{"id":803,"date":"2024-03-30T23:41:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-30T23:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=803"},"modified":"2024-03-30T23:41:41","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T23:41:41","slug":"choose-a-kayak-paddle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/choose-a-kayak-paddle\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose A Kayak Paddle [Sizing Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Choosing your paddle length is as easy as choosing a pair of shoes: just try some pairs and pick the one that suits you best. Easy peasy, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not so fast\u2026 there\u2019s a bit more to it than that. In fact, this post is around 2000 words long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know that\u2019s scary for something that seems so easy, but don\u2019t leave this page just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be glad you read all this info when you glide on the water like a majestic dolphin instead of sweating and puffing like an 80-year-old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you\u2019ll make it look so easy that everyone else will think you\u2019ve been kayaking for years. But don\u2019t tell them your secret\u2212it\u2019s your time to shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What paddle length should I get<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The length of your paddle will depend on your torso height, kayak width, seat height, and stroke angle. Read on to find the perfect paddle size so you can glide effortlessly on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Torso Height<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best way to find the perfect length for your paddle is to sit straight (like you would in a kayak) and to measure the distance between your butt and your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use your total height (for instance, 5ft9) if you want to save time, but the results won\u2019t be as accurate as some people have longer legs than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kayak Dimensions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kayak Width<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You should know that kayaks have different widths according to their use. This means that touring kayaks will usually be narrower than surfing kayaks, while whitewater kayaks will be the wider of the three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you need a 240cm long paddle for touring, you\u2019d need a 220 long paddle for surfing, and a 200\u202flong one for whitewater kayaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know how wide your kayak is, you can use the Kayak Paddle Sizing Chart below to see the paddle length that will most likely suit you, according to your height.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Seat Height<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Using the chart above, you can then add 10 more centimeters to your paddle length if you plan on using a sit-on-top kayak. Then, add another 10 centimeters if you plan to use a fishing chair on top of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But of course, if you\u2019re using a sit-in kayak then the above Sizing Chart is all you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroke Angle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should know that the length of your paddle is also affected by your stroke angle, namely, if you use a low-angle blade or a high-angle blade<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll get into the specifics of these later, but for now, just know that you need a slightly longer paddle if you have a low-angle blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable Length<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some cases in which an adjustable paddle length might come in handy, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • You want to use one single paddle for several activities and in different kayaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You plan to share your paddle with your partner or someone else<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You want to change your seat height regularly, for instance when you are kayak fishing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If any of the above seems like something you\u2019d need, then getting a telescoping ferrule system<\/a> could be worth it. This fancy name simply means that you can add an extra 15cm to the paddle\u2019s length effortlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Watch the video below to see how a telescoping paddle works in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n