paddle in a kayak?
What is shaft choice in kayaks?
How many strokes does a short paddle tour take?
What does the label on a paddle mean?
What is the piece of equipment most influential to your performance in the water?
Do you need a longer paddle for a kayak?
See 2 more
How do you know what kayak paddle to buy?
To choose a kayak paddle, you need to consider four basic ideas: Length: Your boat width and your height determine your paddle length. Materials and price: Lightweight materials improve performance, but add to a paddle's price. Blade choice: Your paddle's blade size and shape affect its overall efficiency in the water.
Is it better to have a longer or shorter kayak paddle?
Recreational kayaks are wide and stable, so you'll need a longer paddle to be able to reach the water easily. Touring kayaks are narrower, and sea kayaks are narrower yet, meaning your paddle can be shorter since you have less reach toward the water. Measure your kayak's width across its widest point.
What size kayak paddle Do I need sit on top?
The results of these differences in terms of paddle length is that you need a slightly longer paddle with low angle styles. This enables you to place the blade into the water at the correct angle. So, what is the result for your choice of sit on top kayak paddle? We generally recommend a range from 210-230cm.
How do you determine kayak paddle length?
Take the width of your kayak on the top horizontal axis, and then take your height on the left vertical axis, where they meet is your paddle size.
How do you size a paddle?
The best way to choose paddle length: On the water: Sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle's grip to the throat, where the paddle shaft meets the blade.
Do kayak paddles make a difference?
Paddle Blade Shapes and Why it Matters Long and lean blades are designed for low-angle paddling. This is a relaxed style good for several hours on the water. Shorter, wider blades are designed for high-angle paddling—when you're paddling faster or hauling gear in your kayak (i.e., when kayak fishing).
What size paddle do I need for a 32 inch kayak?
If you're 5-foot eight and your kayak is 32 inches wide, you'll want a paddle that's 250 cm long. If your seat height is adjustable, consider an adjustable-length paddle between 250-260 cm. Or if you know you'll only paddle it in the high-seat position, then you'll get a 260 cm paddle.
What size kayak do I need for my height and weight?
Kayak Length for Height ChartHeightWeightLow Volume Kayak< 5 ft. 6 in.< 140 lbs.Medium Volume Kayak5 ft. 7 in. – 5 ft. 10 in.150 lbs. – 180 lbs.High Volume Kayak> 5 ft. 10 in.> 180 lbs.May 17, 2021
Can a kayak paddle be too long?
A short paddle usually won't reach out far enough to paddle in this relaxed, "touring" style. Conversely, a long paddle planted nearly horizontally in the water becomes cumbersome if too long. Naturally the size of the paddler, arm and torso length, all affect the length one should choose.
What is the difference between high angle and low angle paddling?
High angle blades are shorter and wider than low angle blades. The larger surface area of the blade provides more contact with the water, allowing for a more powerful stroke. Low angle blades are longer and narrower than those of high angle paddles. This gives the kayaker an easier pull through the water.
How long should my paddle be?
The general convention for determining the correct paddle size is to take the rider's height and add 9-10 inches. If you're 5'11” ideally you should get a paddle about 80-81 inches, or 6 feet 8 or 9 inches. This is the recommendation for the average user.
Why are kayak paddles different lengths?
Paddles in tandem kayaks generally are longer than those used in solo kayaks and so on. Another factor is the height of the seat surface in relation to the gunwales. Two kayakers of the same torso/height in the same kayak may need different paddles if the seat height was different in each boat.
Can a kayak paddle be too long?
A short paddle usually won't reach out far enough to paddle in this relaxed, "touring" style. Conversely, a long paddle planted nearly horizontally in the water becomes cumbersome if too long. Naturally the size of the paddler, arm and torso length, all affect the length one should choose.
How long should a kayak paddle be in inches?
24 inches: Look for a paddle between 180 and 200 centimeters in length. 26 inches: Look for a paddle between 190 and 210 centimeters long. 28 inches: Try a paddle that is around 200 to 220 centimeters in length. 32 inches: Look for a paddle between 220 and 240 centimeters in length.
How long should my paddle be?
The general convention for determining the correct paddle size is to take the rider's height and add 9-10 inches. If you're 5'11” ideally you should get a paddle about 80-81 inches, or 6 feet 8 or 9 inches. This is the recommendation for the average user.
How does length affect a kayak?
Kayak Length Generally speaking, the longer a kayak is, the faster it is. Therefore, a boat for rapids is going to be shorter than a standard recreational kayak, and a lot shorter than one built for speed.
Top 11 Best Kayak Paddles In 2022 | The Buying Guide - DIVEIN
Find out what kayak paddle is best for you. Read our top 11 featured kayak paddles and our buying guide for your next kayaking adventure
What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need? (Sizing Guides)
What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need in Inches? First things first. Regardless of country or whether you use the Imperial or Metric measurement system, kayak paddles are measured in cm not inches.Enter any store in the US, UK, Canada…
Kayak Paddle Sizing Guide – Bending Branches
How to Size Your Kayak Paddle The two most important factors in choosing the right size kayak paddle are your kayak’s width and your own height… If your paddle is too short you may find yourself banging your knuckles on the edge of your boat or be forced to lean with your strokes. If it’s too long, you’ll be carrying extra swing weight and may have less control over your kayak. Take a ...
How to know what size paddle to use?
Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat: Taller paddlers need longer paddles.
What determines the length of a paddle?
Length: Your boat width and your height determine your paddle length.
How to tell if paddle blade is asymmetrical?
Most paddle blades these days feature an asymmetrical dihedral shape. An asymmetrical blade is relatively narrow and shorter on one side. That angles it so the surface area of the blade is more uniform when it’s pushing though the water. You can spot a dihedral blade by the rib down its center.
What is a small diameter paddle shaft?
Small-diameter shafts offer a less fatiguing grip for paddlers with small hands. If you can’t touch your thumb and index finger together when you grab a paddle, this is you. Shafts aren’t made in multiple diameters: They’re either standard or small diameter.
What is the biggest impact on kayak performance?
Next to the kayak itself, your paddle has the biggest impact on your performance on the water. Even a short tour involves thousands of strokes, so a proper paddle can make all the difference. To choose a kayak paddle, you need to consider four basic ideas:
How many degrees can you feather a paddle shaft?
Almost all paddle shafts allow you to rotate them to be matched or feathered. They also allow you to easily adjust the amount of feathering, typically in 15-degree increments. A few let you adjust them to any angle you want.
What is a two piece or four piece paddle?
Two-piece or four-piece? Both are designed to break down for easier storage. A model with a four-piece shaft simply has shorter sections, so it’s good if you’re hiking somewhere with a portable kayak or taking your paddle on a plane.
What are kayak paddle blades made of?
Kayak paddle blades can be made of just about any material – from plastic or nylon to fiberglass and Carbon fiber. You want to go as light as possible to reduce fatigue and boost efficiency, but you also need to be aware that the lighter you go, the higher the price.
What is a straight shaft paddle?
Most kayak paddles available on the market will feature a straight shaft; it’s the standard type of shaft design – but it’s not your only option. You’ll also find kayak paddle shafts with slightly bent sections on them.
Do recreational kayakers need the same paddle?
Recreational kayakers won’t need the same type of paddle as someone who’s running rapids or someone who typically goes on long-distance, multi-day trips. It’s the same with kayaks; they all differ when it comes to their on-the-water performance.
How to choose the right length paddle for a boat?
Choosing the right paddle length you should use depends on many factors that are determined by your size, paddling style and type/size of boat. The more you develop and fine tune your paddling and experiment with different paddles, the easier it will be for you to determine what’s the best length for your paddle. And if you are like most avid paddlers, you will soon have several in your arsenal from which to choose.
How to determine proper length of paddle?
There are two quick and fairly accurate on-shore methods for determining a proper length of paddle to use: The first method involves holding your arms out, elbows bent at about right angles in normal paddling posture and grasping the paddle as you would normally.
How to keep blades in kayak?
Simply put, the wider the kayak paddled, the longer the paddle needed. In order to keep proper blade placement in the water, you need to be able to reach beyond the gunwales of your craft while maintaining proper paddling form. You don't want to be banging your knuckles on the deck, nor do you want too much or too little of the power face of the blade in the water.
What are the effects of using a paddle of less than an optimum length?
Although slight, it can make a modest but accumulative difference when you consider the effects that could result from using a paddle of less (or more) than an optimum length: compromised form, banged knuckles, inefficient paddle angle or power face contact and others. Multiply any of these by a thousand strokes and imagine ...
What is a demo day for kayaks?
Demo days are a great way to help you test paddle a kayak. Most reps will be able to suggest a starting length of paddle for you to try. Once you find a boat you like, you may want to try a few different lengths of paddles as well.
Do tandem kayaks have paddles?
Paddles in tandem kayaks generally are longer than those used in solo kayaks and so on. Another factor is the height of the seat surface in relation to the gunwales. Two kayakers of the same torso/height in the same kayak may need different paddles if the seat height was different in each boat.
Do you want to bang your knuckles on the deck?
You don't want to be banging your knuckles on the deck, nor do you want too much or too little of the power face of the blade in the water. Here again, there are many variables that come into play. A shorter person in a wider boat may need the same length of paddle as does a taller person in a narrower kayak.
The Easy Steps to Pick a Kayak Paddle
It is no news that an undersized or oversized paddle can mar your kayaking trip. Therefore, you should ensure that the selected size correlates to the boat.
Additional Features to Help You Pick a Kayak Paddle
Aside from the four (4) primary features noted above, you also need to consider the location or kind of water you intend to take your boat. For instance, a recreational paddle is ideal for shorter journeys, while the touring kayak paddles are the best choice for longer trips.
Find the Perfect Kayak Paddle
With the ideas expressed in the guide, you wouldn’t find it challenging to pick a kayak paddle. Now that you’re well-informed, you may now place an order for the best kayak paddle that fits into your kayaking needs.
How to choose a kayak paddle length?
Your kayak paddle length is one of the most important decisions in choosing the best paddle for you. Three factors go into choosing the correct length: 1 Your height 2 The width of your kayak 3 The type of kayaking you will be doing
How long should a kayak paddle be?
This means if you will be kayak fishing, you will probably need the longest recommended kayak paddle length, somewhere in the range of 230-260 cm [90-102 inches].
What is a touring kayak?
Touring Kayak Paddles. Touring kayakers will be in the narrowest kayaks among these three types of kayaks. If you are a touring kayaker, you are usually looking for a kayak paddle to help you cover a bit of distance. Touring kayaks allow for a choice of either a high or low arm angle in your paddling position.
What is the best material for a kayak paddle shaft?
Aluminum and fiberglass are two common options, with carbon used in higher-end models. The biggest advantage of an aluminum paddle shaft is affordability.
What are paddle blades made of?
You can find paddle blades made of just about any type of material from plastic to fiberglass to carbon fiber or even wood. There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Some are lightweight and durable while others may be highly flexible and some are heavier.
What is a polypropylene paddle?
Polypropylene blades are made of a high impact plastic. Meaning they can withstand abuse and will bend instead of break when hitting rocks and other obstructions. These paddle blades are also the most affordable. Polypropylene ones like the Carlisle Standard Kayak Paddle are a great choice for recreational paddlers.
What is fiberglass paddle?
Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene paddles are a mix of complementing materials. They retain durability thanks to the polypropylene. While the fiberglass lightens the paddle blade, fiberglass also stiffens the blade, meaning less flex, and more efficiency with each stroke.
Why is it important to find the right kayak paddle?
Finding the right kayak paddle can help improve your experience on the water. Once you find the proper fit, you’ll be ready for countless paddling adventures on your kayak.
How to determine the length of a kayak?
LENGTH. There are two factors that will help you determine the length of your paddle: the width of the kayak and your height. Generally, you can keep these tips in mind to find a length that is suitable for you: Wider kayaks need longer paddles. Taller kayakers need longer paddles.
What is the best material to store a paddle in?
If it’s a warm day, make sure to store the paddle in the shade. Carbon and fiberglass are both durable and lighter than aluminum. Lightweight shafts can be helpful for paddling for longer durations and distances. These types of shafts are less temperature sensitive. You may also choose between a straight and bent shaft.
Why do feathered paddles work?
A feathered paddle has the blades on different planes. This can help increase speed and efficiency with less wind resistance.
What is the best stroke angle for a kayak?
220-230 cm. 230-240 cm. 240 cm. Also, remember to keep your stroke angle in mind: Kayakers with a higher stroke angle may prefer a slightly shorter paddle. Kayakers with a lower stroke angle may prefer a long design. It’s essential to make sure your blades are easily submerged in the water and don’t strike the kayak.
Which type of paddle has a greater surface area?
Asymmetrical blades have a greater surface area and can lead to a more efficient paddle. The top edge of the blade is longer than the bottom. These tend to be the most common blade shape.
Do spoon blades flutter?
Spoon blades scoop water and provide more power. However, they can flutter if you don’t have a strong paddling technique.
How to paddle a kayak?
We’ll cover the basics of how to paddle your kayak: How to grip your paddle for an efficient stroke. The forward stroke for—you guessed it—going forward. The reverse stroke for slowing down and backing up. The sweep stroke for turning. The draw stroke for scooting your kayak sideways. If your kayak has a rudder or a skeg, ...
How to have a good paddle stroke?
Holding your paddle correctly is key to having an efficient, nonfatiguing stroke. You should also have a paddle that’s the correct length for you. If you’re not sure about yours, ask your guide or paddle shop, or read How to Choose a Kayak Paddle.
What is the paddler's box?
When you bring the paddle down in front of you, you’ll have “the paddler’s box,” a shape formed by the shaft, your arms and chest. Maintaining that box as you stroke helps you rotate your torso correctly, another key to good technique.
What is flat water kayaking?
The beauty of flatwater kayaking is the freedom to explore anywhere on a body of water. The key to proper adventuring then, is the ability to control your craft. By learning a few strokes—the ones presented here—you can paddle efficiently and end up exactly where you intend to go.
What direction do you point your knuckles?
You want your large knuckles pointed up and your blades perpendicular to the surface of the ground.
Where to immerse out of water blade?
To repeat, simply immerse the out-of-water blade on the opposite side of the boat next to your hip. (Your torso will already be wound correctly.)
Where to put your blades on a boat?
The drop phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on the side of the boat next to your hip.
What Are Your Paddle and Shaft Options?
The material that makes up your paddle blade contributes immensely to your performance in the water.
What happens if you don't paddle in a kayak?
A paddle not meant for you or your kayak will eventually lead to some sore muscles and less productivity.
What is shaft choice in kayaks?
Shaft Choice: A shaft bent or blades that are feathered usually improve overall effectiveness. While there’s no doubting how crucial these elements play a part in choosing a kayak paddle correctly, everything starts with knowing what size paddle to choose.
How many strokes does a short paddle tour take?
Even a short tour entails at least a couple of thousand strokes, which tells you how critical a good paddle is to your journey.
What does the label on a paddle mean?
The labels on paddles will usually indicate whether they’re for high- or low-angle paddling.
What is the piece of equipment most influential to your performance in the water?
Outside of your kayak, the piece of equipment most influential to your performance in the water is the paddle. Even a short tour entails at least a couple of thousand strokes, which tells you how critical a good paddle is to your journey.
Do you need a longer paddle for a kayak?
It is a significant consideration if you’re using a narrower kayak. Basically, a taller paddler would require a longer paddle.
