Kayak Paddle

Kayak paddle selections are now virtually unlimited in number with many of the leading manufacturers designing paddles for more and more specific paddling needs and across a growing number of niches.  Choosing a kayak paddle has never been more difficult.

Choosing the right kayak paddle

When choosing a kayak paddle, there is a progression for your selection that is quite natural but at that progression things start to move into a question of personal preference.  The steps are as follows:

1. How are you using the paddle:  Are you a recreational paddler, a canoeist, a whitewater kayaker, a rafter, a touring kayaker or a kayak angler etc?  Each discipline will have specific kayak paddle needs and most manufacturers split off their selections by those disciplines.  In addition, each discipline has different waterways.  Shallow creeks, to big lakes and oceans all mean differences in kayak paddle selection.
2. Are you a beginner or expert? New kayakers tend to not quite know what they want in a paddle, how it should feel etc. where experts are looking for something specific.  As a beginner the best way to find your own feel is to try different paddles!  Many retailers have demo days and/or allow you to rent paddles.  I suggest doing that!
3. Determine your specs:  Paddles come in a variety of lengths, paddle blade sizes, weights and styles.  There are full length paddles, 2 and 4 piece paddles and a range of heavier more robust materials to lighter carbon.  Here's where we get into some personal preferences.  The size of your kayak and your arm length will greatly matter in choosing the length of paddle.  Generally the wider the boat the longer your paddle needs to be to reach the water.  Testing different lengths in the kayak you will be using most is helpful in determining what length of blade gives you the most thrust.
4. Personal preferences:  This is where your own personal comfort comes in to play.  Some paddlers are ‘used' to certain styles of paddles.  Bent shafts are nice, for example, for hand comfort but many like the way a straight shaft works when bracing, sculling and drawing.  Hand grip diameter, blade angles and more all fall into the personal preference category as well as what kind of environments you are kayaking in.
5. What is your budget?  My recommendation will ALWAYS be ‘don't skimp' on a paddle.  Its your main source of power and paddling all day can mean being uncomfortable.  Cheaper paddles tend to be less effective, so if you're really interested in a good day on the water, get a paddle that works.