Choosing Your Water Weapon (Paddle)
Photo by Tommy Chandler
As the boat is the most important purchase in kayaking, the paddle certainly should not be an afterthought. As paddle sizing is dictated by your size, boat size, and type of paddling you will do, selecting the appropriate paddle that suits you and your budget will take a little research. We’ll start with a key feature associated with all kayak paddles and basic terminology of paddling techniques.
Feather is the angle of the paddle blades relative to each other. If both blades are flat when you hold the paddle level, the feather angle is 0 degrees. The maximum feather will be 90 degrees, which would mean one blade is vertical and one horizontal when you hold the paddle level. Most feather angles fall at 45 or 60 degrees, but many paddles are adjustable, so the kayaker can decide what angle is most comfortable. For beginners, it is best to start with a 0-degree angle and work toward a 45-degree angle to see what feels most comfortable.
The angle at which the blade of your paddle enters the water is dictated by your technique, boat size, and type of kayaking. High angle is an aggressive stroke where the paddle is almost vertical at the peak of the stroke, which is most common to whitewater kayaking where powerful, shorter strokes are necessary. However, recreational and especially touring kayaking will be done with a mix of high and low angle depending on conditions and how fast you want to go. Low angle is when the paddle is closer to horizontal (but still angled) during strokes, so the blade is typically longer, with an asymmetrical shape to ensure enough water is displaced during this more relaxed, casual technique.
Shapes, Materials & Sizes
- Length- The size is dictated by your height, kayak width, and type of kayaking as the paddle is essentially an extension of your arms. Sizing is pretty similar among the many brands, but each one’s sizing suggestions may vary by a few centimeters. Most are a fixed size; however, some offer an adjustable ferrule (a clip that opens and locks) to change both length (often only about 15cm) and the feather angle.
- Blades- Blades come in a variety of sizes, varying from short and wide to long and skinny, and come in shapes referred to as dihedral, symmetrical, asymmetrical, scoop, or spoon. Dihedral is a V-like arch of the blade from center out, which evenly displaces water over both sides to provide just the right amount of resistance for paddle power, but releases quickly from the water during stroke. Symmetrical blades are pretty much even all around, and an asymmetrical blade usually has more area on the bottom (water side) of the blade. A spoon shape is when the blade is cupped from end-to-end, which creates power but lots of resistance. A scoop is a distinct curve upward on one side to provide maximum water resistance, thus allowing the most control. Blades are either made of nylon (inexpensive and durable), fiberglass (very light with some flex), carbon (extremely light and stiff but more fragile and costly), or a combination of materials.
- Shafts- Most shafts are straight, but some models are kinked or bent for more power and ergonomic comfort. Shafts are either round or oval-shaped, which many people find more comfortable to grip—your choice is based solely on preference. Shaft diameter often varies, so you’ll want to measure your hand size to ensure you don’t buy anything too thick or narrow for your hands. Shaft material can be aluminum (very light and inexpensive), fiberglass (light and durable with some flex), or carbon (exceptionally light but very stiff). A collapsible shaft is commonly called a two-piece, which makes transport and storage easy.
Types of Boating
Although many paddles can be used for multiple types of kayaking, some of the shapes and materials are suited for a specific type of kayaking and skill level. Are you a casual weekend reservoir paddler on your sit-on-top boat? Or are you racing across large bodies of water in a big touring boat?
Recreational- An inexpensive paddle with a straight aluminum shaft and medium-sized, asymmetrical nylon or nylon-injected fiberglass blades is just right for the recreational or young kayaker.
Touring- A straight or bent shaft paddle with a long, skinny blade works great for high-performance or traditional performance touring. Anglers will appreciate a lightweight, adjustable shaft with smaller blades. Choose (and pay a bit more for) shafts and blades made from the lighter materials, as you will suffer less fatigue on longer trips. Dihedral, asymmetrical shaped blades will offer the ideal mix of power and resistance. 
Whitewater- Typically shorter length with wide, asymmetrical, spooned or scooped blades. Whitewater paddles come in both straight and bent shafts, while the material of choice is based on what the boater is looking for relative to weight and flex.
Be sure to read reviews, decide what materials will best suit your budget and type of kayaking, and most importantly … get out on the water, and enjoy.
My favorite paddle metaphor is that your paddle is your engine. It is what makes your kayak go. If you are going to be paddling all day it is definitely worth investing a few extra bucks up front in buying a lighter weight paddle to reduce fatigue. I have upgraded my paddle 3 times in the past 4 years, I wish I would have just gotten a better paddle from the start. Thanks for the great article!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0