Finding the right kayak paddle should not be that hard. Its just a pole with a flat blade at each end. But finding the paddle that is right for you does take some time, effort and thought.

There are three things that can help determine which type of paddle you should use.

1) What type of paddling are you doing to be doing? Touring, Whitewater or possibly just leisure or fishing.

2) Your height and weight will make a difference as well. The taller you are the longer the paddle should be.

3) The width of the kayak you are going to purchase. The wider the kayak, the longer the paddle so the blades slip easily into the water without you leaning to much to the side to paddle.

Once that is out of the way, you can look at the three major differences in paddles.

1) Blade length and shape

2) Shaft length and shape

3) What is your paddle constructed of

Paddle blades can be long, short, narrow, wide, feathered (offset), unfeathered, symmetrical, asymmetrical, spooned or dihedral. Each shpae has its own benefits. A wider blade bigger blade will move you quicker at start up (like having more torque in a car) but in the long run, maybe be heavier and harder to paddle longer distances. A longer, narrower blade will take more strokes but the paddler will be less tired because it is lighter.

Paddle blades that are unfeathered (not offset) have their blades parallel to each other. Feathered paddles have the blades turned at an angle to each other. Many paddles now come as two piece paddles and can be easily adjusted to be feathered or unfeathered. The reason you feather your paddle is so that the blade that is out of the water becomes flat and will not catch as much wind. This however can be harder on your wrists and beginner paddles need to get used to the motion and turn.

Blades can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.Touring paddles are long, narrow and symmetrical. Some paddlers find an asymmetrical paddle reduces the twisting on the paddle shaft while stroking, because it evens the amount of water on each side of the submerged paddle.

A spooned paddle has a curled or cupped face that increases the power of a stroke, while a dihedral paddle has a type of tapered nose in the middle of                                 the face that helps direct water around the paddle.

Shaft length and Shape is important in that a longer paddle is needed by taller paddlers and paddlers of tall or wide boats. Paddle lengths are measured in centimeters, so a 230 cm or 240 cm paddle are considered long. Often a sit-on-top kayak will need a longer paddle because of its width. A long paddle may provide more power, but will also create more resistance. Whitewater kayakers will preter shorter paddles for the increased maneuverability, quickness, strength and rigidity. A shorter paddle length could be as short as 180 cm.

Materials used in construction come to play as well. Paddles can be made of fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, graphite, Kevlar, carbon or even wood. Each type has its own feel as to weight and flex. Every paddler will have to consider the combination of weight, durability, flexibility and especially cost. Heavier paddles will typically cost less, in the $40 - $60 range. If paddling a small ranch pond, this may be perfect and all you need. Fiberglass paddles are lighter and easier to paddle longer distances. Fiberglass is the most common paddle material and can usually be found in the $85 - $125 range, depending on what the blades are made of. Paddles can get as expensive as $400 in the lighter materials like carbon, graphite and Kevlar. It is a personal choice and spend 10 - 15 minutes mimicing a paddle stroke in the store and see how comfortable the weight of the paddle is for you.

The bottom line is there are a lot of choices. Take the time in the store to pick out a paddle that will work for you. Be sure to pick up a paddle leash as one of your accessory items. Once you have invested your time and money in a paddle, you don't want to loose it on your first paddle trip.

Yak-Gear

Made in the USA / Houston, Texas

Paddling Accessories for Kayaks & Canoes

PICKING OUT THE CORRECT PADDLE