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How to Choose Kayak Paddles
by Damon Z. Sweet
When selecting a paddle, you need to consider four key issues:
1. What type of paddling will you be doing? Touring, whitewater, surfing, or multi-use?
2. What is your personal style? Are you aggressive, relaxed, looking for long distance touring, recreational? You’ll find paddles to fit every style.
3. What size paddle fits your body and strength?
4. What price can you afford? Always consider price versus performance.
Type of Paddling:
TOURING PADDLES:
Touring kayak paddles typically have a long, narrow, asymmetrical blade. They are often lightly built for greater efficiency on long trips and can usually be broken-down into two or more pieces for storage.
WHITE WATER PADDLES:
Whitewater paddles are built heavier to withstand the rugged river environment. The blade shape is usually symmetrical, though there are exceptions to this. Whitewater paddles have a shorter and wider blade than touring paddles.
SURFING PADDLES:
Surfing paddles are similar to white water paddles but are usually lighter-built have a short asymmetrical face that is not too large.
MULTI USE PADDLES:
Multi-use paddles bring together design elements of paddles from the various disciplines. What you get is a good all-around paddle that does a little bit of every thing, but excels at nothing.
Style:
Your style can dictate paddle characteristics. For instance, long distance or easy going paddling would require a long, narrow paddle for greater efficiency.
An aggressive power paddler should look for a larger blade and a more symmetrical shape that’s going to let them dig and carve the water.
If you are an infrequent paddler or tend to do a variety of paddling then a multi use paddle may be the best choice for you.
If you are a small, light-framed person, or not particularly strong, you want a paddle made of lightweight materials. While more expensive, it will help you conserve energy and use what you have for getting through the water. If your primary paddling areas are plagued by high winds, consider a feathered paddle. The blades of feathered paddles are positioned so they cut through the air on the up stroke.
Size:
Your body size needs to fit the shaft of the paddle. Manufacturers size paddles measuring from blade tip to blade tip and blade tips can vary in length, so don’t be deceived. Measure the shaft length only.
Manufacturers commonly label the measurements of the paddle in centimeters. Different sizes fit different disciplines: 240 cm might work well for touring, 220 cm for surfing and 200 cm for white water, all with the same shaft length from blade throat to blade throat.
To fit the paddle properly, place the center of the shaft on the top of your head, and strike a body-builder pose holding the shaft with both hands in a paddling grip. Make sure your elbows are bent at 90 degrees square, making a rectangle of two long sides (the shaft and your upper arms) and two short sides (your lower arms) with your head in the middle. This is where it helps to have a mirror or a trusted friend. When your arms are bent 90 degrees, your hands should be no more than two grips from the end of the shaft (where the blade begins).
This is just a rule of thumb. You have to also consider the width of your kayak--a wide kayak will require a longer paddle than a narrow kayak, so adjust your choice accordingly.
Your best bet is to rent paddles if possible ad test an assortment to find out which paddles feel comfortable for you. If you are unsure of your choice, don't despair. Paddles will wear out faster than your kayak so it’s a good idea to have a spare or a loaner paddle. Eventually you will want a different paddle for a variety of water and paddling conditions.
Price:
Always consider price versus performance. If you are planning frequent, long distance or remote trips invest in a more expensive lightweight paddle. Look for lightweight and durability. If you are planning infrequent short trips close to home, then a lower quality paddle will do. You’ll be surprised at how much difference the right paddle will make, so go for the most paddle you can reasonably afford.
Extra Tip: Keep an inexpensive "loaner" paddle around for that occasional friend who needs to borrow a paddle. If it is lost or broken, no harm done to your friendship, and you’ve saved wear and tear on your quality paddle.
Damon Z. Sweet writes for ActiveKayak.com where you can find great deals, tips and news, information and reviews plus Free Online Lessons, Tips, and Great Kayaking Resources at ActiveKayak.com. This article can be reproduced in full as long as the resource box and live links remain intact. Copyright http://www.activekayak.com.
