How Important Is The Length of the Kayak Paddle?
If you are into kayaking then of course you know without the paddle you are lost. How important is having the right one though? As a novice to becoming involved in rapid sports such as some segments of kayaking you have much to learn. All of the items that you will use are going to be important but some more so than others. Your Kayak, paddle and life jacket and other protective equipment are all top priorities and you will want the best in quality and performance.
Your paddle is an extension of you:
You need to have certain expectation of it and it has to conform to your needs. You need to consider its length, how much it weighs, the type of material that it is comprised of and the shape of the blade you prefer or is most applicable to your type of kayaking.
The length:
Be sure to follow the advice of a reputable sales person when choosing your paddle length they will guide you with the proper format for your size. Something you may not realize is that not only is your size important, but the width of the board has to be considered as well. You will find that the wider styled boats like Tandem demand the use of longer paddles.
Longer paddles:
You will find that if you have a tendency to hit the side of your kayak when paddling that your paddle may be the problem and that it is not long enough. You will also find that the short paddle restricts you from getting the blade into the water properly, and you will tire faster as you will have to work harder at directing your boat.
You also need to consider your style of paddling. This is going to help in your decision making when it comes to paddle length as well. If you prefer to use fast strokes then a shorter length is easier to maneuver, but takes more energy. For those leisurely trips the longer handle is more comfortable with less work and energy.
When you are considering your physical height you also have to think about where is your body height. Is it in your torso or legs. If its in your torso then you can get by with a shorter model. If you are short in the torso area then you will need the paddle length to prevent you from having to stretch so much.
Of course when it comes to purchasing paddles for the kids or smaller stature women special considerations have to be given here as well.
