The #1 Youth/Teen/Beginner Kayak Paddle for SUCCESS

Beginners need a quality, lightweight paddle with the right features to succeed as they learn to paddle a kayak.  

What is the best affordable kayak paddle for beginners? 

Perfect for youth and teens, as well as adults who are learning to kayak, the Carlisle Magic Plus is the #1 best paddle for beginners, as it balances affordability, quality, and the technical features that first time paddlers need to succeed.   

​The paddle blade is designed for efficient and powerful strokes.  It's durable and light, has an asymmetrical slightly curved blade for efficiency and comfort, and an easy to use button ferrule to adjust the angle of the blades.  It's brightly colored and easy to spot if you drop in the water, reinforced with fiberglass making it strong and light, and is designed for touring and recreation, making it the all-around best paddle for those new to the sport.     

Balancing price and quality

I voted the Carlisle Magic Plus as the #1 kayak paddle for beginners because it is both very affordable and yet has what a beginner needs to succeed. 

Any paddle that is cheaper than the Carlisle Magic Plus is too heavy, too cheaply made, and too unpleasant to use to hook a new paddler and help them both enjoy and fall in love with the sport. 

While there are high-end delicious paddles that are as light as a feather and made of 100% carbon fiber, they are too much money for a beginner ($300-$500) and while I will say they are 100% worth the price, beginners are not ready to spend that kind of money on a paddle in a sport they are just dipping their toe in. 

The Carlisle Magic Plus hovers right around $100 and is a steal for the combination of features and build.     

The Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is my #1 pick for best Youth, Teen, and Beginner Paddle for Adults because it balances affordability, quality, and the technical features that first time paddlers need to succeed.

Well Reviewed Beginner Paddle for Teens/Youth and Adults

Most beginner paddles are poorly made and lead to a poor user experience because water drips  down the paddler's hands, the paddle is clunky heavy plastic, breaks easily, and lacks proper design. 

I recommend the Magic Plus because beginners love it. 

​They go out and have a good day on the water and they come home happy and wanting to go out again the next day. 

Take some time to read the Carlisle Magic Plus reviews to learn what was important to other beginners.  Once you have owned your first paddle you will want to be able to use it for many years before needing an upgrade. 

The Magic Plus came in first because it could easily be the only paddle you ever own and for many casual recreational paddlers, it is.  

Easy Guide to Choosing Kayak Paddle Size

The Carlisle Magic Plus comes in 4 sizes (lengths). 

This paddle is appropriate for youth age 14 and up through all the teen years, and also for adults. 

Kayak paddle lengths are listed in centimeters.   

220, 230, or 240 cm are the most common sizes for teens and adults buying a new kayak paddle.

Here is a quick reference so you can choose the right size of kayak paddle: 

Height	Kayak under 25" width	Kayak over 25" width	Kayak Over 28" width
4 ½ to 5 ft	​190-210	210-220	​230
5 to 5 ½ ft​	210	220​	230
5 ½ to 6 ft	220	230	230-240
​6 ft and up	​220-230	230-240	240

220 is going to work for most teens and smaller adults, and 230 is the average paddle used by most adults. 240+ would be for very tall paddlers or those with very wide kayaks.  Very petite paddlers and those in child-sized kayaks will want smaller paddles - if that's your young child or very small teen see my guide and recommendations for child-sized paddles here.       

Don't worry too much, just get your first paddle and get started. 

It's the only way you'll ever know exactly what you want. 

Sometimes we waste years just waiting until we feel 100% ready while it's always better to just get started and learn as you go. 

There's never been a better time to try kayaking. 

The outdoors help us manage stress and fill us with hope. 

Please read my kayak reviews and life jacket recommendations if you need help choosing a kayak or life jacket. 

All the best to you on your new adventure!  

The Carlisle Magic Plus is my #1 vote for Youth and Teens and even adults who are beginners choosing their first paddle. 

This paddle will help you have 100% success!

Happy Kayaking!  

MJ