How Long Is A Kayak Paddle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Paddle length numbers refer to a measurement from the very tip of the blade to the center of the shaft. While you’ll sometimes find lengths in inches, the most common measurements are metric. Paddles tend to range from

180 to 260 cm

(which is roughly 6 to 8.5 feet).

Are all kayak paddles the same length?


If you fall between two sizes, it’s generally better to go shorter

. Either size would probably work, but you’ll save a few ounces with a shorter paddle. If you’re proportioned with a shorter torso, though, then the added reach will come in handy and you should go with the longer paddle.

Is 240 cm paddle too long?

Some suggest there is no reason to reach out beyond 220 cm, while

others prefer the laid-back long stroke of a paddle at least 240 cm

. For a while the trend was to go with a very short (215 cm and less) paddle, using a vertical stroke similar to canoeing.

How do you Size a paddle?

The best way to choose paddle length: On the water:

Sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline

. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle’s grip to the throat, where the paddle shaft meets the blade.

How long should my paddle be?

The general convention for determining the correct paddle size is to

take the rider’s height and add 9-10 inches

. If you’re 5’11” ideally you should get a paddle about 80-81 inches, or 6 feet 8 or 9 inches.

What size kayak do I need for my height and weight?

Height Weight
Low Volume Kayak


< 5 ft. 6 in.


< 140 lbs.
Medium Volume Kayak 5 ft. 7 in. – 5 ft. 10 in. 150 lbs. – 180 lbs. High Volume Kayak > 5 ft. 10 in. > 180 lbs.

What is a kayak paddle called?


Oars

. Definitions vary slightly, but generally speaking, an oar has a flat blade on one end and is held by the paddler on the other end. In addition, an oar is usually connected to a vessel with some type of oarlock and pin, or paddle pivot, and often comes in pairs.

Why are kayak paddles offset?

How do you size a kayak?

Unless you’re riding rapids, floating a river generally means you’ll want a recreational kayak. You want to be able to follow the flow of the river more than you want speed. Choose a boat that’s stable and maneuverable. Something anywhere from

8 to 13 feet long

should do nicely.

What happens if your kayak paddle is too short?

If your paddle is too short

you may find yourself banging your knuckles on the edge of your boat or be forced to lean with your strokes

. If it’s too long, you’ll be carrying extra swing weight and may have less control over your kayak.

What is a 240 kayak paddle?

Length 240Cm (94.5In.): This quality paddle is

ideal for recreational paddlers between 5’0′′ and 6’0′′ in kayaks between 29′′ and 34′′ wide

. Durable And Affordable: This kayak paddle is made of a two-piece aluminum shaft with anti-slip grip area and a fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades.

Are kayak paddles measured tip to tip?


Yes, kayak paddles are sized by overall length: tip to tip

.

Paddle length is measured from blade tip to blade tip. That’s the tip or end of one blade to the tip or end of the other blade.

What is the best size paddle board for beginners?

Paddler Weight SUP Width SUP Length Under 125 lbs (56kg)

31-32”


9’6′′-10’9′′
125-150 lbs (56-68 kg) 31-32” 9’6′′-10’9′′ 150-175 lbs (68-79 kg) 31-33” 10’0′′-12’6′′ 175-200 lbs (79 – 90 kg) 32-34” 10’0′′-12’6′′

What size sup do I need for my weight?


If your over 100kg, look out for 10’6 x 10’8 boards that are 6” thick in high density dropstitch, these boards are between 32 x 34 wide

. If your over 100kg with good stability and balance go for a 32” wide board but if you prefer a higher degree of stability go for 34” wide board.

How do you hold a kayak paddle?

How do you use a kayak paddle?

How do you measure SUP paddle length?


measure the paddle based on having your fist at the same level as your shoulder with the blade under the board and the paddle shaft straight down from your extended arms

. You can even go a little shorter than that, with your hand down an inch or so below the level of your shoulder.

Can you kayak if you are fat?

Again, despite the trepidation of some, kayaking can be enjoyed by people of all shapes and sizes.

Even if you’re overweight or taller than average, kayaking can be enjoyable

.

What length kayak is most stable?

A

10 or 11 foot

kayak will generally be built for stability over speed and can still be easy to maneuver and ideal for beginners. You may find that at this length there are yaks that are built for specific activities, such as fishing, and are equipped with features such as rod holders.

Can a 300 pound person kayak?

Here’s how to choose the right size kayak for your weight. But simply put,

most kayaks that can support big people should have a weight capacity of well over 300 lbs

.

Are paddles and oars the same?


Oars are attached to the boat; the paddle is held by the paddler rather than connected to the vessel

. Paddles are used for paddling kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand-up paddleboards; oars are used for rowing Jon boats, rowboats, sculls, and sweep-oar boats.

What’s the difference between kayak paddles?


Long and lean blades are designed for low-angle paddling

. This is a relaxed style good for several hours on the water. Shorter, wider blades are designed for high-angle paddling—when you’re paddling faster or hauling gear in your kayak (i.e., when kayak fishing).

Do kayak paddles float?


While kayak paddles float

, they tend to “float” slower than your kayak will. As such, if you drop a kayak paddle into the water you’ll watch helplessly as you and your kayak drift away downstream.

Do kayak paddles face the same way?

Have your paddle face the right direction.

It’s a common mistake for beginners to hold their paddles backwards the first time they start kayaking. As a beginner,

it may not seem to make a difference which way your paddle is facing, but it does have a big change on your power of stroking

.

Should you feather a kayak paddle?

The feather of your kayak paddle refers to the angle your blades are offset from one another.

Feathering your blades is especially helpful in windy conditions

. When one blade is in the water, the one in the air can slice through the wind rather than be a drag in the wind.

Why are kayak paddles twisted?

Paddlers naturally will adjust their movement, so the paddle blade enters the water square, or else they risk falling in or at least a messy stroke. Setting twist angle should be done

to promote rotation

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.