The kayak paddle is one of the most important pieces of gear you can have when it comes to kayaking. This can be the difference between having an enjoyable experience or a terrible one.

With so many kayak paddles to choose from, what do we need to look for when choosing the best one suited for us?

That is why I’m here today.

In this article, I am going to give you some tips on what to look for when choosing the best kayak paddle. This is not a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment.

From getting the right length of the shaft to finding the right material for your paddle blades, there is a lot to consider.

Living in a windy state such as Oklahoma, I spent the extra money on something that will cut through the water easier than the cheap ones. I’ll explain why.

 

Without further ado, Let’s go choose the best kayak paddle!

 

For more information on the kayak paddles, I love what Werner puts out for their paddles. You can check them out here.

 

 

How to Choose the Best Kayak Paddle

 

 

 

Consider the Blade Shape for the Best Kayak Paddle

 

 

The shape of your paddle blade is crucial as it will determine how your paddle cuts through the water with each stroke.

So, with that being said, you will also need to consider the kind of paddling you want to do will also determine the correct blade shape.

 

High Angle Paddle

When people mention a high angle paddle, this is what they are referring to.

It means the paddle is designed to be held more vertically during a forward stroke. This means that the stroke is more powerful and can move the kayaker faster through the water.

If you are kayaking in whitewater that is rough, this is the paddle you need to go with. This paddle is best suited for these extreme conditions and the blades on the paddle will be shorter and broader giving you better control than the other ones.

 

Most People prefer the Low Angle for Leisure Trips

 

Low Angle Paddle

A low angle paddle means the paddle is going to be held more horizontally and both hands are closer together in height through the entire stroke.

The Blades on low angle paddles will be much skinnier and a little longer. Most kayakers I know in Oklahoma use the low angle paddle.

 

Wing-Shaped Blade

People who race in competitions use this blade. The wing blade is designed with one blade face with a shallow scooped shape made for the increased power of a forward stroke.

I won’t buy a Wing-Shaped blade, because I find these to be a bit uncomfortable. I only recommend buying this if you will be into racing.

 

Dihedral Blades

When people mention the dihedral blade, this means that the paddle has two power faces. If you look at the shape of the blade, you will notice that the paddle will have two faces sloping slightly down from the middle of the blade. This rhyme and reason behind this are to minimize vibration during the stroke.

 

What are Greenland Paddles?

These old-time paddles are nothing you will find in today’s market. The slim wooden look was used for centuries in Greenland and are narrow in shape sort of like an airplane propeller.

You will want to avoid these paddles if kayaking in choppy water. I recommend a wider blade previously mentioned here to give you better control. But if you are kayak touring, you might like this paddle.

 

Kayak Materials

The material of the paddle is very important in choosing the best kayak paddle. Here is a list of the different types of materials in a paddle.

• Aluminum- These types of paddles are typically cheaper and are poor quality in my honest opinion. This might be a good paddle to buy if you are starting off, however these shafts can be cold in chilly weather and are a lot heavier. Spend the money on something lighter and more comfortable if you will be going on a regular basis.
• Plastic- These types of paddles are both durable and reasonable on the price spectrum. They don’t require a lot of maintenance either. Only downside is they are heavier than fiberglass and carbon made paddles.
• Carbon Fiber- This will be the most expensive and highest quality material for any kayak paddle. Carbon fiber is extremely light, but also strong and stiff. This makes this paddle an excellent choice for long trips.
• Fiberglass- These are light, stiff, and durable. For recreational paddlers, this is what you will mostly see from everyone. The fiberglass blades are a good option for the average kayaker.
• Wood- For people who want a warmer blade and lots of upkeep, but hey they look cool though.

 

Bent and Straight Shafts

 

The majority of kayakers will use a straight shaft. For some, they will have sections that are slightly bent. The intentions of these bent sections are to let your wrists stay in more neutral positions while you paddle.

These types of paddles can be expensive but can also be a great investment at the same time.

If you’re kayaking for long distances or experience wrist pain, then a bent shaft can be worth the money. For me it all comes down to personal preference.

I don’t prefer the bent shaft because it feels unnatural for me. That’s not to say I wouldn’t ever own one, I’m just not there yet.

 

Choosing the Correct Size is Something to Consider Too

 

Last but not least, it’s time to discuss the size of the paddle.

You can spend all the money you want on a carbon fiber paddle, but if you get the size wrong and it ends up hurting your wrists or perhaps your shoulders than it’s not worth much to you.

Not all kayaks are made the same. Depending on what kind of paddling a kayak is designed for, it will vary in width.

Recreational kayaks are going to be stable and built a little wider, whereas touring kayaks are narrower and longer making them faster on the lengthy trips.

Here is a size chart that may provide some clarity on choosing the correct size for a kayak paddle. Let’s take a look.

Torso Size/Kayak Paddle Size

22″ – Youth 180 cm

24″ – Youth 180-200 cm

26″- 190-210 cm

28″- 200-220 cm

30″- 210-230 cm

32″- 220-240 cm

34″- 230-250 cm

36″- 240-250 cm

38″ 250 cm

 

Different styles of paddling will also determine your paddle length. For example, if you’re going to be racing competitively, you will want a shorter paddle to take shorter and faster strokes.

Once you get out on the water, hold the paddle out in front of you and make sure your arms are bent at 90-degree angles.

If your hands fall around two-thirds from the middle of the shaft to where the shaft and blade meet, the paddle is going to be the correct size.

At the end of the day, I recommend doing your due diligence as there are many characteristics to look for when choosing the best kayak paddle.

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that wraps up today’s article. As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing the best kayak paddle. For me it depends on what you’re wanting to accomplish and what kind of water you will be paddling in. I’m a more carbon fiber/straight shaft kind of kayaker. I want something that will cut through the water fairly easy while being light and durable. I will spend the money on getting a great paddle because of the frequency I kayak each year. I hope you found this article to be helpful. If you have any questions on choosing the best kayak paddle, please drop your questions in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT