Kayak paddle is as important as the kayak itself. Having a
correct sized paddle can create magic while you are on the water. In addition,
an incorrect sized paddle can be dangerous for you. You may lose control of
yours over your kayak. You can have a perfect sized Kayak Paddle Under 100 for you and have a comfortable
journey by considering paddle size, your body measurement, kayak size or type,
and paddling size.
What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need?
It doesn’t matter where you are shopping for your paddle;
everywhere, it is measured in cm, not inches. Here is a paddle sizing chart
that can help you to measure your paddles in inches.
Paddle Lengths Converted to Inches:
A 180 cm kayak paddle will be 70.9″, a 190 cm kayak paddle
will be 74.8″, a 200 cm kayak paddle – 78.7″, a 210 cm kayak paddle will be
82.7″, a 220 cm kayak paddle will be 86.6″, a 230 cm kayak paddle will be
90.5″, a 240 cm kayak paddle will be 94.5″, a
250 cm kayak paddle will be
98.4″. After measuring the paddle lengths now, you have to focus on
these factors that will suggest your paddle’s perfect length.
Width of kayak
Firstly, you have to know your kayak ins and outs. The wider
a kayak, the longer paddle you will need; otherwise, it will put too much
strain on your body. A taller person in a narrow kayak, a shorter person in a
wider kayak will need the same length of paddles.
Torso height
Torso height is more important than your body height because
it can determine how high your arms are. For a 22-28 inches torso, the perfect
size of the paddle will be 180cm-220cm. For 32-38 inches, the paddler size will
be 240- 250cm will be perfect.
Body height
If you are 5’5”-5’11”, try a 210-260cm long paddle compared
with the width of your kayak. For a 6” or taller person, the paddle length may
vary among 220-260cm considering the kayak’s width.
Angle paddles
The final thing you should consider is its low angle or high
angle peddling before purchasing a paddle. The low angled paddle is more
comfortable and needs less strength and stamina. The high angled paddle is
faster and mostly used for the race.
Quick-pick method
The quickest and accurate ways to determine the size of the
paddle are-
1. Place your hand 2/3 way from the
center of the shaft, hold your arms out, bending your elbow, and grab the
paddle as you would in the time of paddling.
2. Place the paddle up next to you,
extend your arm up, and over the edge of the paddle blade hook the first joint
of your fingertips.
Conclusion
No matter what brands paddle you are purchasing, what
matters the most is the size. The accurately sized paddle will provide you more
comfort, best control to handle the kayak. From this article, you can easily
identify the best-fitted size for Kayak Paddle as per your need.
