Whether you are planning to canoe for recreation or to compete, you need a paddle that will get you where you are going. Canoe paddles, like baseball bats or tennis rackets, vary in size, shape and material. Seat height and your position in the canoe are important factors to consider when choosing a paddle. Your individual body type plays a role as well.
Step 1
The type of canoeing you do will determine the paddle you choose. Canoe paddles have either a straight shaft or a bent shaft. Canoeing and kayaking guide Paddling.net suggests that people who participate in canoe races or who use long, narrow canoes may benefit from a bent-shaft paddle, which increases the efficiency of the forward stroke.
Step 2
Choose a paddle according to where you sit in the canoe. Old Town Canoes and Kayaks in Maine uses a formula for both the bow and the stern of the canoe. If you sit in the bow, or front, of the canoe, you should use a paddle that reaches the middle of your chest when you are standing up with the paddle grip on the floor. If you are in the stern, or back of the craft, you need a longer paddle for effective steering. The paddle should reach from the floor to your collarbone.
Step 3
Determine the length of your canoe paddle based on your body type. According to Northwest River Supplies (NRS), most canoeists can use a paddle that's 56 to 58 inches long. People with long torsos for their body height may be more comfortable with a slightly longer paddle (60 to 62 inches), due to the greater distance between the water and their arms. People with shorter trunks may want to choose a 52-to-54 inch paddle.
Step 4
Try different paddle types to find one that's comfortable for your hand size. Paddling.net explains that people with small hands are usually more comfortable with a narrow or T-grip shape. If you have larger, broader hands, a fatter grip may be appropriate.
Step 5
Choose a canoe paddle made from wood or a synthetic material based on your personal taste. A wooden paddle may be more pleasing to the eye than a plastic paddle, but according to Old Town Canoes and Kayaks, it may not last as long. Synthetic paddles may be more durable.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Chair
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