Kayak Paddle Sizing Guide 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
Is it better to have a longer or shorter kayak paddle?
If you fall between two sizes, it’s generally better to go shorter Either size would probably work, but you’ll save a few ounces with a shorter paddle If you’re proportioned with a shorter torso, though, then the added reach will come in handy and you should go with the longer paddle
How do you know what size paddle to get?
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
What happens when you use too long of a paddle for kayaking?
When using a paddle that’s too short or too long, you’ll end up over exerting yourself and working harder than necessary to build up speed and keep the kayak on track If the length isn’t right, your hands will tend to move along the shaft, resulting in the development of blisters
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 This is the recommendation for the average user
Should I feather my kayak paddle?
Feathering is most advantageous when paddling into high winds The higher the angle of your blade, the less resistance you will encounter Alternatively, an un-feathered paddle can be advantageous when the wind is at your back, working as a small sail each time the blade is raised into the air
What size kayak do I need for my weight?
What size kayak do I need for my weight? The right size kayak for your weight is one with a maximum capacity rating that’s about 125 pounds more than your body weight Another rule of thumb is to find out the manufacturer’s maximum capacity rating and reduce it by about 30-35%
Are kayak paddles measured tip to tip?
Paddles are sized by overall length: tip to grip (or tip to tip) However it is far more accurate to measure your correct size by using only the shaft (and grip in the case of canoe paddles), as the blade can vary greatly in length
How much are paddles for a kayak?
Kayak paddles can range in price from $40 to $500 The material of the blade is usually the main factor in the cost of a paddle though the shaft material can also affect price The cheapest paddles available have an aluminum shaft and fiberglass blades and costs around $40
How long is a youth kayak paddle?
Most kids under four can use a paddle between 152 and 182 centimeters long Kids between the ages of four and 10 should be most comfortable with a paddle between 182 and 190 centimeters in length
How do I stop my kayak paddle from leaking?
What Are Kayak Paddle Drip Rings? Kayak paddle drip rings are cupped rubber rings that fit on both ends of the shaft near the blade Drip rings help prevent water from running down the shaft to your arm, into your armpits, onto your torso, or dripping on your legs, in the cockpit, or on the deck
Should I angle my kayak paddle?
Whether you feather your paddle or not isn’t a right-or-wrong choice, but a preference Most kayak paddles today can be feathered between 15 and 60 degrees 60 is most typical, except for whitewater paddlers, who usually use 30 to 45 degrees because of the rough conditions they face
What angle should a kayak paddle be set at?
Which kayak paddle blade angle is best? If you prefer a short paddle for maximum power, use a feather angle between 30 and 45 degrees If you would rather use a long paddle allowing your hands to be held low, an unfeathered paddle will keep your wrists straight That’s the answer
How long should my whitewater paddle be?
Paddles are conventionally measured in centimetres In general, a paddle 196-200 cm in length is good for paddlers between 5’8″ and 6’1″ For paddlers between 5’3″ and 5’8″, a paddle 192-196 cm in length should work great For paddlers taller than 6’1″, a paddle between 200 and 204 cm’s will be of ample length
Can you kayak if you are fat?
Kayak fishing also allows just about anyone the opportunity to explore and fish without having to spend thousands on a fancy boat Again, despite the trepidation of some, kayaking can be enjoyed by people of all shapes and sizes Even if you’re overweight or taller than average, kayaking can be enjoyable
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 Most shorter kayaks tend to be more stable for recreational paddling because they have a better length-to-width ratio
Can a 300 pound person kayak?
Weight Capacity of Kayaks for “Big” Guys You’ll want to leave a margin for extra gear, buoyancy, and to maintain the ability to maneuver easily But simply put, most kayaks that can support big people should have a weight capacity of well over 300 lbs
Are kayak paddles measured end to end?
The industry standard for measuring and describing the length of kayak paddles is metric units, according to Paddlingcom It’s also good to know that the difference between a 220cm and a 230cm paddle—10cm or about 39”—means that your paddle is 5cm longer on each end Don’t simply think it’s 10cm longer overall
How do you measure torso length?
How is torso length defined? Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the top edge of the shoulders or C7 vertebrae (the one that protrudes when facing down) to the top crest of the hip bone (pelvis)