How To Choose The Right Paddle For A Kayak -

This article will be all about paddles and how to choose the right one for you. Many of you may not know this, but the paddle is an essential thing. Choosing the right paddle for you is even more important than the actual kayak. This is why I will help you to choose the correct one for you, so you can enjoy your kayaking time to the fullest.

How To Choose The Right Paddle For A Kayak

Basic information that you need to know

Let start with something basic that you may need. 2.54 centimetres = 1”. This is important to know because the length is not only in centimeters. You will see many places where they measure in inches, and you have to know how to calculate it right. Choosing the right paddle is a big deal. This is why you have to learn how to choose the correct one for you. And what is right and comfortable for you does not mean it will be right for the next guy. Everything is individual here, and I will explain why.

To choose the right paddle for you, there are few factors you have to keep in mind. How big the kayak is, how tall you are, and the paddle stroke preferences. Your paddle will be your helper in the water, and this is why you have to choose wisely. If there is even a small difference in the weight of the paddle, it can make a big difference if you are on the water all day.

Choosing paddle according to your body

We will first discuss your body, specifically, how can you choose the paddle based on your height. You can be very tall, but if your legs are shorter than your torso, you may get confused. The thing we want to discuss here is your torso. This is the element that you use to measure how tall you are in this case. Because after all, do not forget you are sitting in the kayak, and the length of your legs is not important in this case. Most of the tables online are ask how tall you are and do not take your torso into consideration. I will show you a table so you can see how you are supposed to choose the length of the paddle, keeping your torso length in mind.

TORSO HEIGHT	PADDLE LENGHT
22"	180 centimetres
24"	180–200 centimetres
26"	190–200 centimetres
28"	200–220 centimetres
30"	210–230 centimetres
32"	220–240 centimetres
34"	230–250 centimetres
36"	240–250 centimetres

Choosing a paddle according to the design of the kayak

The design of the kayak. This is the next one on our list. The wider your kayak is, the longer paddle you have to buy. If you want to put your paddle into the water correctly, you have to be able to reach after the gunwales of your kayak. You will want to balance the power of the paddle in the water. There are few other things that you have to keep in mind. If two people, one shorter but in a wider kayak, and one taller in a narrow kayak, they will need the same length of the paddle. If two equally tall people in the same type of kayak are sitting at a differently positioned seat height, they will need different paddles. Things are very tricky.

Choosing a paddle according to stroke preferences

It is time for the paddle stroke preferences. See the two tables below to make it easy for you to compare them. Would you prefer stroking higher and the power face to be closer to the boat side at a less acute angle? Or maybe you’d like to stroke at a lower angle? You can use the same kayak, the same paddle only in the first case. You will need a shorter paddle and a longer one if you choose the second scenario.

CHOOSING LENGTH IF STROKING AT A LOWER ANGLE
HOW TALL ARE YOU?	HOW WIDE THE KAYAK IS Under 58.4 58.4–71.1 cm 71.1–81.3 cm above 81–3 cm
UNDER 153 CM	210 sm	220 sm	230 sm	240 sm
153–168 CM	215 sm	220 sm	230 sm	240 sm
168–183 CM	220 sm	220 sm	230 sm	250 sm
ABOVE 183 CM	220 sm	230 sm	240 sm	250 sm

CHOOSING LENGTH IF STROKING AT A HIGHER ANGLE
HOW TALL ARE YOU?	HOW WIDE THE KAYAK IS Under 63.5cm above 63.5cm
UNDER 155 CM	200 cm	220 cm
155–163 CM	205 cm	220 cm
163–183 CM	210–215 cm	220 cm
ABOVE 183 CM	215–220 cm	230 cm

After all, the best way is to go out in the water and try different paddles in combination with different kayaks. But to do this, you have to be experienced. You need to be well aware of the different techniques you need to use in the water. If you are still a beginner at kayaking, use the tables above to help you in the decision.

Let me also tell you what may happen if you choose the wrong length of the paddle. If it is too short, you will keep hitting your hands on the sides of the kayak. Of course, we do not want that. After all, you go there to enjoy yourself, not to go back with your hands bruised because you kept whacking them on the kayak. It can also be hard for you to reach the water if the paddle is too short.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a paddle longer than it is supposed to be is okay. No, there is a negative side here too. The longer the paddle is, the heavier. And if it’s way heavier than you can handle, it’s not okay. You may think you will manage in the beginning, but after you stay in the water for a while, you will see what I am talking about. You will begin to feel the weight of the paddle more and more.

A few extra tips

And lastly, a few more tips for choosing and using the right paddle:

For a high stroke angle, use a shorter and wider paddle. This type of paddle is made for speed and power. This type is used by people who want to go faster. This type also requires more strength, so I am saying it again. If you are a beginner, use the tables above.

For lower stroke angle, use a longer and thinner paddle. This type helps you keep a steady and effective rate.
Use a horizontal paddle if you are fighting the wind. The blades point in different directions. This is made especially for the wind, and it helps if you are planning a trip in a windy area.
Use a paddle that can be adjusted for changing the traction of the blade. There are paddles with tires that can be adjusted. You can adjust them as needed, and they are very convenient.

I hope all this helps you with your decision. Stay safe, and do not forget to have fun when kayaking.