A Complete Guide Before Buying Your Perfect Kayak Paddle

As a kayaker, your kayak paddle will be one of the most important pieces of your kayak tools. Kayak paddles are the piece of equipment you will be holding all day long and the device that propels you across the water.

You want to ensure that you are choosing the right kayak paddle for you and your next outing- whether it’s a trip on a local pond at sunset, a camping trip to fish for bass at a state park lake, or a trip across a wind-swept bay.

Choosing a kayak paddle among the many options available to you is no easy task. There are various kayak paddle types of different lengths, materials, and blade shapes. Before buying, it’s important to know what you want. The following tips will help you choose the best kayak paddle.

Kayak paddle part

For a jet ski, you won’t need it, but a kayak is nothing without its paddle. Before knowing which kayak paddle to buy, you should know the basics of it. So, let’s move on to the various parts of a kayak paddle that will not only enhance your knowledge but also give you a chance to show off your skills in front of your beginner friends.

1. Grip

What does a paddle’s grip look like? A kayak paddle grip is a part you hold in your hand when you paddle. It usually consists of a “T” or triangle-shaped grip and fits comfortably in the palm of your paddling hand for hours of smooth, effective, and comfortable paddling.

There are two types of grips in a kayak paddle-

• Palm grip– Palm-grip kayak paddles have bent shafts and are designed for paddling in only one direction. Despite being triangle-shaped, this grip is arched to feel comfortable only from one side of the paddle.
• T-Grip– To give a paddler the greatest amount of control over their stroke, the “T”-grip was created. With a T-shaped paddle, you have plenty of leverage for paddling strokes like prying or kayaking.

2. Throat

In a kayak paddle, the throat is where the blade meets the shaft. This is a section of the shaft at the exact point where the shaft widens into the paddle’s blade.

3. Shoulder

Kayak paddles have a shoulder at the top of the blade, starting at the throat. This is the angled section that continues to get wider as you lower your paddle until the blade’s width stays the same.

4. Shaft

Kayak paddle shafts are thin, long portions of the paddle that extend from just before the throat to the end of the grip. In other words, the shaft is where you grip the paddle with your lower hand while your upper hand propels the blade of the paddle through the water.

There are two types of shafts-

• Round shafts– Since these shafts can easily rotate in your hands, they are less controllable. Therefore, they’re less effective, and they twist in your hand when stroking, which reduces your paddling power.
• Oval shafts– Cross-sections of oval shafts resemble the shape of an egg. The ergonomic design allows them to fit your hand into the most comfortable position possible. In addition to making paddling on long trips easier, faster, and less tiring, it helps you know you have the right grip on your lower paddling hand.

5. Blade

At the end of the paddle is the blade, which is the widest part. Usually, this is the portion that is submerged underwater. Kayaks are propelled forward or backward by pushing or pulling against the water using the blade.

The paddle blades of modern kayaks have evolved into shorter and wider varieties. It’s the surface area of the paddle blade that matters most, not the shape of the paddle blade.

A large paddle blade gives you more power in each stroke, but it is harder to paddle. With blades with a smaller surface area, it is easier to paddle, but you get less power.

6. Tip

In a kayak paddle, the tip is located at the very bottom. It is the first part of the paddle that goes in, and the last part comes out of the water.

There are a number of different types of kayak blades, but all of them are rounded on both ends and corners. Kayak paddles with rounded tips are stronger and less likely to crack. Moreover, a kayak paddle has a rounded tip that makes entering and exiting easier.

Kayak paddle materials

As there are different types of kayak paddles, they come in different materials as well. So before buying one, you need to decide which material will suit your needs and provide you with the utmost comfort. Here are a few kayak materials-

1. Aluminum

Aluminum paddles are among the cheapest types of paddles but are also among the heaviest. Since aluminum paddles are so affordable, many people will begin paddle boarding with them, but once they become more serious about kayaking, they will upgrade to lighter material.

A heavy paddle made of aluminum makes paddling much more exhausting. Aluminum paddles are good for starting and can be used as spares once you upgrade to a better paddle.

2. Plastic

Paddles made of plastic are also among the cheapest. They will come with your kayak or you can buy them at an affordable price. The plastic paddle is also popular with beginners, but once the kayaker gets a taste for the sport, it will be worth upgrading to a lighter paddle.

3. Carbon Fiber

Due to their high cost, carbon fiber paddles are much less common than fiberglass paddles. The cost of these paddles can be two to three times higher than a fiberglass paddle.

These paddles are very lightweight, some even being light in comparison with a fiberglass paddle of similar size. A few ounces less can make a huge difference in how you feel and how fast and far you can propel your kayak when you are making thousands of strokes.

4. Fiberglass

Due to their light weight, fiberglass paddles have become extremely popular. Their production process is also easier as compared to other paddles; that’s why they are inexpensive. Most of them tend to be quite robust and can endure a decent amount of rough handling.

5. Wood

Wood paddles are lightweight and inexpensive, like fiberglass paddles. Even though wood paddles are much less common, many people prefer their appearance. Wooden paddles are remarkably durable and rigid.

If you’d like to explore the details further, this video dives deeper into the topic.

Kayak paddle blade shape

There are four different shapes of the kayak paddle blade. Let’s see which one is right for your adventure.

1. Flat paddle shape

You get what you hear – a flat paddle! The surface of this kayak paddle is smooth and does not have indents. It may have a slight curve along its length to catch the water.

Most flat paddles come with a rib down the center that appears to be a raised bar, but this is only for strength and to direct the water towards the edges of the paddle. In general, this rib does not impair the performance of the paddle in moving water, and it helps the paddle to cut through the water more easily and reduce flutter.

2. Dihedral paddle shape

The edges of a dihedral paddle are angled downward and away from the shaft. Due to the slight lateral angle, the paddle has a higher power plane and is designed to move water over the surface more easily.

Water flutter is reduced with this paddle design, and kayakers can use the paddle more precisely. As a result, tracking becomes much easier, and the kayak can be controlled and turned in a shorter period.

3. Wing paddle shape

A wing paddle slightly resembles a spoon-shaped kayak paddle. The curved design of this paddle allows it to cut through water quickly and move a lot of water. Wing blade edges curve inward rather than upward, unlike spoon blade edges.

For effective use of the rounded edges, torso twisting is required during strokes, similar to that of an airplane wing. As opposed to conventional fast-paced paddles such as the spoon, this paddle is used to angle water away from the kayak.

Competition kayak racers primarily use wing-shaped paddles. By moving through the water quickly, the paddle can capture a lot of water and propel the kayak quickly forward. In order to use the paddle over an extended period of time, a kayaker needs a lot of skill and endurance. That’s why they aren’t recommended for beginners or long-distance tourers.

4. Spoon paddle shape

This paddle has a significant curve across its entire width. With this curve, the paddle’s bite is affected – with the paddle being designed to catch water sooner at the beginning of the stroke. Having such a sweeping design makes this paddle very powerful in the first half to a third-quarter of its motion.

To prevent the water from being pushed upwards, paddles with spoon shapes should be removed from the water earlier than flat or dihedral blades. As with any other paddle, a spoon-shaped paddle will reduce efficiency when you follow through with the stroke.

Also, don’t forget to carry a crashworthy ball that will prevent your kayak from accidental damage.

Different types of kayak paddle

There are various types of kayak paddles, and each of them serves a specific purpose. Let’s discuss their specifications and decide which one is best for you.

• Low-angle paddles

Kayak blades with a low angle are designed for efficiency and ease of use. Low-angle paddles have blades that are longer and narrower than high-angle paddles. As a result, it is easier to pull the blades through the water, and you will become less fatigued over time.

• High angle paddles

A kayak blade with a high angle is designed to move a lot of water with every stroke. These paddles have shorter and wider blades than low-angle paddles. The catch and hold feature propels your kayak forward at an accelerated pace.

• Straight shaft paddle

These paddles look like the usual kayak paddles. However, the paddle’s shaft is straight and does not appear to have been damaged by anything.

• Bent shaft paddle

A kinked portion of these paddles was specifically designed to facilitate a more comfortable angle for your hands to rest during the power portion of your stroke. Using paddles with bent shafts helps to minimize fatigue as well as joint wear and tear.

• Single, two, and four-piece paddle

Single-piece paddles- Compared with two-piece and four-piece paddles, single-piece paddles have less flex. As the sections do not have any clips to hold them together, there is no risk of losing or breaking them (aside from the shaft).

Two-piece paddles- The most common type of kayak paddle is a two-piece paddle, and the shaft is detached at the center. Although it can be stored in a smaller area, a two-piece paddle usually has less flex than a four-piece paddle.

Four-piece paddles- Inflatable kayaks often come with four-piece paddles that can be broken down to about a quarter of their full length. This makes them easy to fit in compact carry bags or into the back of small SUVs.

• Paddle for kayak fishing

Kayak fishing paddles look almost the same as regular kayak paddles at first glance. One of the blades of these paddles has a small notch that makes them distinguishable from other paddles. In kayak fishing, the notch serves as a tool for retrieving the line and keeping your hands clean while fishing. Kayak fishing paddles are extremely useful in cage fish farming as well.

What to consider before buying a kayak paddle?

You might be having various questions, such as “What kayak paddle size do I need?” or “What kayak paddle length should I go for?” We have answered all your queries below.

• Settings (saltwater/freshwater)

Just like there’s a difference between ocean and lake kayaks, choosing a kayak paddle according to the water settings is essential. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, so the paddle has to lift heavy water; thus, it needs to be strong enough to lift such an amount of weight.

• Kayak length

Buying a kayak paddle according to the length of the kayak is extremely important. Kayaks that are longer tend to be easier to paddle, capable of carrying heavier loads, more stable, and with minimal performance loss.

• Person’s height

The paddler’s height and the kayak’s width determine the length of the paddle. For example, a person under 5 feet in height has a kayak under 23 inches in width and needs a paddle of length 210 cm.

• Paddle weight

Paddle weight is extremely necessary to be taken care of before buying a kayak paddle. The heavier the paddle, the harder it is to use it for lifting water. As mentioned above, the aluminum paddle is the heaviest, and the carbon fiber one is the lightest. You can choose any of them at your convenience, but we recommend you go for a lightweight kayak paddle.

Kayak paddle maintenance tips

A brand new paddle feels great when you use it for the first time. However, that feeling faded quickly as we used the paddle every day. Our automatic reaction is to toss it in the car, lie it down on the beach, push it offshore, or bang it against some rocks without even thinking about it. Here’s a reminder to take good care of your paddle so that you can enjoy it for a long time.

• Use the paddle for paddling only

It may seem obvious, but stay away from using your paddle to push off from shore, or slow yourself down while docking your kayak, and brace yourself before falling into the water while using the paddle. Even if you buy kayak paddles from a trustworthy brand, they are only meant to serve the purpose of paddling, not shoveling, or any other activity. 

• Keep them away from the sun

Whenever you are not using your paddle equipment, keeping it out of direct sunlight is your best bet. Invest in a blade cover or paddle bag to protect your kayak paddles.

• Transporting your paddle

When paddles are transported, they are most likely to break. Make sure that no heavy load is placed on top of the paddle. A paddle hammock hangs on the interior of the vehicle so that the paddle is not in the loading zone. This is an innovative solution for getting the paddle out of the loading zone.

• Don’t forget to clean your paddle

You can prolong the paddle’s life by simply rinsing it with fresh water. Taking apart any moving parts, such as the adjustable length inserts, is necessary. After rinsing and drying, the insert should be placed into the shaft again. To store your adjustable length paddle, leave the lever open.

• Band-aids for unforeseen injuries to the paddle

The best way to keep water out of a paddle blade after it has been dented, dangled, or punctured is to dry the paddle and cover the area with duct tape until a permanent repair is made. You may want to consider a paddle that is constructed with high-quality and durable material and also comes with a warranty if you are particularly harsh on your paddles.

• Repair

If your paddle blade has been punctured, dented, or dangled, you may need to fix it permanently. Wood can be sanded down, and polyurethane varnish can be applied to create a water-resistant seal. A Carbon/Epoxy blade’s foam core must also be protected. Make sure the core is protected from water, sand, and sun by sanding and epoxying the area.

Kayak paddle FAQs

• Is that the type of kayak paddle I use?

Your paddle is the second most important component of your kayak, after your kayak itself. It takes thousands of strokes to complete even a short tour, so having the right paddle makes all the difference. We have mentioned all the types of kayak paddles and their built materials above to help you decide which one works best for you.

• When using an overly long paddle?

In the case of paddles that are too short or too long, you’ll have to work harder than necessary to gain speed and control the kayak. If the length is not correct, blisters may develop due to your hands moving along the shaft.

• A kayak paddle should be set at what angle?

The feather angle should be between 30° and 45° for maximum power if you prefer a short paddle. When using a long paddle, you can hold your hands low with an unfeathered paddle, which keeps your wrists straight.

• Does my kayak paddle need to be feathered?

If you’re paddling into a strong wind, feathering is a great idea. You’ll encounter less resistance as your blade is at a higher angle. In addition, an unfeathered paddle can be advantageous when you have a tailwind, acting like a small sail whenever you raise the blade into the air.

• Are kayak paddles floatable?

Yes, the paddles in your kayak float, but they tend to float more slowly than your kayak does. Therefore, if you drop a paddle into the water, you will see how helplessly you will drift downstream with your kayak.

• How do kayak paddle rubber rings work?

Kayak paddles have small rings attached to the shafts of the paddles called drip rings. Some drip rings are shaped like cups, while others are flat. When you stroke upward, these prevent water from falling down the shaft of the paddle and into your lap.

• What’s the best weight for a kayak paddle?

The weight of a kayak paddle generally ranges from 1.5 to 4 pounds. Until it weighs more than 2 pounds or 36 ounces, a paddle is considered lightweight.

• Is carbon fiber a good material for kayak paddles?

Have you been kayaking for many years? Do you consider yourself a “lifetime” paddler? In that case, you should consider purchasing a carbon fiber paddle. With its light weight, this paddle will allow you to paddle for hours without feeling the strain of physical labor, as well as be durable for many years to come.

Have you been kayaking for many years? Do you consider yourself a “lifetime” paddler? In that case, you should consider purchasing a carbon fiber paddle. With its light weight, this paddle will allow you to paddle for hours without feeling the strain of physical labor, as well as be durable for many years to come.

Conclusion

So, this was the complete guide to help you buy the right kayak paddle for yourself. As you now know, there are various types of kayak paddles built with different materials, of different shapes, lengths, etc. 
Choosing the right kayak paddle can greatly enhance your enjoyment on the water. Likewise, a safe and convenient departure platform is crucial. Find out how Hisea Dock can make every day on the water easier and more enjoyable with our durable and easy-to-use floating dock system.

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