What’s the best kayak paddle? There are several excellent choices, but the true answer would be this: The best kayak paddle is that the one that you’re most comfortable with; the one you love using to glide across the surface of the water. Beyond that, you may use cost as a determining factor, although this can be misleading at times.
It’s also essential to keep in mind, having the ideal paddle for you will make all the difference in your comfort and at the amount of energy that you will use moving across the water. Selecting paddles is not all that difficult, when you’ve got some of the principles in hand: shape, length, materials used.
To make your choice, concentrate on duration , according to your height, how you paddle and kayak thickness. If you’re more than 6 ft tall, you won’t be comfy with the same paddle used by somebody who’s 12 inches shorter. That smaller individual would discover a very long paddle more than uncomfortable. When a paddle is a long time or even too brief, the journey is not enjoyable. It is exhausting.
It’s About the Angle
While every person has his or her own style and position when in a kayak, for purposes of the discussion it’s possible to divide paddling style into low-angle and high-angle. The first style is more comfortable using the blade touching the water in thinner strokes.
Generally, someone who is using low-angle paddling will have a paddle with slimmer blades. The length might also be somewhat longer than the paddle used by somewhat with a more-aggressive, high-angle style.
The repetition of the stroke is quicker and is more inclined used to manoeuvre and also to speed up. This type of paddling will require additional energy and will definitely help build stamina and strength where it didn’t exist earlier. Remember, you may use both these styles, based upon requirements.
Paddle lengths normally run from 200cm to 250 cm (approx. 6.5 feet to 8 feet). Taller people will use a longer paddle for low-angle paddling, if the kayak is just a little over two feet broad. In precisely the same kayak, a person of about 5 ft in height should have a paddle that is approximately four inches shorter.
These are only general guidelines, of course, but they are able to get you started if you’re a true beginner. Make adjustments for smaller boats (under 23 inches wide) and for larger kayaks, 30 inches to 32 inches wide.
Choosing the Best Kayak Paddle
Whenever you have some idea about the general size of your holiday paddle, it’s time to look at several other details. The first step would be to find out more about substances used to make quality paddles in the 21st century. In ages ago, it was necessary to use heavy wood to move your kayak about, and a few folks even used solitary paddles made of wood if they had been to a leisurely kayak excursion across smooth water.
However, with improved technology it is now possible to buy a strong-but-lightweight kayak paddle, which makes paddling and manoeuvring much, much easier. It’s important to find equipment that’s mild but very durable, with focus on keeping weight low so you do not wear out too soon on long journeys. As you shop for paddles you’ll find a few main”ingredients” used to manufacture fantastic paddles.
Fibreglass paddles are good for recreation, and will bring you in at the center of the price range. These are light in weight and continue quite a long time. In addition, you are probably going to be able to find one in your favorite colour.
Carbon fibre paddles will also be light in weight but this substance will make your choice a bit more expensive. But, the material is quite strong and allows you to get a paddle that is even lighter than fibreglass.
You’ll probably find a paddle created from an aluminium/plastic mix most affordable. While they’re a fantastic pick if you’re just starting out, they are sometimes a bit hefty for smaller kayakers. You should also allow for the chilly feeling of the metal if you venture out when it is cold outside.
Form, Shape
You are not finished with all the custom options on your paddle, since you need to decide if a feathered blade is right for you, or if you should try out the non-feathered style. This is extremely important, because the feathered blades are counter top, whereas the non-feathered blades are in line.
There are several advantages to using a feathered blade. If you opt for this design, you are going to meet with less resistance from the end as you move the paddle above the water. You will also encounter less fatigue at the arms and the wrists. Make one more choice when deciding on this type of paddle: angle. Options vary from 30 degrees to 45 degrees. You will be more efficient using the increased angle, while you’ll use less energy with all the smaller angle.
You’ll also need to consider which is the”control” hand, though you can buy paddles that could be taken aside for changes in angle and control. The control designation is not mechanically determined by your hand. You should also give lots of thought to the shape of the blade as well as to the kind of shaft you’ll use.
A straight shaft is nice, though some kayakers prefer a shaft that’s slightly”bent” to place your palms more comfortably. It’s also important to choose if a simple, round shaft is right for you or if you are more familiar with an oval form.
8 Best Kayak Paddle Reviews
Where should you begin when you’ve made your notes out of this protracted introduction? Look at a few of the highest kayak paddles from reliable manufacturers and get the best price you can find. Simple, right? Wait until you go through the list and see what you believe.
1. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle
This is a good option for touring kayakers. Like the majority of the best products, it is light but durable, with a fiberglass shaft and blades blending glass fibers and strong plastic (polypropylene).
Your options include orange and blue colours, three lengths and two-piece structure for easier portability. This paddle will stand up to barriers, stone etc..
2. Cannon Kayak Paddle with Black Fiberglass
Best for Beginners
These well-designed, aluminum-shaft paddles are going to be a fantastic selection for the beginner. It’s possible to correct the offset angles and also benefit from comfy grips.
The shafts have drip rings to stop water from running to a palms. Should you insist on a paddle made in the united states, this should be our pick. It’ll serve you nicely from the beginning and for the long-term.
3. Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Paddle
Best for Fishing
This top-rated paddle will likely get some votes to the best title. Bending Branches is one of the older companies in the field, with origins in the early 1980s. The business initially made kayak paddles from composite materials and proceeded on to earn kayak paddles as well (still in Wisconsin).
You can also pick the update which lets you utilize the paddle with various kayaks and distinct consumers. Fishermen using this paddle will love the hook-retrieval and measuring marks on the rotating shaft. Move up one degree with the Angler Pro.
4. SeaSense X-1 Kayak Paddle
As you search for paddles one of these fantastic options, you will find the SeaSense is less costly than many others. But it still delivers outstanding service using a two-piece aluminum shaft and durable blades. Foam grips causes this paddle comfortable for longer excursions.
Other useful attributes are drip guards of rubber and adjustable blade positions.
5. Shoreline Marine X-II Kayak Paddle
This popular, reasonably priced paddle utilizes aluminium construction and durable molded blades for distance travel with decreased fatigue.
Good newcomer or spare choice readily available in blue or orange.
6. Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle
Fantastic portability with four segments that decrease to 25 inches. Asymmetrical blades are right for low-angle paddling. Available only in 1 size (231cm), which will be OK except for the wider kayaks.
A fantastic selection for people who focus on transporting equipment as a key factor.
7. Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Touring Kayak Paddle
When you understand, for certain, that you want a fantastic touring paddle, you might want to go with the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray. Extremely light, making it an excellent option for smaller, younger people. It is best utilized in slow rivers or streams.
A four-piece model is also available for an extra price.
8. Seattle Sports SeaWhisper Carbon Paddle
This is definitely a”higher end” paddle with carbon-fiber shaft and light weight.
In spite of its own weight, this paddle will stand up to hard use, with glass/nylon blades also contains the additional features that make it perfect for fishing from the kayak (retrieve thinner objects, catch line etc.. ) Adjust your blade angle with cam-lock design. Stay safe with the high-visibility green blades.
Final Thoughts
Prices vary widely with this list, for a reason. You can pick from one of the pricier paddles when cost isn’t your major buying variable, or, you can select a less expensive paddle if you are a newcomer, need a fantastic sparetime, or your excursions are primarily on roads that are smooth and slow-moving streams.
For instance, you might want to decide on the Seattle Sports or the Bending Branches merchandise for the best”working” paddle for fishermen.
Shoreline, on the other hand, creates an inexpensive paddle which may be a good choice for those just starting out and for people that are occasional, recreational kayakers. Cannon and SeaSense make reasonably priced paddles to pull individuals new to the game, though these can also be nice for recreational excursions.
Try Aqua-Bound or Carlisle for the best option in touring paddles. Not only can it be very, very light, in addition, it is available in five lengths. When you look carefully in Advanced Components paddles, you’ll see portability. This is your best choice when transporting gear is a major concern.
With every paddle listed you’ll discover some fantastic features and some outstanding advantages, including appealing prices on one or two products. Nevertheless, the key factors should always be finding a paddle that fits youyour paddling style and the conditions you are going to be traveling in.
