Choosing a paddle

There are a variety of paddles in all different price ranges and looks. How do I know what to get?
To begin with, there is no right or wrong – just opinions. But with this guide, you will know what to consider when choosing a paddle.

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PADDLE LENGTH

Choosing the right paddle length is the first “problem.” The decision depends partly on your height but also on how high you sit in the kayak. Technique also plays a role.

AquaBound has produced a table that also takes into account the width of the kayak:

Kayak width	<58cm	60-71cm	>73cm
Your height
<165cm	210-220cm	230cm	230-240cm
165-180cm	220cm	230cm	230-240cm
> 182cm	220-230cm	230-240cm	240cm

These guidelines are quite good to have with you when choosing because the table is quite rough.

Choose a shorter paddle if the kayak swings too much back and forth with each stroke, if you get tired (lactic acid) from paddling, or if you don't have time to accelerate in the surf.
Choose a longer paddle if you find that you get too much paddle frequency on flat water.

PADDLE ANGLE

On some paddles you can change the angle of the blades.
If you lift the paddle on the side where you are holding it (right side for a right-handed paddle), you should be able to insert the paddle on the other side without having to twist your (right) wrist. If you have to twist your wrist up a little, it is not that dangerous. However, if you have to twist your wrist down to insert the paddle at the right angle, you should increase the angle. The steeper your paddle stroke is, the more angle you should have.
An angle around 45° and 75° is a good start.

SHAFT STIFFNESS

A relatively soft shaft is recommended for surf skiing, sea kayaking, children and those with wrist problems. For maximum output from each paddle stroke, a medium or stiff shaft is recommended.

LEAF SHAPE

The blade of the paddle comes in different designs: v-shaped, bowl-shaped or wing-shaped.

Flat sheets are the cheapest and easiest to use because there is no front or back, left or right. The disadvantage is that the efficiency (more work for less forward movement) and can easily vibrate during heavy strokes. These are almost no longer used in the kayaking world.

Scalloped leaves has a good grip and high efficiency and provides power, speed and good control but requires a little more technique to be utilized. Must be held correctly to function optimally.

V-blade are easy to paddle, comfortable and vibration-free. Particularly suitable for long-distance paddling where you strive for a comfortable and even speed.

Wing paddle is specially adapted for high speed and paddling straight ahead. Requires a lot of technique from the user for it to function optimally. Expect a lot of practice here before you get full feedback from the paddling.

Material

Paddles today are made of slightly different materials, polyester/fiberglass, epoxy/carbon fiber, thermoplastic, nylon, etc. with shafts of aluminum, wood or plastic combinations.

You could say that the more expensive, the easier.
We recommend that you invest in a light paddle because it pays off in the long run, especially on longer trips.
Aluminum is usually the cheapest solution, but if you plan to drive year-round, look for something else because the material becomes very cold to hold during the winter months.