So you have decided to take on kayaking or even bought a new kayak, and you're almost ready to hit the water. Just grabbing the next best double-bladed paddle could easily turn out to be a mistake, warns open water instructor Mike Berthold from Tampa Bay, owner of Carolina Mike Kayak Adventures: "Paddle length affects your ability to do the proper strokes it requires to maneuver you boat effectively." To determine the ideal length of a paddle, take various factors into consideration.
Function
Think of your paddle as the engine that propels your boat. Granted, your arms and shoulders help with the acceleration, but the paddle essentially works as your gas pedal. It is also your steering wheel, brake and stabilizer.
Types and Styles
The style of kayaking you're planning to do should influence your choice of paddle length. "A sea kayaker's paddle will be a different length and shape then a whitewater paddle," Berthold says. "White water and kayak surfing paddles are shorter for ease and speed of stroke needed for quick maneuverability in faster water."
The basic types of kayak paddles include: recreational paddles, which are usually shorter, heavier and less pricey than other paddles; and sea or touring paddles, which are meant for slower, steady strokes over extended periods of time and are generally the longest paddles. Racing paddles are similar in length to sea or touring paddles; however, they are usually much lighter, more expensive and the blades look different. Whitewater paddles are typically the shortest of all paddle types, adorned with large blades. Whitewater paddles usually measure 190 to 210 cm with the bulk of paddles used in the 194 to 203 cm range.
Influence Factors
Your kayak of choice is the single most important factor to determine the proper paddle length. The paddle should reflect the beam, or width, of the kayak. "If you have a wider kayak, say, a recreational kayak or a sit-on-top, you'll require a longer paddle to reach the water on either side of your stroke pattern," explains Berthold, who has been certified with the American Canoe Association since the 1990s. For wider beams, a paddle length of 225 cm will usually suffice. Sea kayaks usually require a shorter paddle of 210 to 220 cm length, because the distance from the side of the kayak to the water is shorter. Paddles for inflatables, on the other hand, are often measuring up to 240 cm.
Paddling style is also important. If you prefer paddling with a more vertical angle---typical for boaters that prefer a fast cadence---you want a shorter paddle than a boater preferring the more energy-efficient, low-angle style favored by most recreational and sea paddlers in the United States. More experienced paddlers like a shorter paddle based on ease of catch, draw and reduction of drag in the water.
Lastly, your torso height and arm length may influence the appropriate paddle size. If place your hands on the shaft and hold the paddle in front of you with your elbows bent at 90 degrees, you want your hands to be approximately 4 to 5 inches from the blades.
Considerations
Length is just one aspect to consider when pondering about the ideal paddle for your need and budget. Other factors to consider are weight, material and blade shape, size and feathering. If you haven't bought your kayak yet think about transferring a slightly bigger portion of your boat budget to your paddle. While a kayak for $2,500 will be only slightly better than a kayak for $2,400, a paddle for $250 can be a lot better than a paddle for $150.
Tip
Just like you would never buy a car without checking the engine during a test ride, make sure that you use the paddle---your kayak engine---before committing to it. Ask the seller to approve of some test paddling before you make the purchase.
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