Kayaks have come a long way in the past 50 years. Now made of plastics, fiberglass or composite materials, kayaks are both light and strong, providing a solid platform for both recreational and competitive kayaking. The paddles for kayaks have also improved and are now made of many of the same materials. Blades, shaft, grips and connectors all come together to form a lightweight yet durable paddle that can vary in blade and shaft size and shape to accommodate any kayaking situation.
Blade
Kayak blades come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Many connect to the shaft separately, while others are integrated directly into the shaft. Larger blades sizes are typically used with long and narrow sea kayaks and provide a lot of stroking power. Medium-size blades work well for general touring use. Smaller blades are better for recreational kayaks for light paddling. Some kayak blades are swept back or spoon-shaped toward the end of the blade to provide a better bite in the water when paddling.
Shaft
The shaft of the kayak paddle connects the two blades of the paddle together and provides a handle by which the kayaker can use the paddle. Shafts are typically made of aluminum or fiberglass, although composite shafts made of carbon fiber are becoming more popular. Shafts can be straight or may have bends in them to provide a more ergonomic grip. Some shafts are round in cross section while others may be oval or egg-shaped to allow for a better grip on the shaft.
Grips
Some kayak paddles have separate grips fitted to the shaft. The grips increase the diameter of the shaft, making it easier for kayakers, particularly those with large hands, to hold the paddle comfortably. Grips are usually made of foam rubber or silicone.
Connectors
For ease of storage and transportation, some kayak paddles have connectors that allow the paddle to come apart. These connectors can also be used, in some cases, to shorten or lengthen the shaft of the kayak paddle. Twist lock or button-and-hole bayonet-type connectors fasten the pieces of the kayak paddle together securely.
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