Choosing right size for kayak paddle is key for comfort on water. When you determine the length of kayak paddle, consider mainly your height and the width of the kayak. For wide kayak you need longer paddle, while for narrow kayak shorter is enough.
Simple: in wider kayak you need longer paddle. So that the blade enters the water the paddle must pass the gunwales of the boat, while you keep right paddling position.
How to choose the right kayak paddle length
Two ways exist for measuring kayak paddles: torso height or whole body height. For best results, measure your body height and add torso measure, that helps to find size that fits both ranges on the size chart of kayak paddles. Many are wrong about paddle sizes.
If you measure only by body height, people with long or short legs get wrong size. Better is to measure torso length and seat height in the kayak.
Use size chart for kayak paddles is the simplest and fast way to choose paddle. The usual unit for paddle length is centimeter. One inch is 2.54 cm.
Remember that chart signs are only a guide. Your personal taste and paddling style can alter the ideal length a bit up or down.
Paddling style also matters a lot. Blades with high angle require shorter paddles, while low angle require longer. For aggressive paddling with various strokes, choose 210 until 220 cm long paddle with strong blade shape.
Shorter paddle is easier for fast cadence. The best way to find right size is follow the size charts of the brand, for instance Werner or Aqua Bound.
If the seat of the kayak is adjustable, consider paddle with adjustable length between 250 and 260 cm. Sit-on-tops commonly have a skeg and can be touring boats, which adds around 15 until 20 cm to the paddle length. Paddles of 240 cm and longer are mainly for fishing kayaks, while 250 until 260 cm probably are for fishing kayaks with raised frame seats.
For whitewater kayaks the width of the boat is not as important as the height of the paddler. Those boats usually are 7 until 11 feet long. Good first step is measure the width of the kayak in its widest place, and makers always point it in the specs of every model.
