Low angle paddling = touring, relaxed, calm water, long trips

(here is an example of a low-angle paddle) https://amzn.to/42Ug5uE

High angle paddling = white water, speed, heavy gear, ocean

​(here is an example of what a high angle paddle blade looks like) https://amzn.to/46qesYo
​

Paddles generally come in sizes between 210 and 240 for adults and are listed in cm.  
First, measure or look up online the measurement of your kayak’s width, and then look at the chart below to see what size paddle would work best for your height with your specific kayak.  
If your paddle is too short your arms will hit the side of your kayak when you try to paddle.  If your paddle is too long, it will feel difficult to maneuver your paddle in the water.  If your paddle length is just right you will be having a great time on the water!
The last thing to consider when choosing between two sizes is the type of paddling you are doing, high-angle or low-angle.   
If you will be using your kayak for touring (long relaxed trips) this is called low-angle paddling and if choosing between two sizes, go with the longer size for this type of paddling.  
If you are a high-angle paddler (high speed or carrying heavy gear/white water kayaking) you will prefer a slightly shorter paddle compared to touring because your strokes are high-angle.  ​

Two different sizing charts, one for LOW-ANGLE paddling and one for HIGH-ANGLE paddlingLow-angle paddling is more horizontal (think long relaxed days paddling with relaxed smooth strokes) and also recreational kayaks tend to be wider, so you will need to buy a longer paddle.  High-angle paddles for white water and paddling through waves require a more vertical stroke and boats tend to be more narrow and thus a shorter paddle is needed.  
Below are size charts for low-angle paddle sizing and high-angle paddle sizing.
Low-Angle Kayak Paddle Size Chart for Adults
Paddler’s HeightKayak Width less than 25”Kayak Width over 25”Kayak Width over 28”
4 ½ ft to 5 ft(122 to 152 cm)190-210210-220230
5 to 5 ½ ft(152 to 168 cm)210220230
5 ½ to 6 ft(168 to 183 cm)220230230-240
6 ft and up(183 cm and up)220-230230-240240
Low-Angle Kayak Paddle Size Chart for Adults
onestepclosertonature.com
High-Angle Kayak Paddle Size Chart for AdultsHigh-Angle Kayak Paddle Size Chart for Adults

Paddler’s HeightRiver Runners and
creek paddling
(general down river
white water Paddling)Play Boats
(smallest of all
white water kayaks)
Under 4’8 (142 cm)188 cm185 cm
4’8 ft to 5’2 ft(142 to 157 cm)191 cm188 cm
5’2 to 5’8 ft(157 to 172 cm)194 cm 191 cm
5’8 to 6 ft(172 to 183 cm)197 cm194 cm
6 ft to 6’3(183 to 191 cm )200 cm197 cm
6’3 and up(191 cm and up)203 cm197 cm


Choose a Kayak Shaft SizeThe shaft is the part you hold in your hands when paddling.  If it’s too wide for your hands it will be uncomfortable to hold.  
Measure your hand from base of palm to tip of middle finger.  If it measures larger than 6 ½ inches (17 cm) order a standard sized kayak shaft.  If it is smaller than 6 ½ inches order a small shaft.  
Determining Your Kayak Paddle Shaft Size Chart
Hand Measurement from base of palm to tip of middle fingerKayak Paddle Shaft Size you should order
smaller than 6.5 inches (smaller than 17 cm)small shaft
6.5 inches or larger ( 17 cm or larger)standard/regular shaft
Kayak Paddle Material GuidelinesThe materials of your kayak paddle determine how light or heavy it is and also its flexibility or stiffness in the water.  
​
Here’s a brief overview of each material: 

• Plastic or plastic blends with an aluminum shaft are the most affordable entry-level paddle materials.  Great for young kids.  

• Fiberglass blades with a fiberglass shafts are middle grade material.  Lighter and more rigid than plastic gives more power to your stroke. This is the most common material for beginners to choose.
• Nylon/Carbon Fiber Blades with a carbon shaft are premium paddles built for comfort, power and efficiency.  This is what intermediate and advanced paddlers want in a paddle.  
• Wood is another material you may see, though less commonly for kayak paddles.  Wood makes a durable paddle but unless it is high end it can be heavier than the other materials.  Some people like the aesthetic and feel of wood, but it does require upkeep, unlike other paddle materials.  Here is an example of a specialty wood kayak paddle designed for touring: https://amzn.to/3XdsHf3 

Kayak Paddle Material Chart




Material Pros and Cons:Who this paddle is for:
Plastic BlendsAffordable
Breaks more easily than other paddles
Less RigidLess powerful strokesKids
Fiberglass blades with fiberglass shaftsLighter than plastic
Stronger than plastic
Affordable
Not as strong or light or rigid as Nylon/Carbon Fiber paddlesBeginners and some intermediate paddlers
Nylon/Carbon Fiber Blades with Carbon ShaftsVery lightweight
Rigid for powerful strokesEfficient strokes
Premium feel and performance
ExpensiveSome intermediate and all advanced and competitive paddlers (also anyone who likes the best quality and can afford it!)
WoodAttractive
Can be heavy depending on how high-end it is
Can splinter/break
Requires upkeep such as oiling depending on the type of wood and finish
Unique balance of stiffness/flexibility


Those who prefer wood paddles. wood paddles are strongly a matter of preference for the unique aesthetic and feel of wood
Kayak Paddle Material Chart
onestepclosertonature.com
WHY ARE KAYAK PADDLES SHAPED the way they are?Do you wonder why kayak paddles are shaped differently or what style of kayak paddle is best for YOU?  
There are many different types of kayaking and paddles are designed differently for each style of kayaking and kayaker.  Some paddles are designed for children and some are for fishing, some paddles are designed for speed or efficiency, while some are meant to withstand heavy use and hold up against abuse like banging against rocks in white water.  
Use the chart below to get an idea of what benefits different paddle characteristics have and which ones might benefit you in your paddling. 
Kayak Paddle Characteristics Chart
Shape/Paddle CharacteristicWhat it’s called:Use and benefit:
Long narrow bladeLow-angle paddlingLong hours on the water, relaxed style of paddling
Wide shorter bladeHigh-angle paddlingFaster, more powerful paddling 
Blades that are not the same shape top to bottom and right to left, not symmetrical Asymmetrical bladeTouring paddles are usually asymmetrical and help your paddle glide through the water
Ability to offset each paddle blade at a different angleFeatheringAllows flexibility to reduce the effort of paddling in strong winds (one hand will be rotating at the wrist)
Not needed for beginning paddling and feel is strongly a matter of preference 
Paddle without curves in handleStraight-shaftMost common
Paddle with curves in handleCurved-shaftThe curved shaft is preferred by some with wrist problems, allowing wrists to be in a more natural position during strokes, but this may feel unnatural to some paddlers and make some strokes more awkward to execute
Paddle with narrow handleSmall ShaftBeneficial for women, youth, and those with small hands.  Makes holding the paddle more comfortable.
Blade with shallow scooped-out shapeWinged Shaped bladeGood for racers with extremely high-angle strokes, uncomfortable for recreational paddlers
Subtle ridge through paddle with two “faces on paddle” that both tilt slightly downDihedral BladeCommon helpful design for general paddling, reduces flutter and vibration while you paddle
Buttons on the paddle at jointsFerrulesAllows ability to break paddle down for storage or travel
​
Kayak Paddle Characteristics Chart
onestepclosertonature.com

Kayak Paddle Reviews and Suggestions

Best Beginner Kayak Paddles (the most affordable kayak paddles)

These paddles for beginners are highly rated and are the best paddles to help you get started with a good affordable kayak paddle without buying a dud or breaking the bank. 

When your skills improve and you are ready for an upgrade, or if you are able to spend more now, take a moment to look at the intermediate and luxury paddles to see if they would fit your budget and be a good fit for you.  The more you invest in a highly-rated paddle the more efficient your strokes will be.  Kayaking will feel easier and more comfortable.  But there’s nothing wrong with getting an affordable entry-level paddle when you are first getting started. 

These ones are my favorites:   

Touring (low-angle) paddle for a beginner
Fishing Paddle for a beginner
White water paddle for beginner
Best Intermediate Kayak Paddles (highly-rated, middle-priced, middle-grade kayak paddles)These paddles are quality paddles that cost a little more for better materials than the entry-level paddles but you will certainly notice the lighter feel, better grip, better stroke, durability, and performance as the paddle cuts through the water: 
Touring (low-angle) intermediate paddles I love:
Fishing middle-grade top-rated paddles: 
White water intermediate paddles:
Best Advanced Kayak Paddles (high-end, luxury kayak paddles)Once you own one of the paddles on this list you will never go back to any other paddles.  These paddles are made of the best materials with cutting-edge technology.  These paddles are light, strong, improve stroke efficiency, and just feel great in your hands. Here are the best:
Touring (low-angle) paddles I love:
Fishing high-end top quality paddles: 
White water high-end paddles with best ratings: 

PADDLES FOR KIDS AND TEENS

For a kids and teens size paddle guide and my personal kids kayaking reviews head over to my posts on Kayakingkids.com for charts, sizes and suggestions for paddles, kayaks, life jackets and an age-by-age guide of what type of kayaking kids and teens can do at each age.  

You are now ready to order a paddle in the perfect size, style and materials for you.  All the best, and   happy kayaking from my family to yours!  

-MJ at onestepclosertonature.com and kayakingkids.com
Mom of 4, writer, and advocate of time in the outdoors