One of the questions I'm most commonly asked is about how to choose the right size and style of paddle(s). It's important to sort this out because the wrong specs will make your paddling feel awkward. The wrong paddle length will also rob you of power and/or efficiency. I'm going to walk you through a mix of general paddle concepts. There are specific tips to ensure that you select the right kayak paddle size / kayak paddle length.
Kayak paddle blade sizes
There are two different types of kayak paddle blades: longer and skinnier blades vs. shorter and wider blades. Longer and skinnier paddle blades are designed for smaller people. People who want to use a more casual stroke or long-distance paddlers might also select longer and skinnier blades. The lower profile blade can reduce shoulder strain. Read more about Greenland paddles.
Narrow blades to reduce resistance
A narrower blade doesn't catch as much water, which reduces resistance and strain/fatigue on your body over time. Greenland paddles are becoming more popular because they reduce shoulder strain for sea kayakers over a long distance.
Wider blades to increase power
Shorter and wider blades are designed to catch more water, thereby generating more power, but with a cumulative cost on the body. Wider blades are great for larger, more aggressive paddlers, and for sessions that call for bursts of speed. Wide blades are preferred by whitewater kayakers or others looking for powerful paddle strokes.
Kayak paddle length
Paddle length generally range from 200 to 250 centimeters in length (paddles always rock the metric system). Within this 50cm spread, there will be a sweet spot for each paddler and their specific boat. If you choose a paddle that's too short, then it won't easily clear the sides of the kayak. You'll have to reach across with each stroke, which is super inefficient and not particularly fun either.
On the other hand, if you choose a paddle that's too long, then you sacrifice dexterity. Because the paddle blade will catch further away from your body, each stroke will become more strenuous. Paddles that are too long have a tendency to turn the kayak slightly off course.
Kayak paddle length tips
There are 3 general factors to consider when selecting your optimal paddle length:
1. Your height
2. The width of the kayak
3. Your sitting position
Arm length does also play a role in kayak paddle length. You may consider your arm length as you refine your search for the appropriate kayak paddle length.
The taller you are, the wider your boat, or the higher you sit in the kayak, the longer of a paddle you're going to want. Shorter paddlers, folks with narrower boats, and anyone who sits low in the cockpit will want to veer towards shorter paddles.
Matching Paddle Length to Kayak Type
Paddle length for recreational kayaks
Different types of kayaks are typically paired with specific paddle-length parameters. Since recreational kayaks are designed to be more stable, and range between 28 to 35 inches in width, kayak paddles on the longer end of the spectrum (230 to 250 cm) will work best.
Paddle length for touring kayaks
Touring kayaks are typically between 23 and 28-inches-wide, and generally go well with paddles between 210 to 230 centimeters. High performance sea kayaks or touring kayaks are usually between 21 and 24-inches-wide. A kayak paddle length between 200 to 220 centimeters is the suggested length for a touring kayak or sea kayak.
These general suggestions should help point you in the right direction. The fine-tuning will still depend on the three factors of a person's height, the exact width of the boat, and sitting position. To give you a better idea of the perpetual sliding scale, let's break down a few examples.
Kayak paddle length for sit-inside kayaks vs sit-on-top kayaks
I'm 6-foot-2, and when I used the Liquidlogic Saluda, which is 29-inches-wide and has a low sitting position, I used a 230 cm paddle. When I was using the Bonafide RS 117, which is 33.5-inches-wide and has a high sitting position, I opted for a full-length 250 cm paddle.
Jumping in the Swell Scupper 14, which is a 25.5-inch-wide, sit-on-top kayak (but with a low sitting position), I was happy using a 220 cm paddle. And when I zipped along in the P&H Leo Sea Kayak, which is 23-inches-wide, I found I was good to go with a 215 cm paddle.
Kayak paddle length is not an exact science
By this point, you've probably figured out that sizing a paddle is not an exact science. Ultimately, it will take some trial and error out on the water. But this is a great excuse to log some more miles in your favorite kayak.
Adjustable kayak paddle length
If you're just starting out and don't want to break the bank, then I recommend aiming for something that is adjustable, or purchasing some quality, but not top-tier paddles as you feel out the different options.
| Brand | Product | Our Review | Price | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gearlab Outdoors | Kalleq Greenland Paddle | Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq Greenland Paddle Review | 438 | Buy this Product |
| Lendal | Storm | Lendal Storm Carbon Paddle Review | 610 | Buy this Product |
| Gearlab Outdoors | IPIK Paddle | Gearlab Outdoors IPIK Paddle Review: What’s Up With Greenland Kayak Paddles? | 528 | Buy this Product |
| Aqua-Bound | Manta Ray Carbon | Kayak Paddle Review: Aqua Bound Ray Series New Design | 245 | Buy this Product |
| Aqua-Bound | Manta Ray Hybrid 4-piece | Kayak Paddle Review: Aqua Bound Ray Series New Design | 209 | Buy this Product |
| Aqua-Bound | Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece | Kayak Paddle Review: Aqua Bound Ray Series New Design | 209 | Buy this Product |
| Aqua-Bound | Whiskey Carbon 2-piece | How to Choose a Kayak Paddle | 475 | Buy this Product |
| Aqua-Bound | Tango Carbon 2-piece | How to Choose a Kayak Paddle | 475 | Buy this Product |
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Big Thanks to Aqua Bound
I've been using Aqua Bound paddles for over 25 years. I'm thrilled to have them as a sponsor of my PaddleTV and In4Adventure projects.
The timing couldn't be any better for this exact topic of kayak paddle length because their new Versa-Lok ferrule system allows for length adjustments of up to 15 cm.
This versatility in kayak paddle length is perfect for anyone who wants a paddle that can be used for multiple kayaks.
These versatile paddles can be shared amongst multiple paddlers. I recently reviewed the revamped Aqua Bound Ray Series. Make sure to check out these popular paddles if you want to learn more about the adjustable ferrule system.
