In order to participate in the sport of kayaking, you need a sturdy kayak paddle. A good kayak paddle will maximize the boat movement you create with each stroke while minimizing your effort. A well-sized, good quality paddle will also minimize strain on your wrists, arms and back. Finding the right paddle for you may take some careful shopping. Be patient, because it is an expensive purchase that will last a long time.
What to Look for
Kayak paddles consist of a paddle blade on each end of a cylindrical shaft. Both the shaft and the blades can vary in height, determining the overall height of the kayak paddle. The overall height necessary for you will be determined by your height and the width of your boat. Tall people and wide boats require longer kayak paddles, while short people or narrow boats can employ shorter paddles. Either way, you want a little less than a third of the paddle (this includes the blade) extending from either end of the cockpit area when you seated in your kayak.
Feathered kayak blades are an important feature to look for in a kayak paddle. This means the blades are offset from each other instead of parallel on each end of the shaft. This minimizes wind resistance, as the blade that is out of the water cuts through the air with its edge instead of its face (the flat portion of the blade that moves water when you take a stroke).
The size of the blade is another important consideration. The size and shape of the blade determines how much water will be displaced with every paddle stroke. Big, fat blades can move more water with each stroke but are likely to strain your body with the effort. Blades that are too skinny do not displace enough water and result in wasted energy. It is best to go with a mid-sized paddle blade. The traditional shape is close to rectangular, tapered at the shaft end and slightly rounded through the middle to the other end.
After you have determined what length and blade shape work best for you, shop around for different shaft materials. Remember, you will be holding onto the shaft of your paddle through your entire kayaking experience.
It is important that the paddle feels comfortable in your hand. The most lightweight and dependable paddles have shafts made from fiberglass. Aluminum shafts are cheaper but more prone to bending. All wooden paddles are available and widely popular for touring kayaks. Experiment with different materials and see what feels best in your hand.
Common Pitfalls
Kayak paddles, no matter how perfectly you have sized and chosen them, are almost bound to give you blisters at first. Consider purchasing a pair of paddle gloves to wear as you toughen up your hands. Be careful not to buy a paddle that is too long, as it will put your back and shoulders into a compromising situation; a paddle that is too short will crush your fingers against the sides of your boat as you try to hold it in an effective paddle position.
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