How to Choose the Right Kayak Paddle Length for Your Kayak

Kayakers can achieve comfort and control by choosing the correct kayak paddle length. While small paddles might result in back pain and painful hands from rubbing against the boat or bending too far over to reach the water, long paddles may be difficult to lift and maneuver.

Meanwhile, the correct kayak paddle size helps you avoid being stuck on the water as you can navigate, turn, and direct it properly.

This article will teach you how to choose the suitable kayak for the best experience. Follow along!

Step 1: Determine Your Kayak Purpose

What size kayak do I need? You may wonder. Yet, before going into details, you should ask yourself what you need a kayak for.

• Recreational Kayak

Recreational kayaks are perfect for short excursions, fishing, fitness, and exploring the beach. While paddling along the shallow water, you should focus on durability and broader blades for increased bite. Even when half of a wider blade is above shallow water, it still creates more bite.

• Touring Kayak

Touring kayaks are made with carbon or fiberglass shafts for lightweight comfort. They are ideal for day outings, river running, exploration, and camping on lakes and slow-moving rivers.

• Performance Kayak

Performance kayak paddles are best for extended outings or people with sore shoulders. They lessen fatigue, joint strain, and swing weight. Carbon shafts and compression molded blades are a popular choice among enthusiasts.

• Whitewater Kayak

Whitewater kayaks feature thick carbon or fiberglass shafts to provide extra strength, durability, and quick cadence. Extreme kayaking conditions can cause the equipment to break. Thus, a proper design of white kayaks strikes a balance between strength and weight. Go for a 4-piece, lightweight, storable paddle for unexpected circumstances.

If you want a more convenient and enjoyable trip, consider purchasing your own inflatable kayak.

=> Maybe you'll be interested in: 30 Types of Kayaks

Step 2: Measure Your Kayak Width

To determine the best kayak sizes, you need to measure your kayak at its widest point to find its width. The broader the kayak, the longer the paddle required to reach into the water without stretching your body. Then, you compare this measurement to your body height and torso to find out the ideal kayak paddle length.

Step 3: Measure Your Torso Height

Once you've finished measuring, follow these steps to measure your torso height:

• Locate your top vertebra, or the point where your neck and shoulders connect, by bending your head down and using your hands.
• Measure the base of your spine to determine the lower part of your body. Put your hands on each hip bone, index, and thumb pointing backward.
• Examine the distance between your thumbs and your eyes.
• Ask someone to measure the distance between your top vertebra and the imaginary line that crosses your lumbar area as you stand erect and hold up a soft tape measure.

Now, look at this table to as a basis for your kayak paddle size:

Step 4: Measure Your Body Height

Now, compare your height with the kayak width:

Step 5: Choose the Right Paddle Blade

You can choose a long, slim blade or a short, broad blade based on your style of paddling.

• High-angle

High-angle paddlers use a shorter, broader blade and a shorter shaft paddle to maintain a vertical shaft throughout their stroke. An explosive, athletic stroke is made possible with this upright technique. This shorter shaft, broader blade paddle is also used by paddlers with quick cadences, such as whitewater racers and fast cadence tourers.

• Low-angle

Low-angle paddlers keep a horizontal stroke parallel to the water and frequently use a longer, thinner blade for energy economy. It's the most popular technique in North America and is best described as a comfortable cruising stroke.

Kayak Paddle Size Chart

Here’s the kayak paddle size chart for your reference:

Note:

If you have two or more of the following, think about sizing 5 or more cm shorter:

• A faster or endurance-oriented paddle speed
• A very narrow boat width
• A really vertical high-angle forward stroke
• Tumblehome, which is often angled inward boat layout
• Seat location is lower than in most standard boat types.
• You don't fit into our sizing chart since you are under 5'5"

On the other hand, sizing 5 or more centimeters longer is for you if you have the following:

• A slower, more leisurely pace while paddling
• Unusually large boat-width
• A horizontal, low-angle forward stroke
• High seat in the boat or kayak
• Boat designs that flare, flatten, or have a V-shape (often with an outward angle)
• You are not in the size chart since you are taller than 6'

=> Maybe you'll be interested in: Buying a Kayak: Beginner's Guide

Grab Your Perfect Kayak Paddle Size and Conquer the Waves!

Choosing a suitable kayak paddle length will enhance your comfort and efficiency on the water. The decision mostly depends on your kayak width, your height, and your style of paddling.

If you're looking for top-notch equipment to improve your performance and reduce fatigue during the excursion, check out iROCKER's kayak paddle and inflatable kayak. You can always find a suitable choice for your needs.

If you already have a stand up paddle board and want to go kayaking, the iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit can help you convert it.