Picking the right paddle seems like a simple task. Many paddle sport rental facilities seem to simply grab the nearest paddle and compare it to your height and send you on your way. If you are renting a kayak or canoe for a day or two, the type of paddle you have is less relevant and the rental company should have something for you that is “good enough.” However, if you are looking for the right paddle for your rig, there are many things to consider to choose the right fit.
Consider the Basics
There are four main things to consider when choosing the paddle for you.
- Construction Materials
- Shaft
- Blade style
- Length
Shaft/Blade Construction Materials
The materials used to build your paddle have different features and can vary significantly in cost as well. Typically, the lighter weight materials are the higher cost ones as well.
Plastic. Do you really want to paddle around with a milk jug? The reality is that there are very few plastic shaft paddles available and those that are, typically are included with low end kayaks as a “feature.” Plastic can mean any poly-something-or-another. While very low cost, you get what you pay for, and you are almost always better off with a different shaft material.
Plastic is also the most common low cost option for paddle blades. It is most often chosen by novice paddlers because of the assumed durability. Understand that these blades can crack and are susceptible to UV exposure. Performance is often lower due to the flexibility of the blade. These are cheap to replace and are commonly used by rental companies.
Aluminum. Most often this is the best price point for a durable and functional paddle. They are lightweight and can take a beating. However, in less than ideal conditions, the metal can get very cold or hot and may require you to have gloves or other hand protection in order to use in all conditions. I have never seen an aluminum paddle blade option, so there is nothing to tell you about selecting the right one in that regard.
Fiberglass. Lightweight and rigid, these shafts are strong, are not susceptible to temperature fluctuations, and are very reliable. This is an excellent choice for abusive owners.
Fiberglass is a good “middle of the road” option for price and performance on paddle blades. They are very durable and even with abuse, while they may chip, they seldom crack through completely. These blades have little or no flex and have noticeable benefits over plastic.
Carbon Fiber. There is a reason it is used in performance racing. This stuff is strong, durable, and ultra-lightweight. They also come with a hefty price tag. However, the performance and precision may be worth the cost.
For the money, carbon fiber blades are the best of the best. They are the lightest, strongest blades available and the power of each stroke is maximized by these paddles.
Wood. Wood is more of a traditional material than a sought after material in paddle sports. Some traditionalist in canoeing prefer the feel and look of a wood paddle, but in most cases, this is not applicable. In fact, I don’t know why you are still reading about wood paddles at this point. If you want a wood paddle, there is no need for you to read this, and if you don’t know what to get, don’t get a wood paddle.
Shaft Design
Straight or Bent?
First thing to consider is a straight shaft or a bent shaft design. The straight shaft is a simple an most common shaft choice. It is traditional and there is certainly nothing wrong with a straight shaft paddle.
Bent shaft paddles don’t provide any real advantage over straight shaft paddles except that the bent or “kinked” sections may provide for a more ergonomic and comfortable angle to paddle. This can reduce the fatigue on joints. If you are changing from a straight shaft style, you may need a day or two to re-learn your stroke.
Feathering
Blades are either feathered or unfeathered. Most shafts will have the ability to adjust feathering. Unfeathered, or matched, is where the blades are at the same angle on both ends of the shaft. Feathered blades are not at the same angle on each end. They have an offset pattern that reduces wind resistance on the blade that is out of the water. If you are experienced enough to worry about wind resistance on your blades, you are not going to learn anything from this article.
Pieces and Parts
Do you want two pieces or four? Two piece paddles are very common and help with storage and transport. Four piece paddles are less common but can be useful if you are backpacking and need to be able to breakdown your gear further. Four piece paddles can also be useful if you are carrying on a plane or other public transportation.
Blade Style
Everyone knows that most paddle blades are a asymmetrical dihedral shape. However, some people don’t really know why that is important. The main reason the blade is dihedral is because the “rib” down the center lets water flow evenly over the paddle blade. Blades without this feature can bounce or flutter, which can make it harder to control.
The asymetrical part that is narrow and shorter on one side helps the blade remain even as it pushes through the water. Since there is less material on a narrow blade, these blades can reduce fatigue on longer trips.
There are wide blades available as well and these types of blades provide a quicker acceleration. I personally use a blade that has a “J” notch for hooking on to my fishing line in case it gets caught. I always thought it was a gimmick until I needed it.
Paddle Length
Determining paddle length involves the paddler height, boat width, paddler preference and use. Every manufacturer will also have recommendations and they are seldom the same from one manufacturer to another.
Personal preference is also a key factor that cannot be overlooked. For my sit on top style kayak, I prefer a longer paddle because I often will fish while standing up and I like to be able to treat my kayak like a SUP instead of having to sit down to paddle every time I want to make an adjustment. This longer paddle setup can be cumbersome for long paddle trips, but for fishing, it is perfect for me.
Personal preference also matters for determining high or low angle paddles. Low angle paddles are meant for calm or flat water and are more recreational in nature. High angle paddles are designed for more aggressive and precise paddle techniques. These high angle blades are designed for strokes that mimic canoe paddling and are used in whitewater situations or other times when short power strokes are needed. This technique is highly taxing on the body and is not recommended for long durations.
Paddle length is both the easiest and most difficult aspect of paddle selection. It is easy to look at any paddle chart listed online and make some observations. However, while there are some standard guidelines to use, paddler preference and use will determine the exact size to use. Click here to see how to pick the right Kayak.