Sea Kayak - Paddles

Choosing the right paddle is almost as important as choosing the right kayak. The only reason that it is not quite as important as the kayak, is because it is a lot easier and less expensive to change your paddle. The paddle is, however, your primary means of propulsion. It needs to fit you like a well fitting glove or a favourite pair of shoes.

The paddle choice for sea kayaking involves selecting the following aspects:

To someone new to paddle sports, it is a surprise to know that there are different types of paddles for the different types of paddling such as canoeing, whitewater kayaking, and touring. There are different styles of touring strokes used by the paddler that affect the paddle choice. There are different materials of construction as well. Finally, there are different paddle grip, blade and shaft designs. Some paddles are adjustable. The primary paddle you will use is not likely the same type as the one you will keep as your emergency spare.

The first step in selecting a paddle though is to learn a bit about paddles, paddle strokes and design alternatives.

Sea kayakers employ what is called a Touring Paddle. These are longer than other kayak paddles and are designed for steady, rhythmic strokes over longer periods of time.

There are two styles of sea kayak paddling, high angle and low angle. These involve the angle at which you, the paddler, will be thrusting the paddle into the water.

High Angle paddling is typically a more active style of paddling using a faster cadence and wider variety of strokes. It is very dynamic and commonly used for fitness paddling, kayaking in strong currents or in rugged conditions where alot of power is needed.

Low Angle is the most common paddling style. It is a relaxed touring style with a more relaxed cadence. Low Angle paddling is less fatiguing on paddle days when long distances or multi day trips are planned. The angle at which the paddle enters the water is shallower or lower.

The angle of the paddle shaft actually affects the design shape of the paddle blade. You will notice that most sea kayak paddles have asymmetrical blade shapes. One side of the blade has a different shape and smaller area than the other. This is so that the two sides will be of equal area when the paddle enters the water. This results in equal forces on both sides so that no unequal torque is applied to the shaft. A paddle with a symmetrical blade, one with equal areas on both sides of the shaft center line, tends to twist in a kayakers hands and this causes fatigue in the hands and shoulders.

The paddler angle you employ is also affected by the choice of boat. A wider boat will only allow a paddler to comfortably use a low angle stroke. A narrow boat enables the kayaker to thrust the paddle into the water closer to the centerline of the craft, therefore at a higher or steeper angle.

Blade size also comes into play in selection. Small size blades are designed for smaller paddlers or paddlers who enjoy a faster cadence. Mid size blades are most popular for the widest range of kayakers.

Paddle shafts are available either straight or bent. Bent shafts are shaped with curves to allow a more natural angle of grip for the kayakers hands. The idea is to relieve stress and fatigue with a more natural fit and feel. Straight shafts are lighter and less expensive.

The diameter of the paddle shaft will also affect comfort and fatigue. The shaft diameter must fit the size of your hand so that it naturally grips the shaft. A female kayaker with small hands will find a small diameter more suitable, whereas a large male will need to have a paddle with a large diameter to fit his large hands.

The overall length of the paddle must also be matched to each person and the boat they are using. A taller individual will need a longer paddle. A wider boat requires a longer paddle. Paddles come in sizes that vary in 10 centimeter lengths, typically 220, 230, and 240 cm. Sometimes the right fit is best found by a test paddle.

Paddles are available in different materials of construction. Basically, the lighter and stronger materials are more expensive. A lighter paddle will cause less fatigue on a long trip. A stronger paddle is less likely to break. This part of the selection process is often a choice of economy, what can you afford.

Finally, there is the matter of feathering. Two piece paddles enable the paddler to set the paddle blades at different angles. This is called "feathering the blades". Offsetting or feathering the blades when paddling up wind enables the top blade to carve through the wind more efficiently. When paddling down wind the paddle blades can be set parallel to take advantage of the wind much like a sail. Different paddlers, with different body frames, and different paddle strokes, will have different optimum feathering angles. There is no such thing as one paddle fits all. A two piece paddle with adjustable feathering does allow some flexibility though.One piece paddles, although less versatile, are generally stronger and lighter.

Once you have the ideal paddle fixed in mind, the next best step is quite simply to try a few of them out.

Is there a perfect sea kayak paddle? No. Every paddle selection is really a compromise between three factors, weight, durability, and price. At Frontenac Outfitters we can offer you our first hand experience and knowledge as well as the facilities for you to actually test out your paddle selection in a boat on the water.

Don't have time to come for a visit? You can purchase your Sea Kayak Gear by visiting our on-water showroom or you can purchase it online at our Kayak and Canoe Gear web store.