Well, typically while buying a kayak we think about the Kayak’s length, colour, aesthetics, style etc. Have you ever thought about what size of kayak paddle do I need?
Your paddle is the basic yet very important part of the kayak. If your paddle is not compatible with your size or your kayak’s size, then you might face a menace. This article will provide you answers for what size of kayak paddle do I need?
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What Size Of Kayak Paddle Do I Need
Imagine if your kayak is too short in length, you would feel clumsy whereas if your paddle is too long, you would have to put extra effort to stir the water away. It is a paramount to ask how long should my kayak paddle be?
In order to determine the suitable paddle, consider your height and the width of the kayak. Your Kayak is expected to be well tailored for your height and weight. Check out my article What Size Kayak Do I Need for best suitable kayaks for you.
For measuring the width of the kayak, measure the widest points of the kayak. When you have your height and kayak’s width handy, check the table given below. The paddle sizes are given in centimetres.
| HEIGHT | KAYAK WIDTH
Under 23” |
23” to 28” | 28” to 32” | Above 32” |
| Under 5′ | 210 cm | 220 cm | 230 cm | 240 cm |
| 5′ to 5’6″ | 215 cm | 220 cm | 230 cm | 240 cm |
| 5’7″ to 6′ | 220 cm | 220 cm | 230 cm | 250 cm |
| Above 6′ | 220 cm | 230 cm | 240 cm | 250 cm |
This table will help you answer what size of kayak paddle do I need?
Angles of the blade
Angles of the bladeHigh angle blade is generally used for speedy adventures and white water kayaking. These blades accelerate your kayak as they strike the water vertically; pushing the water backwards rapidly. These paddles have wider blades. In such cases, make sure your paddle shaft is short.
Low angle blade is preferred for leisure touring and relaxation. The blades are narrow and thin, and strike the water horizontally (parallel). The paddle shaft is generally longer.
What size fishing kayak paddle do I need
Fishing kayaks are more stable and wide. They help you for long day fishing. For fishing kayak, you would require a long paddle. For measurement purposes you can refer to the chart above.
You can even opt in for adjustable ferrule for your paddle. You can shorten it when needed. Such ferrules are in demand by fishermen because the paddle helps them paddle in different size kayaks and boats.
Kayak fishing paddles are mostly made up of high angle blade. With high angle blades, you can easily drive your fishing kayak along with the gear.
What if you are a white-water kayaker then you need to be super cautious about the paddle you choose. Let me answer this question how long should my white-water kayak paddle be?
Always opt in for high strength shaft because you cut the waves and you don’t want your shaft to break. Go for carbon or fibreglass shafts that give you durability and strength. Plastic shafts can break easily; you may use them for leisure kayaking but not in white waters.
Read more: Transport a Kayak Without a Rack
Prefer high angle blades that give you tempo and pace. You can buy a feathered angle paddle that gives you swiftness and reduces the effort. So now I guess we are much clear about what size of kayak paddle do I need?
What size kayak paddle do I need for a sit on top kayak
Sit on top kayaks are in trend because they give most space, wide leg space and are airy. Check out more about Sit on top kayaks on Kayak Scupper Plugs Just like sit in kayaks, check the width of the kayak and your height.
As SOT kayaks are both wider as well as narrower, choose a shaft that doesn’t rub against the kayak body. If you are touring for relaxation, choose a shorter shaft and wider blade. But you want some adventure then select longer shaft paddles and narrow blades. For SOT kayaks check the table below.
Image Source- sitons.com
What size paddle do I need for a canoe?
Be it be a kayak or a canoe, the question remains the same- what size of paddle do I need? Canoeing is yet another adventuresome sport. It is easy to select a canoe paddle. Mostly the paddle length ranges from 52″ to 60″. You can directly check them out in store, or at home, hold the paddle upside down with the grip on the floor. Check the end of the paddle which should come between your chin and nose. Bent-shaft paddles are 2” shorter than normal paddles. You can easily check variety of paddles in a store.
Kayak Size and Paddle Size
What size of kayak paddle do I need? The answer is simple! Here are some most common questions asked by the kayakers. As we have seen how do you size a kayak paddle, now let’s turn to how long should my kayak paddle be in accordance with the kayak length.
Q1. What size paddle do I need for a 30″ wide kayak?
Ans- For this check your height first. But mostly a 30” wide kayak would require a 230 cm (90.55 inches) paddle.
Q2. What size paddle do I need for an 8 foot kayak?
Ans- if you are using white water kayak then it is around 7-11 feet long. Your recreational kayak is 6-12 feet long with a width of 26″ to 30”. Your paddle size would then range from 220 cm to 230 cm. Do check your height before.
Q3. What size paddle do I need for a 12 foot kayak?
Ans- Touring kayak and Recreational kayak have 12 foot length. Such kayaks’ width would range from 22” to 30”. For this check the table above.
Q4. What size paddle do I need for a 12 foot Oru kayak?
Ans- Oru kayaks are origami style kayaks that can be folded in a backpack and can be set up in 12 to 16 ft. long. Oru paddles are usually adjustable and come in 4 piece set. The paddle length can be adjusted within 220 cm to 230 cm.
Q5. I am 5’4″ and my kayak is 32″ wide what size paddle do I need?
Ans- You would require a paddle of 230 cm.
Q6. What size paddle do I need for a 10 foot kayak?
Ans- A white water kayak is around 7-11 feet long and recreational kayak is 6-12 feet long with a width of 26″ to 30”. Your paddle size should be from 220 cm to 230 cm. Do check your height before.
Q7. What size kayak paddle do I need at 62.5 inches in height?
Ans- if your height is 62.5 inches (5’2”), then the paddle size would stretch from 215cm to 240 cm. But never forget to check your height.
Q8. I am 5’8″ what size kayak paddle do I need?
Ans- For 5’8” tall kayaker, a paddle size of 220cm to 250 cm would fit.
Q9. If my kayak is 30” wide, how long should my paddle be?
Ans- your paddle should be between 230cm to 240 cm.
Conclusion
I hope you have got answers to what size of kayak paddle do I need? You will always be flooded with variety of paddles, choose wisely.
Your paddle will determine how effective or relaxing your journey will be. Remember comfort comes first. So never compromise on it.
Check more: What clothes To Wear Kayaking
If you have any other queries regarding what size of kayak paddle do I need? do let me know in the comments section. Till then stay updated and go kayaking!
