A paddle is one of your most important pieces of equipment for kayaking. It is like an extension of your arm that you will use to grip the water, maneuver yourself around and maintain your balance. The right paddle for you will depend on your personal preference, but there are guidelines you can use to find a paddle that will be the most comfortable.
Shaft Length and Design
Step 1
Position your hands on the paddle so that your elbows are at 90 degrees. Your hands should be about 4 to 5 inches from the blade. Keep in mind that a person with a taller torso will need a longer paddle to comfortably reach the water. Likewise, if your kayak is wide, you may want a slightly longer paddle.
Step 2
Decide what kind of kayaking you will be doing. If you are going to be doing primarily whitewater kayaking, consider buying a one-piece paddle, as they are inherently stronger. Touring paddles, which suffer less abuse than whitewater paddles, are usually take-apart for easy transportation.
Step 3
Choose a paddle that has an oval shaft or oval hand grips on the shaft. These types of shafts will be easier to grip and control than round shafts.
Step 4
Determine the material you want. Aluminum is the cheapest and the heaviest. Carbon fiber is the lightest and most expensive. Fiberglass falls somewhere in between. Decide what's right for you based on your skill level and how much you want to spend.
Step 5
Take your new paddle out for a test run. This is really the biggest test. If the paddle is comfortable to use, it's the right paddle for you. If it is uncomfortable, take it back and trade it in for a different one.
Tips and Warnings
- Kayak paddle blades come in a variety of shapes. Choose one that seems right for you. For a recreational paddler, the shape makes little difference except as far as it impacts your comfort level.
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