Basics and Beyond: How to Choose a Paddle

April-May 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Graham Ketcheson

 
Blade shapes vary from the wide-bladed 'power' paddles derived from white water, to the thin-bladed Greenland paddles, and are made from a range of materials from wood to graphite. Photo by Laurie MacBride

"How long should my paddle be?"

It's a question I hear a lot when teaching basic kayaking. "Don't worry too much about that now," I respond. "Choose one you think is right. We'll go have some fun on the water first and learn more about paddles later..."
At first, learning to make your kayak steer, moving where you want, launching and landing are much more important than choosing the perfect paddle. Once you've kayaked, perhaps even tried some different types of paddles, you'll be ready to make an educated choice.

Paddles are a personal preference. There is no right and wrong when choosing. Lots of opinions, theories, and formulas exist, but when it comes down to it, choose one that feels right. Is your paddle too heavy? Is it awkwardly long? Are you working too hard pulling water? Well you probably haven't found the right paddle yet.

In an ideal world, each kayaker would use a different paddle for each boat that they paddled. I base the overall length of a paddle on what boat I'm going to be paddling. Other features like blade size and materials are a matter of personal choice and paddling style. The average length of a touring paddle is between 220 cm and 230 cm, although there is now a trend toward shorter and lighter paddles.

Factors in Choosing a Paddle

  • Width of the boat

  • Your height when seated in boat

  • Cadence (how many strokes you take in a minute)

  • Blade width and length

  • Materials & Budget

Width of Boat

So it's your turn in the Queen Mary tandem kayak? Grab a longer paddle, say a 230 to 240 cm. You'll need the length to reach the water across the wide deck. If you are paddling a sleeker single kayak, try a 210 to 220 cm paddle.
Height in Boat
Are you tall in the torso and long in the arms? Try a slightly shorter paddle because you can reach further, even across a wide and deep double kayak. Conversely, put a shorter torso person in the same boat and they will need a longer paddle to have a hope of reaching the water.

Cadence

A paddler with a high cadence, taking shorter strokes but more of them, is very efficient. A shorter paddle is best for this paddling style, say 210 to 220 cm. A longer shaft paddle is suited to a lower cadence style.

Blade Width

A wide blade pulls more water with each stroke and is good for working out, speed, and aggressive paddling. White water blades are often designed wider, to pull you quickly around river obstacles or shoot you powerfully over waterfalls. Sea kayak blades are typically narrower, allowing a kayaker to paddle longer distances without tiring. Sea kayakers can increase their cadence but expend less energy because they are pulling less water with each stroke.

Try different blade widths. Most manufacturers have several blade styles to choose from. Test out really narrow blades like a quill or Greenland style paddle, too. Consider the length of blade as well. Differing blade lengths increase or decrease your working shaft length. Touring paddles are generally asymmetrical. The top and bottom half of the blade are unequal. This reduces torque and allows the blade to exit and enter the water cleanly. But that's a topic for another time.

Materials & Budget

There have been lots of innovations in materials and I'm sure more amazingly lightweight material combinations are yet to come. The reality is that some lightweight paddles are a little pricey. If you are serious about kayaking, you may go this route. Many moderately weighted and priced paddles are available in fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, or any combination of these. Heavy aluminum shaft and plastic blade paddles are murderous after a day's paddle. If you can afford it, go for something a notch or two up from these. Expect to pay between $100 to $200 for a good paddle.

And finally, a word on design. Bent vs straight shaft paddle? Start out with a straight shaft. There is plenty of time to experiment with bent shafts later as you improve your skills. Bent shaft paddles were originally designed for racing. More recreational paddlers are using them today.

For strength, a one piece paddle is best, although two pieces are easier to store and transport. Buy the lightest paddle you can afford. Your arms and shoulders will thank you for the weight and the variety (since you can feather or off-set the blade). Buy a recognized brand name from a reputable paddle shop. Hopefully you can test out the paddles before you buy. Ask what they recommend. What brand and style do they use for rentals? Can you return the paddle if it's not the right length?

Graham Ketcheson lives in Parry Sound near the shores of Georgian Bay. He manages White Squall Paddling Centre, is an AECSKO qualified Guide, and CRCA Kayak Instructor. He spends his spare time playing drums in a local folk rock band. Ph: 705-342-5324 www.whitesquall.com ©