Are you wondering how to size kayak paddles? Or maybe you need to upgrade your paddle to one that performs better, Acquiring a kayak paddle might initially seem quite technical, but it doesn’t have to be.
Sizing kayak paddles depends on different factors, such as your kayaking style, your height, and the type of use. The right paddle can make all the difference when it comes to your kayaking performance.
Paddle Type
Did you know that 81 percent of kayak fishermen use their paddles to propel them forward? Imagine if they had the wrong paddles, they wouldn’t get very far very quickly! We can take a leaf out of their book and get the right paddles for the job.
When selecting a kayak paddle, first consider what type of kayaking you’re aiming to do.
Recreational Kayak Paddles
These paddles are usually made of fiberglass, plastic, or aluminum. Designed for day trips and fishing, they make ideal entry-level paddles while still providing quality and durability.
Although slightly heavier than other paddles, they have the advantage of being long-lasting and affordable.
Touring Kayak Paddle
If you’re looking for a paddle a little more technical, lighter, and easier to use, touring kayak paddles are a great option. Because these paddles are lighter, they’re the paddle of choice for kayakers with shoulder injuries.
Lighter doesn’t make them weaker though. Normally made of carbon composite or fiberglass, they’re extremely strong and resistant to shocks while providing a lot of power. They’re the ideal paddles for longer, multi-day kayak trips on slow-moving waters and lakes.
Performance Kayak Paddles
If you are looking for the most durable paddle for rough kayaking environments, performance kayak paddles—or whitewater paddles—might be the optimal solution.
Made with fiberglass and carbon, these high-end paddles are thicker and provide the extra durability and strength you need in these conditions. They are, of course, still breakable but should be able to withstand all the shocks you’d expect during a whitewater trip.
Paddle Length
Paddle length is an important consideration for any kayaker and will vary, based on the type of kayak you use. Let’s take a look at the factors determining a proper paddle length.
Kayak Width
For most kayakers, your height and your kayak’s width are going to be the main factors determining how long your paddle should be. Your paddle size will increase in length as your kayak increases in width.
If you’re unsure of the width of your kayak, measuring it is your first step. This is straightforward and you simply measure the width at your kayak’s widest section.
Here are some general guidelines when it comes to a kayak’s width in each type:
- Recreational kayaks: 26 to 30 inches.
- Touring kayaks: 22 and 25 inches wide.
- Performance kayaks: 19 to 22 inches wide.
- Whitewater kayaks: The width of these kayaks vary, so there’s no standard.
Height
Your height, and your kayak’s height, also impact the length of the paddle you’ll need. The taller you are, the longer paddle you need. Some recreational kayaks sit high on the water and this should also be taken into consideration.
On paper, you might not realize the importance a few inches difference can make. Keep in mind that paddle sizing charts might slightly differ from one manufacturer to another.
Paddle Length for Recreational, Touring & Performance Kayaks
When shopping for a paddle, you’ll probably notice that manufacturer’s display length sizes using the metric system—although width is calculated using the imperial system. For your convenience, I’ve indicated metric and imperial measurements.
Here are two tables which you might find useful when looking for the right sized paddle.
| Recreational, Touring & Performance Kayak Paddles | ||||
| Your Height | Kayak Width Under 23’’ | Kayak Width 24’’ to 28’’ | Kayak Width 29 to 33’’ | Kayak Width 34’’ or over |
| Under 5’5” |
210 cm 82.6 inches |
220 cm 86.6 inches |
230 cm 90.5 inches |
240 cm 94.5 inches |
| 5’5 – 5’11’’ |
220 cm 86.6 inches |
230 cm 90.5 inches |
240 cm 94.5 inches |
250 cm 98.4 inches |
| 6’ & over |
220 cm 86.6 inches |
230 cm 90.5 inches |
250 cm 98.4 inches |
260 cm 102.4 inches |
Here’s an example. A 5-foot 5-inch-tall woman owns a recreational kayak that its 24 inches wide. She will need a paddle that is 220 cm long.
Paddle Length for Whitewater Kayaks
As we mentioned before, the width of a whitewater kayak isn’t as important when it comes to the paddle size. Kayakers practicing freestyling or playboating might even need a shorter paddle than most.
| Whitewater Kayak Paddles | ||
| Your Height | Paddle Length | |
| Under 5’2’’ | 188-194 cm | 74-76 inches |
| 5’2’’ to 5’8’’ | 190-196 cm | 75-77 inches |
| 5’8’’ to 6’1’’ | 192-200 cm | 75.5-78.7 inches |
| Over 6’1’’ | 196-204cm | 77-80.3 inches |
What If I’m Between Two Sizes?
If you find yourself between two sizes, it’s best to choose the shorter paddle, although either would probably be adequate.
Some models provide an adjustable length of up to 50 cm (20 inches) or more. This is convenient if you own several kayaks of different widths or if several kayakers are using the same paddle. Adjustable paddles are often used for kayak fishing.
Paddle Shape
Both the shaft and the blade come in different shapes, each serving its own purpose. Let’s take a look at shaft shapes first.
Straight or Bent?
You’ll find two main shapes. The regular straight shaft is the most commonly used. Kayakers with wrist or join pain might prefer bent shafts. They’re a bit more expensive but you’ll be able to place your hands in a more comfortable position.
The paddling technique using a bent shaft is a little different and you might need some time and practice to adapt.
How Many Pieces?
Most paddles can be split into two pieces for easier transportation. If you’re planning to take a flight or need a more compact paddle, some can even divide into four pieces, fitting most backpacks.
Shaft Diameter
Shafts only come in two diameter sizes, regular or small. Most paddlers use a regular diameter shaft, however, if you have smaller hands than most, a small diameter might be preferred.
The smaller the diameter, the easier the paddle is to grab. Less fatigue and soreness will also be felt in your hands and wrists.
Matched or Feathered Blades?
Matched blades are aligned. Feathered blades are blades at opposite angles to each other. This style is often used by experienced paddlers and racers. It reduces the wind resistance when one blade is in the air, making paddling easier on your wrists.
Most paddles will allow you to rotate the blades from a matched to a feathered position. Adjustments can normally be done in 15-degree increments, but a few models allow you to angle the blades as you wish.
Blade Shapes
Your paddling style and the type of kayak you use will help determine which blade shape you need.
Long Blades
Low-angled strokes are commonly used by relaxed, recreational paddlers and are ideal in calm waters. This paddling style requires thinner and longer blades as it’s not as powerful as high-angled strokes.
Shorter Blades
High-angle strokes are often used in difficult water conditions, or by kayakers looking for power. This style is more exhausting but it certainly increases your speed. This paddling style is preferred by tourers, racers, and whitewater kayakers. You’ll need a shorter but larger blade.
Retailers sometimes indicate if the blade is targeted to high or low-angle paddlers. If not indicated, the blades are likely designed for a low-angle paddling style.
Symmetric v. Asymmetric Blades
Asymmetric blades are almost always used for kayaking. With larger ends, these blades are more efficient and prevent the shaft from rotating in your hands.
Low-budget paddles might use symmetric blades, but they aren’t recommended for recreational kayaking. They are often the choice of touring or whitewater kayakers.
Spoon vs. Dihedral Blades
Dihedral blades are the most common. A central vein splits the blade into two parts, allowing the water to spread evenly over the surface. This reduces flutter, allowing a more comfortable paddling style.
To use spoon blades, you’ll need a perfect technique or the blade will flutter. For experienced paddlers, spoons can offer a lot of power because of the way they scoop the water out of the way.
Paddle Material
As a general rule, paddle blades and the shaft materials differ. Let’s dip in (pun intended) to the materials used.
Blade Materials
When looking at kayak blades, you’ll soon realize that the lighter they are, the emptier your wallet. Cost notwithstanding, you will save with lighter blades—energy and fatigue that is!
Plastic, Nylon, and Aluminum Blades
You might wonder why you’re not seeing ‘plastic’ in your manufacturer’s booklet. Retailers often avoid using the term plastic, replacing it with polypropylene or polymer. Some plastic material can even be mixed with fiberglass or nylon materials, but these are slightly more expensive.
Plastic, nylon, and aluminum blades are normally found in recreational kayak paddles, as they’re the most budget-friendly blades. Sturdy and solid, they can withstand most beginner mistakes.
On the downside, they don’t get along well with UV rays, which can be a major inconvenience when it comes to outdoor activities. When left out in the sun without protection, they tend to crack, which impacts performance and stroke power.
Fiberglass Blades
If you’re looking at composite blades, they’re either made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. It’s important to obtain the details here as these materials are different, although they’re often lumped together under the name ‘composite’.
Fiberglass blades are reasonably priced, durable, and lightweight. They provide good performance and power efficiency for avid kayakers. Although they can chip, it’s unlikely that they’ll crack along the entire blade length.
Carbon-Fiber Blades
These are at the high-end spectrum of paddle blades and come at a price point to match. They combine both sturdiness and optimal energy efficiency with each stroke. Carbon fiber is often the blade of choice for experienced or professional kayakers.
If you’re looking for a paddle with high performance for minimal effort, you might want to give carbon fiber blades a try.
Shaft Materials
Today, you won’t find many shafts made out of plastic. Instead, most modern-day shafts are made of durable aluminum.
Paddles with aluminum shafts should be left in the shade during summer as they can get really hot when out in the sun. If you’ve ever picked up a paddle shaft that’s been roasting in direct sunlight, you’ll know what I mean!
You might also want to invest in gloves in winter, when the material gets too cold to handle with bare hands.
Shafts can also be made of fiberglass or carbon. These are more expensive but also more durable, stronger and lighter.
Paddling Away
Selecting the right paddle is simple if you’ve got the right info. Just consider the paddle type, length, shape, and material. Blades can also come with several variations, each fitting best with a different paddling style.
For beginners, “Euro-style” paddles combine the best features mentioned in this article. They are a great starting point, and can always be upgraded after the kayaker gains some experience.