Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
Here's your outdoor tip on choosing a kayak paddle.
Your choice of paddle can make a big difference in your enjoyment on the water. The choice is not difficult, but too many times kayakers do not take the time to learn some basics about choosing the correct paddle for their paddling style, height and width of their kayak. Paddler height and boat width are the main factors although specialized paddling can dictate specialized blades and some other differences in design.
The industry standard is to use metric centimeters (2.54 centimeters (cm) =1") to describe paddle lengths. Paddles range from about 200cm to 260cm in length. Taller paddlers need a longer paddle than shorter ones do for the same boat. For example a paddler over 6’ with a 26” wide boat would want about a 230 cm paddle and a 5’ paddler with the same boat would be better off with a 220cm paddle. In the transcript for this podcast, I’ve included a sample table for paddles and you will find that most paddle manufactures will have tables that provide you with guides.
|
Boat Width à |
23" |
23" to 28" |
28" to 32" |
Over 32" |
|
Under 5' tall |
210cm |
220cm |
230cm |
240cm |
|
5' to 5'6" tall |
215cm |
220cm |
230cm |
240cm |
|
5'6" to 6' tall |
220cm |
220cm |
230cm |
250cm |
|
Over 6' tall |
220cm |
230cm |
240cm |
250cm |
Your torso is another element when using your height to determine which paddle length to buy. If you are a serious paddler, you will want to consider your torso length to judge the proper paddle length. Seat height can also make a difference in paddle length.
Stroke preferences make a difference in paddle length also. A high power stroke bringing the power face closer to the side of the boat in a less acute angle of entry can be a preference. A low stroke angle for casual touring that puts the shaft at a more acute angle to the surface can make a difference. The same paddler in the same kayak will use a slightly shorter paddle for the former style and slightly longer for the latter.
Blade materials vary with the lighter the weight, the easier the paddling. Weight is most important for touring on long trips and strength is key for whitewater. Fiberglass is popular because it is relatively light and offers good durability with a wide range of colors. Carbon fiber is light and distinctive in look with high-performance. Nylon, aluminum, and plastic are affordable, durable and require minimal care making them great spare paddles and can be a good choice for beginners though relatively heavy.
Blades are either feathered or nonfeathered. Nonfeathered means blades are positioned in line with each other. Feathered blades are in different planes at an angel to each other. Feathering reduces the wind resistance and wrist fatigue as one blade pushes the water as the other travels through the air. Small angles are easier on the wrists and larger angles offer greater efficiency.
Most kayak paddles have straight shafts. Bent-shaft paddles positions hands at a more comfortable angle to reduce fatigue. Small-diameter shafts are less fatiguing for paddlers with smaller hands.
These are the black and white guidelines for selecting a paddle, but paddle selection really has many gray areas. The best method for determining the proper length is to get on the water and paddle with different paddles lengths, shapes, weights, and other variables.
There are two quick pick methods for determining a proper length of paddle to use:
- The first has you holding your arms out with elbows bent at about right angles in paddling posture and normally grasping the paddle. Your hands should be about 2/3 of the way from the center of the shaft to the shoulder of the blade.
- Stand a paddle upright (vertically) alongside you. Reach up with your arm and hook your first finger joints over the top edge (tip) of the paddle. If you can reach over the top edge or, conversely, if your fingers don’t even reach the top, choose a different length.
And if you are like most serious paddlers, you will soon have a selection of paddles in your arsenal. Having the correct paddle makes paddling much more enjoyable.
This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
Additional outdoor tips can be received by subscribing to the Outdoor Professor Tips on iTunes or Stitcher. If you enjoy outdoor tips, you’ll also find an e-book at Amazon.com with a collection of the Outdoor Professor Tips.
References-Additional Reading
Kayak Paddles: How to Choose
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak-paddle.html
Kayak Paddle Length: Picking the Right Length
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?714
Two Blades for the Price of One: Choosing a Kayak Paddle
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?17
Nature Quotient.
eBook @Amazon.com
Outdoor Professor’s Tips: Exploring the Wonders of Nature
eBook @Amazon.com
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