How Long Kayak Paddle Should I Get?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
Kayak Width Under 23′′ 28′′ to 32′′ Paddler Height Recommended Paddle Length
Under 5′


200 cm


220 cm
5′ to 5’6′′ 210 cm 230 cm 5’7′′ to 6′ 220 cm 230 cm

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.

Can kayak paddle be too long?

Conversely,

a long paddle planted nearly horizontally in the water becomes cumbersome if too long

. Naturally the size of the paddler, arm and torso length, all affect the length one should choose. At 6′ 7”, I can make a 240cm paddle look pretty short.

What size kayak does a 6 foot person need?

Now, for the most part, people under 6 ft. in height will fit in conventional sit-in kayak cockpits. If you’re taller than that, then it’s always a good idea to test a

12 to 14-foot kayak

to get a feel for the fit , seat height, and the legroom available.

How long should paddleboard paddle be?

The correct paddle length should be anywhere from

eight inches to twelve inches above your head

. Another way I like to find the correct length is to set the paddle on the ground and reach up to the top of the handle, making sure that I can get my palm and fingers completely over the top of the grip.

How long of a paddle board do I need?


If you weigh less than 200lbs, you’ll be able to float well on any standard paddle board

. If you weigh up to 235lbs, look for a board with at least 175L of volume to ensure your stability on the water. If you’re over 275lbs, you’ll want a board with at least 242L of volume.

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 do you pick a kayak paddle size?

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.

How long should my canoe paddle be?

A straight canoe paddle should be

between 52′′ and 60′′ long

. A bent-shaft canoe paddle should be between 48′′ in 52′′ long because of their shorter and wider blades. The most common canoe paddles are 57′′, 60′′, and 54′′ long. Canoe paddles are usually available in length increments of 3 or 2 inches.

Is an 8 foot kayak big enough?

While there are certainly shorter kayaks out there,

an eight-foot length is one of the smaller options

. This is a great kayak size for kids and small adults who are relatively new to the sport. An eight-foot kayak can also be useful for whitewater applications.

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.

Does length of kayak matter?

Length: Longer boats cruise more efficiently and offer lots of storage space for overnight touring gear, while shorter hulls turn more quickly.

A few inches in length won’t matter much, but two feet or more will be noticeable

. Depth: Deeper hulls offer more room for long-legged kayakers, plus a little more storage.

Does length of paddle board matter?


The length of a SUP is important in determining how your paddle board can withstand a variety of water conditions

. Typically, longer paddle boards are faster and shorter paddle boards are more responsive/maneuverable.

How tall should my paddle board be?

How do you hold a SUP paddle?

Is paddle boarding harder than kayaking?

Paddling Long Distances


Standing for very long periods of time on a paddleboard (especially when conditions are less than ideal) is much more challenging than kayaking

due to cramping and fatigue. However, this can also be framed in whether you are looking for a more intense workout or not.

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.

What does a longer paddle board do?

A longer board can

increase the volume and capacity

, which can make it feel more stable and allow you to carry more on the board (width and thickness are also factors in volume and capacity; see the SUP Width and SUP Thickness sections of this article).

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′′

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 should you do first before you launch your kayak?

Before you do any launch,

set your boat down in a safe place to do a prelaunch check

. Be sure you have all your safety gear, that your PFD is snug, that your other essentials are stowed where you want them, that your foot pegs are adjusted correctly and that your rudder or skeg, if you have either one, is up.

Should kayak paddles be offset?

What is a Greenland paddle?

The Greenland paddle

does not have defined blades and appears to be more stick like in appearance

. The shaft is often thicker and blades are narrower than the Euroblade style of paddle. Greenland paddles are great for rolling, can be easier on the body and can be used in almost any conditions.

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.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.