Paddle
Each kayak requires a different type of paddle, the best way to figure out what you need is to get expert advice when you buy your kayak.
Things to consider when buying a paddle are:
• Paddle length - this varies with the type of kayaking you’ll do, your height and the type of kayak you buy:
- Whitewater Paddles: 188-203cm long and height wise: under 5’2” = 155-194cm, 5’0”-5’8” = 191-197cm, over 5’6” = 194-203cm
- Inflatable Kayak Paddles: 220-240cm long and height wise: under 5’2” = 220cm, 5’0”-5’8” = 230cm, over 5’6” = 240cm
- Touring/Recreational Paddles: 210-240cm long and height wise: low angle 5’0”-5’10” (boat width 21”-23”) = 220cm, 5’6”-6’2” (boat width 23”-26”) = 230cm, over 6’3” (boat width over 25”) = 240cm: high angle 5’0”-5’10” (boat width under 22”) = 210cm, 5’6”-6’2” (boat width 22”-23”) = 215cm, over 6’3” (boat width 23”-24”) = 220cm
• Paddle Shaft - this is where you place your hands on the paddle and there are two factors:
- Shaft Type: straight or bent? Straights are lighter, cheaper and more common, bent are less stressful on the joints, make you stroke correctly and are more comfortable.
- Shaft Size: there are different diameters, the bigger your hand the thicker the shaft needs to be but the size is based on comfort, here is a guide though: small diameter shaft - if your hand is smaller than 6.5” from the base of your palm to the fingertip, standard diameter shaft - if your hand is larger than 7.25” from the base of your palm to fingertip, in-between 6.5” & 7.25” you should try both diameters.
• Paddle Blade - this is the part that enters the water and propels the boat, and the design features are an important component:
- Blade Shape: symmetrical or asymmetrical? Asymmetrical gives smoother entry into the water, symmetrical can be paddled with either hand as the blade is the same on both sides
- Feather: feather refers to the angle each blade is offset from each other, it is measured in 15 degree increases and the most common is 45 degrees.
• Construction - there are many materials that paddles are made from: aluminium, plastic, carbon, fibreglass, reinforced nylon. The materials of the paddle determine it’s weight, performance, durability and price.