How Big Of A Kayak Paddle Should I Get
Choosing the Right Paddle Size
The size of kayak paddle you need depends on a variety of factors. These include your height, the width and length of your kayak, and the type of paddling you plan to do. To make sure you get the right size paddle for your needs, it’s important to consider all these elements before making a purchase.
Consider Your Height and Kayak Width
- When selecting a kayak paddle, start by considering your own height and the width of your kayak. Generally speaking, taller people will require longer paddles than shorter people; wider boats will require longer paddles than narrower ones. A good rule of thumb is to choose a paddle that is roughly 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) taller than yourself if using in an open water situation or 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) taller when using in whitewater conditions.
- For example: If you are 5’7" tall (170cm), then look for a paddle that is approximately 6’5" – 7’1" long (195cm – 215cm).
Choose Based on Type Of Paddling You’ll Be Doing
- The type of paddling activity you plan to do should also be taken into account when choosing a kayak paddle size. Different types of activities such as touring or racing may call for different lengths depending on how much power output they require from each stroke.
- Touring: Look for a slightly longer blade with more surface area like one measuring 8” x 20” (20 cm x 50 cm). This will give better control over speed while still providing enough power per stroke to cover long distances efficiently.
- Racing: Shorter blades with less surface area like one measuring 7” x 18” (17 cm x 45 cm) are ideal here as they provide maximum power per stroke but don’t have great control over speed due to their smaller blade size.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sized kayaking paddle can help ensure that you enjoy every outing with ease and comfortability! By taking into consideration both your own height along with the width and length of your boat as well as what kind of activity you intend on doing, finding just the right sized tool becomes easier!
Kayak Paddle Length Calculator
Kayak Paddle Length Considerations
When selecting a kayak paddle, it is important to consider the size and length of the paddle. The right size will help you maximize your paddling efficiency and power while minimizing fatigue. Some factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing a kayak paddle include:
- Your height
- The width of your kayak
- The type of watercraft you are using (canoe or sea kayak)
Height-Based Kayak Paddle Sizing
Your height plays an important role in determining what size paddle you need. Generally speaking, if you are 6 feet tall or shorter, then a 220 cm – 230 cm long paddle will suit your needs best. If you’re taller than 6 feet, then go for something between 230 cm – 240 cm long. It’s also worth noting that longer blades can provide more power but require more effort to use due to their increased weight and surface area.
Width-Based Kayak Paddle Sizing
The width of your kayak also affects the size of the paddle needed since wider boats require longer paddles for efficient strokes. As a general rule, choose a blade length that is roughly 10% greater than the width of your boat with some leeway depending on personal preference and skill level as well as other factors such as wind conditions or waves present on the waterway. For example, if you have a 24 inch wide canoe then aim for something around 26 inches in length when picking out your new paddle!
Different Types Of Watercrafts Require Different Sizes Of Paddles
Lastly, different types of watercrafts require different sizes/lengths of paddles depending on how they are used in various activities such as river running vs lake touring etcetera; Sea Kayaks generally call for larger blades at least 220cm long whereas Canoes tend to do better with shorter ones measuring 200cm – 210cm in length due to their narrower design which requires less force from each stroke compared to its sea going counterpart!
Kayak Paddle Reviews
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kayak Paddle
When choosing the right kayak paddle, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include size, weight, shaft material, blade shape and length.
Size
The size of your kayak paddle is determined by your height and the width of your kayak. Generally speaking, for an average sized person in an average sized kayak (10-12 feet), a 230 cm – 240 cm paddle should suffice.
Weight
Kayaks come with paddles that range from lightweight aluminum to heavier fiberglass or wood models. The weight of the paddle will affect how easily it can be maneuvered in water and its overall performance when paddling. It’s important to choose one that is comfortable enough for you to use without becoming fatigued too quickly.
Shaft Material
The shaft material affects both comfort and durability of the paddle as well as its overall weight. Aluminum alloy is light but not as durable; carbon fiber is more expensive but stronger; while composite materials such as glass-reinforced plastic offer good strength at a lower cost than carbon fiber options.
List Of Kayaking Gear Needed:
- Life vest/personal flotation device (PFD)
- Spray skirt
- Dry bag or waterproof container
- Bilge pump
- Throw line/tow rope
- First aid kit
Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle
Determining What Size Paddle You Need
When selecting the right size kayak paddle for you, there are several factors to consider. These include your height, kayak width and paddling style.
Height
The length of a paddle should correspond with your height. When standing next to your kayak, the blade of the paddle should reach up to just below your chin when held upright in front of you. If it is too short or long then it can be difficult to use effectively and may cause fatigue over time due to incorrect technique being used.
Kayak Width
Your paddle should also match the width of your kayak as this will ensure that you have enough power behind each stroke while still allowing for maximum efficiency in the water. A wider blade on a narrow boat may result in too much drag whereas a narrower blade on a wide boat could mean reduced power output from each stroke.
Paddling Style
Finally, think about how you plan on using the paddle and what type of strokes you’ll need it for – recreational touring or racing? The shape and size of blades vary depending on their intended use so make sure that whatever model fits all these criteria before making any purchase decisions!
List Of Factors To Consider When Choosing A Kayak Paddle:
- Your Height
- The Width Of Your Kayak
- Your Intended Use (Recreational Touring Or Racing)
Werner Kayak Paddle
Choosing the Right Size Kayak Paddle
When selecting a Werner kayak paddle, it is important to consider the size of the paddle and how it will fit your needs. The length of the paddle should be based on your height, body type, and paddling style. Generally speaking, taller paddlers will benefit from longer blades while shorter paddlers may prefer a shorter one. Additionally, a larger blade size can provide more power for those who are looking for an aggressive stroke or want to cover greater distances in less time.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Kayak Paddle
- Height: Taller paddlers should opt for longer blades while shorter ones should go with shorter blades.
- Body Type: Heavier bodies require more surface area in order to generate enough power when paddling so they need larger blade sizes than their lighter counterparts.
- Paddling Style: Aggressive strokes require more power so opt for larger blade sizes if you plan on pushing yourself hard during your outings.
Ultimately, choosing the right size kayak paddle depends on several factors including height, body type and desired paddling style as well as personal preference and comfort level while out on the water. A properly sized Werner kayak paddle can help you maximize performance and enjoy your time spent out on the lake or river!
Choosing the Right Length for Your Kayak Paddle
Choosing the Right Length Kayak Paddle
When deciding which size of kayak paddle to buy, it is important to consider several factors such as your height, the width of your kayak and the type of paddling you plan on doing. It’s also helpful to know what length range is best for each situation.
Factors To Consider When Selecting a Kayak Paddle Length
- Your Height: Generally speaking, taller people should choose longer paddles while shorter people should opt for shorter ones.
- The Width Of Your Kayak: Wider kayaks require longer paddles than narrower ones in order to effectively move through the water.
- Type Of Paddling You Plan On Doing: For recreational or touring purposes, an average-length paddle (210 cm – 230 cm) will work well; however if you’re planning on whitewater rafting or more intense activities then a longer paddle might be necessary.
Recommended Size Range By Activity
- Whitewater Rafting & Racing: Longer lengths (240 cm – 260 cm).
- Recreational & Touring Use: Average lengths (210 cm – 230 cm).
- Fishing Or Slow Moving Water Activities: Shorter lengths (180cm – 200cm).
By considering these factors when selecting a kayak paddle length, you can ensure that you have the right tool for whatever activity you are embarking upon!
Understanding Blade Size and Shape
Blade Size
When choosing the right kayak paddle, blade size is an important factor to consider. A larger blade will provide more power with each stroke, while a smaller blade can be easier to maneuver and control. Common sizes range from 6”-8” wide and 16”-20” long for recreational paddles, or 8”-10" wide and 18"-22" long for touring paddles. It is important to find a paddle that fits your body type and strength level so you can maximize your efficiency on the water.
Factors To Consider
- The length of your torso: If you have a shorter torso, choose a shorter paddle; if you have a longer torso, select a longer one.
- Your height: Generally speaking, taller people need larger blades than shorter people do.
- Your strength level: A heavier person may require more surface area on the blades in order to generate enough power for their strokes; conversely, someone who is lighter may benefit from smaller blades that are easier to maneuver through the water.
Shape Of The Blades
The shape of kayak paddle blades also plays an important role in how well they perform when used on the water. Traditional shapes include symmetrical (also known as “teardrop") or asymmetrical (also known as “tulip"). Symmetrical blades tend to be better suited for beginners because they offer even pressure throughout each stroke; however asymmetrical shapes allow for greater efficiency by creating less resistance when entering and exiting the water during each stroke cycle. Ultimately it comes down personal preference – some prefer symmetrical designs while others enjoy asymmetric ones – but both types are effective at propelling kayaks forward in calm waters or rougher seas alike!
Adjustable vs Fixed Length Paddles
Adjustable Length Paddles
Adjustable length paddles are a great choice when it comes to selecting the right kayak paddle size. With an adjustable paddle, you can easily adjust the length of your paddle depending on what type of kayaking activity you’re doing and how tall you are. This is especially helpful if multiple people will be using the same paddle – making it easy to quickly adjust for different heights. Some features of adjustable paddles include:
- Telescoping shafts that easily extend or retract with a simple twist-lock system
- A range of sizes from 210 cm all the way down to 170 cm
- Lightweight construction made from aluminum or fiberglass
Fixed Length Paddles
Fixed length paddles offer more stability than their adjustable counterparts, as they provide consistent flex throughout each stroke and don’t require any adjustments before use. They also tend to be lighter weight than adjustable models due to their simpler design, which makes them easier to transport and store away when not in use. Although fixed length paddles come in fewer sizes compared to adjustable ones, they still have plenty of options available including:
- 220 cm long touring style blades perfect for longer trips on open water
- 205 cm whitewater blades designed for maneuverability in fast moving rivers