How To Size A Bent Shaft Canoe Paddle?

To size a paddle, sit up straight on a flat chair and measure the distance from the seat between your legs to your eyes. Bent shaft and straight shaft paddles diverge, and the overall length should be determined by the shaft length from the top of the paddle. The key to getting the right size paddle is to know your torso length, which can be used as a guideline whether in a shop or at home.

A bent shaft paddle is typically four inches shorter than a straight shaft paddle for the same person. For example, if you normally use a 56-inch paddle, the Viper is ergonomically designed with a double bend shaft to help keep both wrists aligned when paddling, reducing fatigue and benefiting wilderness paddling. The most common canoe paddles are 57-, 60-, and 54-inch long.

Choosing the right size paddle based on height, canoeing style, and preference will make your day on the water more efficient and enjoyable. A bent-shaft paddle should be about two inches shorter overall than your straight paddle. Consider canoe response when choosing a paddle, as a highly-rockered canoe that pivots on a penny is easily turned with a short paddle.

To determine the approximate length of a bent shaft paddle, sit erect on a flat hard chair or the floor and measure the distance from the surface to your chin. Add 6 for the approximate distance the canoe seat would be from the waterline. Mark where the shoulder of the blade hits you, as the shoulder on a straight shaft should be at your forehead, while on a bent shaft, it should be at your forehead.

In conclusion, the best way to choose a paddle size is to have the handle grip rest between your nose and chin when standing straight.