Having the right size kayak paddle can make all of the difference when you are out on the water, although we know it’s not something many give much thought to. So, to answer the question “what size kayak paddle do I need?”, the general rule of thumb is to choose a 230-cm (90.5-inch) kayak paddle for the average height kayaker. It is also a great size for paddlers that tend to use a relaxed, smooth, and low-angle style of paddling.
If you are a more offensive paddler that uses a high-angle paddling style, you might want to get a kayak paddle between 210 – 220 cm (82 and 86 inches).
The size paddle for different kayakers is pretty much subjective. However, it is still important that you get the right size. If you choose a paddle that is too short, you will end up scraping the sides of the kayak with every stroke. If the paddle is too long, you will simply create additional work for your torso and shoulders.
You should also understand that the size of the paddle you choose depends on your torso height and how wide your kayak is.
This article will provide information on how to choose an appropriately-sized kayak paddle.
Before we begin, understand that all kayak paddles are measured in centimeters and not inches, regardless of whether you live in a country that uses the metric or imperial measurement system.
Kayak paddle lengths in inches:
- 180 cm is 70.9 inches
- 190 cm is 74.8 inches
- 200 cm is 78.7 inches
- 210 cm s 82.7 inches
- 220 cm is 86.6 inches
- 230 cm is 90.5 inches
- 240 cm is 94.5 inches
- 250 cm is 98.4 inches
If you pay close attention, you will discover that kayak paddle measurements increase or decrease by 10 cm, which amounts to around two inches. While 10 cm might not appear to be much of a difference, it can become apparent quickly when you paddle on an extended kayak tour with a paddle that is a couple of inches off either way. Eventually, the inefficiency of your paddle will cause you to wear out a lot quicker.
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What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need? How to Get a Paddle Size Quickly
There are a few ways to quickly determine a kayak paddle’s size. These methods are accurate and great for when you are short on time and are useful if you don’t know the size of the kayak paddle you have or you borrowed one from someone.
The first step would be to hold your hands out in front of you. Make sure your elbows are at the regular 90-degree angle a normal paddling position has. Using both hands, grab the paddle. Your hands should be at least two-thirds from the paddle’s center to the point where the paddle shaft meets the paddle blade.
You could also stand the paddle right next to you while fully extending your arm in the air. Wrap the first joint of your fingers over the blade tip. You should only be able to wrap just a finger joint here. If you cannot wrap your first finger joint or you can wrap more than one finger, then you need a shorter or longer paddle.
What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need? Paddle Sizing and Style
When it comes to paddling styles, there are two distinct kayak paddle sizing styles to choose from: low angle and high angle.
Low Angle: Longer Paddle
Low angle paddling strokes are typically done with a paddle that is slightly tilted when it meets the surface of the water. Typically, a recreational paddler that uses a low-angle style will require a 230-cm kayak paddle.
Note that the low angle requires a longer paddle. This is because low angle paddling is a slower and more relaxed cadence paddling. It is actually the most common paddling style for most touring and recreational kayaking. It can help reduce fatigue on extended kayaking trips and is a lot more forgiving on the shoulders.
Keep in mind that this type of paddling has a lower threshold for error. Getting an incorrect paddle length could mean you scrape the side of the kayak with every stroke. Additionally, you could also end up creating a zigzag effect since your kayak tracks just as you paddle. When going for a lower angle paddling style, it is always better to be on the longer side.
High Angle: Shorter Paddle
A high angle paddling style is when the paddle is tilted with a vertical bias in relation to the water’s surface. A high-angle kayaker of average height will look to get a kayak paddle that is anything from 210 cm to 220 cm.
High-angle paddling is a faster-paced and more aggressive paddling style. It is generally used for kayaking that requires you to move quickly.
A high-angle paddling style requires a shorter kayak, especially if you are the type of kayaker that prefers to paddle quickly using a fast-paced cadence. A shorter paddle, in this instance, will be much easier on your shoulders, while also reducing the occurrence of zigzagging.
What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need? Kayak Paddle Size Guide
This section provides various size recommendations depending on kayaker height and kayak width. Note that the length of a kayak paddle is generally determined by two metrics:
- The height of the kayaker
- The width of the kayak
Low Angle Paddling Style
If your kayak’s width is less than 24 inches, you have to take that and your height into account to determine your ideal paddle length.
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 210 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 215 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
If the kayak’s width is between 24 inches and 28 inches:
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
If the kayak’s width is between 29 inches to 33 inches:
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 240 cm
If the kayak’s width is more than 33 inches:
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 240 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 240 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 250 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 250 cm
High Angle Paddling Style
If you have a wider kayak that’s 17 to 23 inches, you have to take that and your height into account to get your ideal paddle length.
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 200 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 210 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
If the kayak’s width is between 23 inches and 25 inches:
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 210 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 240 cm
If the kayak’s width is more than 25 inches:
- 5’0 needs a kayak paddle length of 220 cm
- 5’ to 5’6 needs a kayak paddle length of 230 cm
- 5’6 to 6’ needs a kayak paddle length of 240 cm
- 6’+ needs a kayak paddle length of 250 cm
Tips to Getting the Right Size Kayak Paddle
Just as understanding the factors that go into what type and size kayak you need (volume, width, and length), getting the right size kayak is a lot more than simply checking out written measurements.
One of the most effective ways to get the right size as a recreational kayaker is to have some hands-on experience with various ranges to know what feels good in the hand.
Another reason hands-on experience before buying a paddle is important is that you have your paddling technique appraised in case you have picked up any bad stroking habits. It doesn’t make sense to have the perfect paddle only for your paddling to ruin it all.
