Otherwise, you might end up with a paddle that’s too short for your needs. Just make sure that you measure the width of your kayak at its widest point.

You can measure your kayak’s width fairly quickly at home with a standard tape measure. Wider kayaks require longer paddles to ensure that you’re not continually smashing your knuckles against the deck of your boat. In addition to your height, you’ll need to measure the width of your kayak before you start shopping for paddles. Although most of us roughly know our height off the top of our heads, it’s worth taking a precise measurement before you buy your next paddle. Therefore, when shopping for a kayak paddle, you’ll need to know your height.

So, tall folks usually need a longer paddle to fully submerge the blades. Why? Well, the taller you are, the higher you’ll sit above the water. Your height is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a kayak paddle. With that in mind, here are four key things to consider when searching for the right kayak paddle: Paddler’s Height Thus, selecting the wrong paddle can dramatically change your paddling mechanics, which could lead to injury down the line. That’s because the length of your paddle affects the mechanics of your stroke by shifting the positioning of your hands in relation to your core. While a few centimeters here or there might not seem like much, using a paddle that’s the wrong size can have a huge impact on your performance and how you paddle a kayak. Out of all the things to consider when buying a kayak paddle, the length is perhaps the most critical. Up next, we’ll walk you through what to consider when choosing a paddle and our kayak paddle size charts will help you find the ideal length for your height and kayak width. The good news is that we’re here to help. However, using the wrong size paddle can make your time out on the water an uncomfortable affair. Following is a general guide to choosing a kayak paddle according to paddler height:įor more help with selecting a kayak paddle that’s right for you please see our West Advisor article Selecting the Right Size Kayak Paddle.Your kayak paddle is one of the most important pieces of gear that you have with you on the water.Īs your main source of propulsion and control in tricky conditions, your paddle plays a crucial role in your kayaking adventures. Your height also should be considered when choosing a paddle. As a general rule, paddlers with sit-on-top kayaks use longer paddles. Paddlers who run rivers in sit-inside kayaks generally choose shorter paddles. The length of the paddle you choose will depend on your height and your type of paddling. Paddle lengths vary from 215 up to 250 centimeters. Aluminum versus Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Paddlesįor entry-level paddlers, aluminum paddles can be a good choice but with increased paddling experience, many paddlers gravitate toward a fiberglass or carbon fiber paddle which weigh less than aluminum and offer better performance. While straight shafts are used by many paddlers, “bent” shafts boast offset grips which keep the paddler’s wrists at less of an angle for less strain. Other handles can be single piece, or made up of several sections, which permits disassembly for storage or easy transport in the trunk of your car. Adjustable paddles feature a telescoping handle. Blades are generally made of nylon, fiberglass or carbon fiber.

While many recreational paddlers use basic paddles with symmetrical blades, others prefer asymmetrical blades because they have a greater surface area for a more efficient paddle. Blade styles vary from asymmetrical to symmetrical. West Marine offers aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber kayak paddles. Kayak paddles are normally chosen according to a paddler’s physical size, budget, level of experience and personal preference. Whether you are new to kayaking or a complete novice, West Marine has a kayak paddle that’s right for you. Choose a kayak paddle that’s right for you.