how to know what size kayak paddle you need

It might not be the virtually intriguing piece of your kayaking equipment – just that doesn't make kayak paddles any less of import than, say, your 'yak.

I hateful, it's what gets you from point A to point B. Without 1, all you'll do is float around with no real fashion to get anywhere. Plus, an incorrectly sized kayak paddle is a sure-fire mode to turn a fun kayaking trip into an uncomfortable, blistery, fatiguing disaster.

Now, you might exist wondering: What size kayak paddle practice I demand?

Proceed reading; we have a lot to discuss!

Spoiler warning – we have even thrown in a kayak paddle sizing nautical chart, or two, to assistance you choice the right size paddle.

Benefits Of Right-Sized Paddles: Why Kayak Paddle Size Matters?

I'one thousand oft asked, is kayaking difficult? No it isn't – as long as you don't make it then with poor decisions!

Your choice of kayak paddle is i biggest decision you will need to brand – yet many new kayakers end up with an unsuitable paddle. An appropriately sized paddle – that you can concur – and use – comfortably helps keep the fatigue at bay and makes you lot a more efficient paddler in full general.

Knowing what size kayak paddle you lot need, and and so choosing the right size paddle, does wonders for your overall kayaking feel – in more ways than one.

Here are a few reasons why choosing the right kayak paddle length matters:

• Improved Control Over Your 'Yak – Suitable paddle size makes it possible to utilize your paddle amend. In return, that makes navigating the waters, decision-making and steering your kayak, and maintaining balance easier, even for less experienced paddlers.
  
• More Comfort, More Fun – Condolement is an essential part of an enjoyable kayaking trip – and having the right paddle plays a major role in information technology. When you choose a proper paddle length, you minimize your chances of blisters, musculus strains, and fatigue. In short, you're in for a more pleasant experience overall.
  
• Better Efficiency & Longer Paddling Sessions – Using the correct type – and more than importantly, size – of paddle ensures better efficiency with each stroke. You won't need to put in as much effort into paddling and won't feel fatigue equally often. It can help yous improve how long and how far yous tin can go.

What Happens When You Use A Paddle That's Likewise Long Or As well Short?

Not knowing what size kayak paddle you need could result with you lot ending up with a paddle that's either as well long or too short for you – equally a result, comfort is typically the first thing to wing out the window.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with a wrong paddle size:

• Having less control over the kayak, making it go zig-zag, rather than tracking directly
• Experiencing fatigue and muscle soreness ofttimes
• Struggling to reach the h2o with the paddle bract and having to lean over to recoup for it
• Dealing with the additional weight of the paddle
• Striking the sides of the kayak'southward hull with your knuckles
• Having to put in more than endeavour to maintain stability
• Developing blisters during longer paddling sessions

Making Your Choice Easier: Factors That Determine Kayak Paddle Size

The general guidelines for determining what size paddle for kayaking you lot demand are pretty straightforward:

The taller you lot are – and the wider your kayak – the longer your paddle.

Still, deciding what size kayak paddle you need is a highly subjective affair. Your height and torso length, your kayak's width, and even the type of kayaking you do are all factors that accept to exist considered.

How To Choice A Kayak Paddle Size - Good Help!

• Your Trunk Size – Your torso size, namely your overall acme and torso length, is arguably the biggest factor in kayak paddle size. As I said, the taller you are, the longer the paddle you lot need. Almost paddle size charts will include paddler's pinnacle as the leading factor, but equally you lot'll encounter later, your torso height makes for a more authentic match.
  
• Kayak Width – The width of your kayak's hull will be the 2nd most of import consideration when determining the correct of a kayak paddle. The wider your 'yak, the longer your paddle; it's that elementary. Always measure the kayak's widest indicate for the virtually authentic reading.
  
• Stroke Preference and Paddling Style – Stroke bending preference plays a major factor in kayak paddle selection – the loftier angle vs low angle argue. Do yous prefer a high-angle paddling stroke that keeps the blade closer to the kayak'due south side and generates more forcefulness? Or practice yous like using a more horizontal, low-angle paddling stroke for longer days on the h2o? All else being equal, you would demand a shorter paddle in the first scenario, with a shorter and wider bract shape. And, a longer paddle in the second, with a longer and narrower paddles blades.
  
• Type Of Kayaking You Do – Some other fashion to narrow down your paddle size options is to cistron in the kind of kayaking y'all plan on doing – recreational, touring, performance, or whitewater. For instance, in rough waters and whitewater rapids, control is a priority; a shorter paddle fits the bill. Longer touring kayaks phone call for longer paddles, as they help generate more stroke power. Recreational paddling falls somewhere in between.
  
• Seat Height – If you prefer a higher seating position – as kayak anglers typically practice because it increases visibility and casting ability – know that it volition touch on your paddle angle and as a event your paddle's size, every bit you volition require a longer paddle. Determine the recommended paddle size for you based on the factors discussed above, and then add roughly x centimeters. That volition compensate for the actress altitude from the water when kayak fishing.

Let's Talk Actual Numbers: How Practise Yous Size A Paddle?

When information technology come to question of what size kayak paddle do I need, at that place are 2 common ways to size your paddle:

Ane is a quick-and-easy method, perfect when you have to size a paddle out in the field, though. The other involves measuring tape and writing down numbers – merely the more meticulous approach does brand for more accurate results.

How to Size a Kayak Paddle

Method #ane: How To Size A Kayak Paddle (Quick & Piece of cake Fashion)

If want a unproblematic way of knowing what size paddle you lot need, and y'all can't bother searching for your measuring record right now or y'all're short on time, you'll love this quick kayak paddle sizing method.

Here's one way to size your paddle in a matter of seconds:

• Stand the paddle straight upward adjacent to you.
• Extend your arm fully and reach for the summit edge of the paddle's blade.
• See if y'all can hook the first articulation of your fingers over the bract's tip.

If yous tin can't even attain the top of the paddle or, conversely, you can wrap your fingers – non simply the first joints – around information technology, you need a different-sized kayak paddle.  But remember this method does not accept into business relationship kayak width or paddling manner – such as low angle or high angle paddling

Hither'south another thing y'all could try:

Grab the paddle with both hands and assume your normal paddling posture, with elbows aptitude at a 90-degree angle. Your hands should sit approximately two-thirds of the way from the eye of the paddle shaft to the paddle blade shoulders

If they're not, I've got bad news:

Your paddle probable isn't right for you, and it's time for an upgrade.

Method #2: Choosing the Size of Kayak Paddle Based On Actual Measurements

Want to know what size paddle you need and y'all'd like to make your selection based on actual numbers – which I highly recommend – grab your measuring tape, and permit's go down to work.

Measure The Width Of Your Kayak

Hull width is a major cistron; together with paddler elevation, it can give you an accurate idea of what size kayak paddle you demand. That's why it'due south best to beginning past noting down this simple – simply oh-so-of import – dimension of your kayak.

Kayak blueprint varies so to get the most authentic measurements of your kayak's width, measure out the kayak's hull at its widest point, and note information technology down. You lot tin can also look it up online – preferably directly on the manufacturer's website – for the best possible fit.

Also, here are the typical sizes of different kayak types for reference:

• Recreational Kayaks: 26 to thirty inches
• Touring Kayaks: 22 to 25 inches
• Performance Kayaks: 19 to 22 inches
• Fishing Kayaks: 30 to 42 inches
• Inflatable Kayaks: 28 to 40 inches
• Whitewater Kayaks: The width of the kayak isn't a significant cistron.

Accept Your Torso Measurements: Acme & Torso Length

Your overall height could be a useful – although general – indicator, pointing yous in the correct management. Round it up to the nearest inch, factor in your kayak's width, and find the corresponding length of kayak paddle.

There'due south one consequence with relying on height alone, though:

Everyone's built differently.

Maybe you carry nigh of your elevation in your legs, perhaps it's by and large in your torso – or it might be more than evenly distributed. Whatsoever the case, torso peak can assistance you lot assess the situation more than accurately.

Measuring Torso Length

Here's one way to measure your body height:

• Tilt your head down and locate your C7 vertebra – the one that sticks out at the back of your neck when you're bending your head down.
• Place your hands to your hipbones and have your thumbs pointing backward; that'due south considered the lesser of your trunk.
• Stand up tall and accept a friend measure the distance from the C7 vertebra, down your back, and to the imaginary line running between your thumbs across the lumbar region.
• If needed, round upward the number to the nearest inch and employ it as a starting bespeak for determining kayak paddle length.

Again, you're complimentary to rely on either your acme or your torso's length. Simply for best results, mensurate both and find a corresponding kayak paddle size.

Bonus Tip: What If I Fall Betwixt Ii Sizes?

Technically speaking, both options would work. Yet, if y'all fall somewhere between two kayak paddle sizes, it's generally recommended that you go with the shorter one.

Ane exception will exist if you have a comparably shorter body, equally you might benefit from the added reach of a longer paddle. Other than that, y'all have a chance to shave off a few ounces by going with a shorter paddle; take it.

Kayak Paddle Sizing Guide: Quick Reference Charts

Remember that the industry standard is to use metric units when talking about the length of a kayak paddle. I hateful, yous could technically say you're using a xc.5-inch paddle, but look to get a few foreign looks from fellow paddlers.

If your metric system conversion is a bit rusty, 2.54 centimeters equals ane inch; that's all you need to know.

Typically, kayak paddles are available in size range from 180cm to 260cm, with kayak paddle sizing increasing in 10cm increments – and then it shouldn't exist too difficult to dial in y'all prefect paddle.

Note; if viewing the kayak paddle size guides on a mobile device, rotating the screen to landscape may provide a better viewing experience

Kayak Paddle Size Guide Based On Paddler Torso Top

Apply the following kayak paddle size guide to decide the approximate paddle sizes suitable for a given body size / torso superlative. The 20cm tolerance is to allow for a longer length paddle for high angle paddling and a shorter length paddle for low angle paddling, and differences in gunkhole width.

Paddler Height (Torso)	Recommended Paddle Lengths
22 inches	180 cm
24 inches	180 cm – 200 cm
26 inches	190 cm – 210 cm
28 inches	200 cm – 220 cm
32 inches	220 cm – 240 cm
34 inches	230 cm – 250  cm
36 inches	240 cm – 250  cm
38 inches	250 cm

Bonus Tip: Zilch Beats Easily-On Kayak Paddle Sizing

All these different measurements can tell you a lot virtually what length kayak paddle yous demand – but zippo beats the hands-on approach:

Hop in your kayak, effort a few different paddle sizes, and meet which one feels "right." It's a matter of trial and error.

Be sure to watch your course when testing a paddle, though. Choosing a paddle size based on poor posture doesn't brand much sense – and only encourages other bad paddling habits.

Low-Bending Paddle Size Guide

Use the following kayak paddle size guide to make up one's mind the approximate length of paddle for a given paddler height and width of kayak. This guide is suitable for recreational and touring kayaks but, and kayakers with low angle paddling stroke.

	Kayak Width
Paddler Tiptop	< 24″	24 – 28 "	29 – 33 "	Over 33 "
5' and under	210cm	220cm	230cm	240cm
5' – v'vi''	215cm	220cm	230cm	240cm
5'6'' – 6'	220cm	220cm	230cm	250cm
Over vi'	220cm	230cm	240cm	250cm
	Recommended Paddle Length

*Guide not suitable for a whitewater kayak

High-Angle Paddle Size Guide

Employ the post-obit kayak paddle size guide to decide the approximate length of paddle for a given paddler height and width of kayak. This guide is suitable for recreational and touring kayaks only, and kayakers with loftier angle paddling stroke.

	Kayak Width
Paddler Height	17″ – 23″	23″ – 25″	Over 25″
5' and under	200cm	210cm	220cm
5' – v'half-dozen''	210cm	220cm	230cm
v'vi'' – 6'2''	220cm	230cm	240cm
Over six'iii''	230cm	240cm	250cm
	Recommended Paddle Length

*Guide not suitable for a whitewater kayak

Whitewater Kayaking Paddle Size Guide

Use the following kayak paddle sizing guide to decide the guess length of paddle required, when using a a whitewater kayak, based on paddler height.

Paddler Top	Recommended Paddle Lengths
Nether 5'2''	188cm – 194cm
5'2'' – 5'eight''	190cm – 196cm
5'eight'' – 6'1''	192cm – 200cm
Over 6'1''	196cm – 204cm

The 6cm – 8cm tolerance is to let for small variations in paddling way, requiring a slightly longer paddle or shorter paddle, and small-scale differences in the width of a typical white h2o kayak.

Bonus Tip: What Size Kayak Paddle For Kids?

Many kayaks for kids already come with kid-friendly kayak paddles included. If non, cull your child's paddle with as much intendance as you would your own and be sure to gene in ease of apply, weight, and size.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Kids under 4' tall: 182 centimeters or less
• Kids from 4' to four'6'' alpine: 182 to 190 centimeters
• Kids from 4'6'' to 5' tall: 190 to 210 centimeters
• Kids over 5' tall: Follow the aforementioned sizing guidelines as for adults

Bonus Tip: What If I Paddle Two Unlike Fashion Kayaks?

If yous ain more than i kayak – and they are of dissimilar widths – or plan to share the paddle with others, consider kayak paddles with a scope paddle shaft.

These will typically give you effectually 15 centimeters of room for additional adjustments, which should ensure a proper fit – even as yous switch from one kayak to the next.

Need help picking the correct paddle? Then check out our best kayak paddle post for an in-depth buying guide and reviews of the meridian kayak paddles currently on the market

Permit'southward Wrap It Up – What Size Paddle Practise I Need?

I hope this answers the all-important question of what size kayak paddle do I need and eliminates any confusion you might've had earlier.

Certainly, when it come up kayak paddle size there are many different factors at play – but that doesn't mean that it has to be confusing. As long every bit yous've got a tape measure at hand, stick to the guidelines, and employ the paddle sizing guide for reference, it should be a pretty straightforward process.

I'll exit you lot with this:

Having the right blazon and size of kayak paddle volition do wonders for your on-the-h2o experience – and quite possibly make you a amend paddler, as well. Practise the math, and y'all'll be more than happy with your option!

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Source: https://www.watersportswhiz.com/what-size-kayak-paddle-do-i-need/

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