What Makes A Good Kayak Paddle?

The type of kayak, weather, water conditions, size, and kayaking style all influence the choice of kayak paddle. Carbon and fiberglass shafts are durable, strong, and lightweight, making them ideal upgrades from aluminum shafts. Fiberglass and carbon shafts provide great stiffness for paddling, while a carbon shaft and fiberglass or nylon blades are a good compromise. A larger blade with more surface area is good for quick acceleration and bursts of speed, while a smaller blade with less surface area is good for all-day touring.

Kayak paddles made of fiberglass are lightweight, stiff, and durable, making them popular for kayak touring and recreational paddlers. The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon is a high-quality 2-piece kayak paddle that stands out for its performance, ease of use, and durability. Touring paddles are the mainstay in kayak paddles, suitable for day tripping, river-running, exploring, and camping. Fiberglass is popular for its lightweight, strong, and flex under pressure. One-piece paddles are the best choice for whitewater paddles due to their solid design, durability, and long-lasting lifespan.

What happens if my kayak paddle is too short?

No matter what brand or model you buy, too short of a paddle will have you hitting your hands on the sides of the kayak. Too long and you could be adding extra strain to your shoulders and zig-zagging the kayak in the water, which can be exhausting.

Selecting the right size is more of an art than a science. When you’re deciding on your perfect paddle size you’ll not only want to determine your correct length, but also what category of paddle fits your lifestyle best, and what blade shape and ferrule is right for you.

WHAT PADDLE LENGTH SHOULD I GET?. First things first, the primary factors to consider when determining your kayak paddle length is your height as well as the width of the kayak.

Is a heavier kayak harder to paddle?

4. What happens when I approach the maximum weight limit?. This is really the crux of the issue right here. As you top out the load on your kayak, you will notice definite performance issues.

• As you add weight to your kayak, paddling (or pedaling) will become noticeably more difficult. Even though you are floating, it still takes more energy to move more weight across the water. As you get closer and closer to maximum limits, it gets harder and harder to paddle.
• Tracking & maneuverability. Your ability to direct your kayak (either in a straight line or turning) will suffer as you add weight. Your kayak will become sluggish, unresponsive, and just plain difficult as you approach maximum limits.
• Taking on water. Sinking into the water affects the above performance because you are pushing through more water, but it also means you can take on too much water. This might not be too much of a problem with a sit-on-top kayak with scupper holes, but it can seriously compromise a sit-in.
• Kayaks are not prone to capsizing, but if you are approaching upper weight limits, you are increasing the danger of a capsize event – especially in rough water. Because you are sitting deeper in the water, you are more impacted by those rough waves.

5.What factors influence weight limits on my kayak and can I do anything to change them?. The biggest factors that influence a kayak’s weight limits are as follows, but there aren’t industry standards in this so some manufacturers will take a conservative approach and others may determine a more substantial number. So even a kayak with the same specs could have different weight limits based on the manufacturer.

• Length of hull: a longer hull will be able to maintain a higher weight as it distributes the pounds over more distance
• Width of kayak: the wider a kayak the more stable it tends to be, this can aid in disturbing weight as well, leading to heavier maximums.
• Volume (displacement of water): another huge factor in determining kayak weight limits is volume (length x width x height). The shape of the hull can have a huge impact on this number. You will often find heavy loaded fishing kayaks with a pontoon hull or similar hull shape to help displace water.

Do most kayak paddles float?

How does a kayak paddle leash work?. A paddle leash is attached to your kayak and the paddle. Most modern paddles are designed to float, but you can stop them from floating away if it falls overboard with a leash.

Where do you put a kayak paddle holder?. A paddle holder should be placed in a location that provides easy access. Ideally, a paddle holder is installed so the paddle will sit directly in from the kayak seat within easy reach of the operator. Paddle holders clips are screwed into the deck, and other styles may need to be installed into pre-existing rails.

Paddling techniques. Is fibreglass or aluminium kayak paddle better?. A fibreglass paddle is lighter and more durable than an aluminium paddle. Fibreglass paddles are more expensive than others, and most kayakers will start with an aluminium paddle and then upgrade as they become more experienced paddlers.

Are carbon kayak paddles worth it?

On the other hand, do you love paddling and get out several times a season? Are you a “lifetime” paddler who has many years of kayaking ahead of you?

In that case, a carbon paddle is definitely a worthwhile investment. Its light swing weight will ensure hours of paddling without the physical strain, as well as years of durability.

Do You Have Physical Limitations?. If you have wrist, shoulder or back issues, having the lightest paddle available is an absolute plus. Combined with good technique, a feather-light paddle will ease off on your joints and allow you more paddling time with less soreness.

Does a few ounces really make that much difference? ProStaffer, Bill Schultz, says this:

Which is better fiberglass or carbon kayak paddle?

Standard carbon is heavier but more durable and stiff. It’s hard to compare the durability of fiberglass vs a standard carbon paddle, but fiberglass is rated to be more durable than foam core due to the lightweight construction of a foam core paddle.

Werner paddles with a foam core are extremely light, float high and have Dynel® edges. The paddle’s Dynel® edge reinforcement prevents wear on the edge (fiberglass and standard carbon don’t have this).Edges on paddles without Dynel® edges slowly wear over time and lose surface area of the blade over the years from abrasion.

What is the best shape for a kayak paddle?

Among the Euro style blades, there are two types of blade shapes: High-angle and low-angle. These refer to the style of paddling done with each.

The wider, shorter high-angle blade packs more power, and is best for a vertical, aggressive stroke. The longer, narrower low-angle blade is for more relaxed kayaking, and offers more efficiency over several hours.

Low-angle (left) and high-angle (right) blades are for different paddling styles (photo by Andrew Strain)

There are four main types of blade materials used in kayak paddles:

What size paddle should I get for my height?

Touring Paddle Sizing GuidePaddler HeightBoat WidthApprox. Paddle Length5’0″ – 5’10″17″ – 23″220cm – 230cm5’6″ – 6’2″23″ – 25″230cm – 240cm0ver 6’3″Over 25″240cm – 250cm.

It seems that there are as many different ways of sizing paddles as there are paddlers. These guidelines will help provide you with the basics to get started and are based on the goal of providing you with a paddle length that will put the whole blade in the water during the power phase of your stroke while leaving your body in a comfortable paddling position. This allows you to move your vessel through the water with efficiency, precision, grace and endurance.

• CANOE – STRAIGHT SHAFT. First, sit on a flat surface and measure the distance from your seat to your eye level.
• Next, add the distance from your boat seat to the water line.
• Finally, add the length of the paddle blade (as these very with type and model).

This should be a good starting point for the overall length of your canoe paddle.

What is the most efficient kayak paddle stroke?

High angle is the most efficient forward paddling style. It gives you maximum speed in your sea kayak and, when done well, maximizes the use of your larger body muscle groups. However, it requires good posture, balance, body rotation and appropriately conditioned muscle groups for comfortable paddling day in, day out.

• How to complete a kayak forward stroke. 1) Catch Phase. Body posture upright with no forward bobbing.
• Arm extended for maximum reach.
• Relaxed top hand prevents wrist strain, improves circulation andreach.
• Maximum reach gained through good torso rotation.
• Paddle entering water cleanly and near vertical, like spearing a fish.
• Power put on paddle immediately.

• 2) Power Phase. Unwind rotation of body for power.
• Push foot peg on the same side as paddle blade for power transfer through core muscles.
• Knees/thighs relaxed in kayak to allow power transfer.
• Paddle stays at a high angle so the blade tracks near vertically alongside the kayak.
• Paddle is held away from body throughout to maximize rotation.
• Top hand guides and pushes paddle to prepare for next catch phase and stays about level with eyes.

Do expensive kayak paddles make a difference?

A lighter, more efficient paddle will immeasurably enhance your kayaking experience. If you have to skimp somewhere, skimp a little on the boat rather than out of the paddle. (Most $240.00 paddles are dramatically better than most $140.00 paddles.

–The paddle is your most immediate connection to the water. It is as important to you as the paintbrush is to the artist. And, even more so. Someday your life may depend upon it.

Some paddlers I know have gone out and purchased their paddle several weeks or even months before purchasing their first boat. This is a great idea if it means more time, consideration, and financial resources are devoted to this extremely important piece of your kayaking “kit.” The point is that your paddle should not be purchased as an afterthought, when you are suffering buyer’s remorse, or after your budget has already been busted. And while some outfitters will give a good deal on a paddle when / after you purchase a kayak, you might want to at least research paddle options beforehand — and have one picked out by the time you purchase your boat.

A common recommendation is that you buy the lightest paddle you can afford — you will not regret it. A lighter, more efficient paddle will immeasurably enhance your kayaking experience. If you have to skimp somewhere, skimp a little on the boat rather than out of the paddle. (Most $240.00 paddles are dramatically better than most $140.00 paddles. The average $2400.00 boat is only marginally better than the average $2300.00 boat). You lift your paddle thousands of times each hour and its the source of your most immediate contact with the water. Kayaking with a good paddle versus a clunker is like the difference between jogging in lightweight running shoes and hiking boots. Over the long term, if I had to choose, I would rather paddle a heavy plastic boat with a good paddle than a sleek glass boat with a clunker paddle.

Is it better to have a longer or shorter kayak paddle?

High-angle paddling is aggressive and fast. Because the strokes are more vertical, your paddle should be shorter. Whitewater kayakers and speed-lovers use high-angle strokes often.

Low-angle paddling is relaxed and meant for long days on the water. Your strokes are more horizontal and so your paddle should be longer. Touring and recreational kayakers use mostly low-angle strokes.

Kayak Fishing Sizing Guide?. Visit the kayak fishing sizing guide here.

Do you push or pull a kayak paddle?

Learn the correct motion – Push and Pull To move forward, you have to dip your paddle blade into the water with your lower hand, and pull back the paddle shaft. But at the same time, your upper hand should be pushing forward, exerting leverage on the shaft.

Holding a kayak paddle the right way is perhaps the most basic skill that requires mastering before one can pick up the sport. There were many different parts to a kayak paddle and how you hold one could mean sink or swim when you’re out in the open seas.

That’s why it’s of absolute importance that you learn the proper technique to holding a kayak paddle before you get into your kayak. Here are 5 easy steps that show you the right technique to use when kayaking.

This way when your instructor gives you pieces of information while you’re out kayaking you’re not going to think he’s speaking in a made up language. Here’s a diagram to help clear any confusion.

How do I choose the right paddle for my kayak?

To choose a kayak paddle, you need to consider four basic ideas:Length: Your boat width and your height determine your paddle length.Materials and price: Lightweight materials improve performance, but add to a paddle’s price.Blade choice: Your paddle’s blade size and shape affect its overall efficiency in the water.