How to Choose the Right Kayak Paddles

Kayaking is a fantastic hobby that combines physical exercise with an exploration of the great outdoors. The mechanics are simple enough for anyone to pick up and enjoy, especially with friends.

But that fun can quickly find itself cut short if you use the wrong kayak paddles. There are different lengths available based on your kayak size and the type of stroke you prefer. Choose the wrong one and you're in for an uncomfortable ride.

To help you avoid a bad experience, we've put together a guide to choosing the right paddle for your kayak size and preference.

How to Choose the Right Kayak Paddles

When shopping for inflatable kayaks and equipment, you want to make sure you buy what suits your personal needs. However, this isn't always a simple thing to identify.

There are several factors that go into choosing your paddle size, including:

• Your Height
• Your Boat Size
• Your Paddle Stroke Preference

It's important to note that equipment is most often measured using the metric system. Even if you're in the United States, expect to talk about paddle sizes in relation to centimeters, not inches.

To give you a key for conversion, one inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.

You want to be accurate in your measurements. Even the slightest deviation can make paddling more difficult.

Why the Right Paddle Matters

The consequences of a poor paddle size result in a broken form that causes all kinds of problems, such as:

• Poor Paddle Angles
• Accidentally Hitting Your Knuckles
• Reduced Power

When you apply these consequences to every single stroke, they add up quickly. You don't think about it when you're paddling down a body of water with the right equipment. The strokes are easier and more efficient.

Yet you will after several hundred or even thousand strokes with the wrong paddle.

How to Choose the Right Paddle

When you're taking your body measurements for kayaking, you measure your torso length. This is because you're seated in your kayak, not standing. To take this measurement, sit up straight in a chair and have someone measure the point from your crotch to the tip of your nose.

Now compare your measurement in inches to the paddle size in centimeters:

• 22" Torsos Use 180cm Paddles
• 24" Torsos Use 180cm-200cm Paddles
• 26" Torsos Use 190cm-200cm Paddles
• 28" Torsos Use 200cm-220cm Paddles
• 30" Torsos Use 210cm-230cm Paddles
• 32" Torsos Use 220cm-240cm Paddles
• 34" Torsos Use 230cm-250cm Paddles
• 36" Torsos Use 240cm-250cm Paddles

For a high angled style, you can expect to add on average 10-15 centimeters to your length.

For a low angle style, you may add up to 20 centimeters in length.

Keep in mind the width of your kayak plays a part in your paddle length. If your kayak is wider, your paddle should be wider to accommodate.

Get Great Deals on Kayak Equipment Online

Whether you're looking for the right selection of kayak paddles or other equipment for your water adventures, look no further than Dark Horse Marine! Our stock is chock full of kayaking equipment, most of which you can buy for well under the market suggested retail price!

Start shopping our kayak equipment now.

If you have any questions, don't be shy. Reach out to us via our chat feature or contact us directly during our regular business hours.