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Which Kayak Paddle Is Right For You?

9 December 2020

Jacey Martin

If you have recently gotten into kayaking, you may be wondering which kayak paddle will work best for you. There are several different aspects of the paddle that you should look at when choosing — including, but not limited to, the following.

The Width Of the Kayak

The wider your kayak, the longer kayak paddles you will need. Sometimes people buy too short of paddles, which can make it extremely difficult to go straight, and also may tire you out more quickly. There are adjustable paddles that you can purchase, you just need to make sure that you fit them to your paddle appropriately. You should be able to touch the water on both sides with relatively little trouble. 

The Material

The material you choose for your kayak paddle can greatly impact each ride you take. Aluminum paddle shafts are quite light, but they may not last as long as carbon or fiberglass. Carbon and fiberglass are quite a bit tougher than aluminum and are actually even lighter, but they may be quite a bit more expensive.

Paddle Blade Shape

The paddle blades that are at either end of the shaft will greatly determine how your day of kayaking will go. The wider the paddle shape, the more each stroke will count, though you may tire more easily. Skinnier blades allow you to keep paddling with little resistance, though each stroke will only propel you so much. Typically people who are planning to kayak for many hours will choose skinnier blades so that they can keep up their stamina.

Your Personal Preference

Personal preference can determine many parts of your kayak paddle. For example, if you want to ease the strain on your wrists, you may want to get a paddle that has a slight bend in it. This will limit the amount your wrists need to bend with each stroke. Some people also choose to get a smaller or bigger paddle shaft, depending on their hand size. Typically people with bigger hands will want a thicker paddle shaft since it will fit them more comfortably. Kayak paddles also come in a wide variety of colors and designs, which can make them just a little more personal and fun. 

In conclusion, there is a lot that goes into choosing the right kayak paddle. If you have any doubts or questions you may want to talk to an expert at a sporting goods store for help choosing the perfect paddle blades for you.

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