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Kayak Paddle Guide When choosing your kayak paddle you need to consider paddle length, paddle material, and what type of paddling you will be doing (high angle or low angle) to select the style of kayak paddle that will benefit you the most. A guide to choosing the right paddle length (including a kayak paddling size chart), a kayak paddle material guide, and reviews and suggestions for a beginner paddle for kayaking, intermediate paddle for kayaking and advance kayaking paddling are all listed below. GET STARTED Kayak Paddle Size Guidelines for Adults KNOW IF YOU WANT LOW ANGLE OR HIGH ANGLE PADDLING 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 CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE 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:
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 Comments are closed.
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Our FamilyAlmost six years ago we moved into a little New England house with a river in the backyard and quickly discovered the joy of kayaking kids. 
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