10 Best Kayak Paddles To Buy In 2024

You stand to have an incredible paddling experience when you hold a better kayak paddle.  Possessing a better kayak paddle has a lot to do when it comes to performance needs and style.

Getting the best option of paddle with relevant activity (kayak fishing, whitewater, touring, water skiing, boating and tubing) has a huge impact on performance.

Just like you cannot get a car without an engine on the road, a paddle is the engine that propels a boat to move. From a distance, kayak paddles may look so much alike but by taking a closer look you will observe that there are seemingly subtle differences in the blade and shaft.

There is always a chance that you are not going to enjoy paddling the way you wanted it when you settle for the wrong choice of paddle. The right choice of paddle should be sturdy, relatively lightweight, made with high-quality material, be of suitable length, considerably large surface area, be durable and have a solid grip.

Looking at the options of paddles that are available in the market today, kayakers must have prior knowledge of what a promising paddle looks like.

Interestingly, we have put together this year’s best kayak paddles that are capable of delivering a great paddling experience. Ranging from kayak fishing paddles, carbon fiber kayak paddles, Greenland kayak paddles to kids kayak paddles.

Our Top Picks For The Best Paddles For Kayaking

1. Werner Camano 2 PC Straight Kayak Fishing Paddle

For the last couple of years, the Werber Camano straight shaft has taken over the market and is known to be the most popular paddle in the Werner Paddle lineup. It is an everyday touring paddle constructed with a blend of carbon and top-quality fibreglass.

This durable, lightweight and well-balanced paddle feature an award winning mid-size blade that offers effortless gliding of the water. The paddle is suitable for lakes and slow water, and as such supports low angle paddling.

Specs and Features:

• Length: 86’’ to 102’’ (220cm to 260cm)
• Weight: 26.75 ounces
• Shaft Type: 2-piece adjustable fiberglass blend
• Blade Shape: Asymmetrical Dihedral
• Blade Construction: Fiberglass
• Blade: 20.5” (52cm) long and 6.
• Shaft Construction: Carbon and fiberglass blend
• Blade Size: 20.5 x 6.3 inches

The construction of the Werber Camano Straight Paddle strikes a balance between durability and weight using a pressure molding process. Its design eases transportation and storage.

The adjustable ferrule system allows kayakers to customize paddle to their preference, so you can easily set the blades to any angle of your choice to match your preferred paddling technique.

It features drip rings that help to keep kayakers’ hands and laps dry for effective paddling. The asymmetrical blade shape is crafted to reduce tight grip, allowing the paddle to pull water smoothly and to reduce torque.

It comes with highly colorful, beautiful translucent glowing blades that increase visibility on the water while its dihedral power face helps to reduce flutter to achieve smooth forward strokes. Camano 2 PC Straight paddle is the best for any touring adventure on the water.

2. Aqua Bond Sting Ray Carbon 2-Piece Kayak Paddle

Aqua-Bound Sting Ray is a powerful tool in the hands of kayakers, making kayak maneuvering across waterways an enjoyable experience.

This lightweight paddle not only elevates your paddling experience but also makes you want to spend more time paddling on water with no feelings of soreness in your hands. Designed for high energy and high angle paddlers plus, it is suitable for flat water and rivers.

Specs and Features:

• Blade Material: Carbon-reinforced abXII Nylon
•  Shaft Material: Carbon
•  Weight: 1.8 lbs / 815 g
•  Length: 86’’ to 94’’ (220cm to 240cm)
•  Shaft: 2-piece adjustable carbon fiber composite
•  Ferrule: Posi-Lok or Snap Button options

Aqua-Bound Sting Ray comes with a load of features that make kayaking enjoyable. The lightweight carbon shaft gives less room for fatigue while paddling. The ovalized shaft gives you a comfortable grip and the ribbed texture allows for a strong grip.

The blades are lightweight, strong, stiff and can be customized. It also has two ferrule options; Posi-Lok and Snap button. The Posi-Lok is strong and corrosion free, for easy storage and travel. A rubber drip ring is also included.

3. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle 

The Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is specially designed for older kids and paddlers who want a lighter paddle for their all-day touring and recreational paddling. It’s a perfect starter paddle for every kid who finds kayaking interesting and fun, growing with them into their teen years.

The Carlisle paddles have been in the market for more than three decades, building durable, strong and recreational kayak paddles of different materials and designs to suit individual paddlers’ conditions and needs.

With Magic Plus kayak sturdy construction, it is well-balanced, efficient, rugged, durable, and highly versatile, lightweight, and comes in four different lengths that suit every style and match your torso length and kayak width perfectly.

This lightweight paddle is built to perform well on rough water particularly near rocky shorelines and open waters.

Specs and Features:

• Weight: 35.6 to 39.8 ounces
• Lengths: Two-piece: 220, 230, 240, and 250 centimeters
• Blade Material: Glass-reinforced
• polypropylene
• Blade Shape: Asymmetrical
• Shaft Material: Wrapped fiberglass
• Ferrule System: Push-button
• Feathering Angles: 0° & 60° (L or R)
• Indexing: Ovalized shaft
• Ideal for: Touring, Recreational Paddling

The Magic Plus paddle blade is efficient for long distance paddling, the asymmetrical blade is designed to reduce flutter and torque hence, less wrist fatigue. While the glass-filled polypropylene blades and fiberglass shaft increases its durability, the spoon-like blade shape helps to pull more water that enhances kayak movement.

The fiberglass shaft provides a balance between the flex needed to reduce stress on your joints and the stiffness required for a strong paddle stroke. The shaft has an ovalized hand grip that allows for consistent, steady strokes. Compared to aluminum, the fiberglass shaft stays cool both in hot and cool weather.

For easy storage and transport, you can break down the paddle into two pieces especially when you are done paddling for the day, this makes for its little magical situation. This two-piece construction allows for offset or inline blades.

Also, the lightweight fibreglass shaft features an ovalized grip area for firm holding. The overall design produces a steady stroke, consistent and efficient tool like the Carlisle Magic Plus kayak paddle. Nevertheless, the paddle is not suitable for wide fishing.

4. Bending Branches Whisper Kayak Paddle 

For every beginner looking forward to having a splendid kayak experience with friends or family, the Whisper kayak paddle from Bending Branches is a great entry-level paddle for kayaking in a gently flowing water like lake and river.

This low-angle paddle is great for touring and recreational paddling and can serve as a spare for experienced kayakers. Though many see it as a multi-purpose paddle, it is not the best choice for a long trip.

Specs and Features:

• Length: 210 cm, 220 cm, 230 cm, and 240 cm
• Material: aluminum
• Shaft type: straight
• Weight: 2.3lbs
• Length: 86’’ to 94’’ (220cm to 240cm)
• Shaft: 2 pieces adjustable aluminum shaft
• Blade: 18” (45.72cm) long and 6.75” (17.15cm) wide

It is made of fiberglass-reinforced blades that blend durability and weight, allowing smooth paddling. The tool features ovalized grips and coated shaft for maximum comfort grip.

The paddle is easy to break down and put together. Constructed in a way that it can separate into two pieces to ease travel and storage after use. It also features an adjustable ferrule with a snug-fitting 3-hole Snap Button.

The strong aluminum shaft is lightweight, durable, versatile having 3M versafit over the ovalized grip area, leaving paddlers with no blisters or soreness and making paddling comfortable for all the time spent on the water.

5. Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle

The Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle is an entry level kayak paddle, designed to offer days of effortless paddling. It performs well with all sit-on-top and sit-inside recreational kayaks.

Most paddlers use this paddle for general use, a suitable option for a second or spare paddle. The Compact Touring Paddle is designed for both high-angle and low-angle paddling styles on either lakes or the sea.

And because its construction allows for easy 4-part break down, this makes the paddle portable enough for easy transport and storage. This is a tool that enhances users’ outdoor experience.

Specs & Features:

• Weight: 2.7 lbs.
• Length: 231 cm
• Material: aluminum
• Shaft type: straight
• Take-down: four-piece
• Blade Material: Glass filled Nylon/asymmetrical-dihedral.
• Shaft Material: Aluminum alloy.
• Blade angle: 60 deg. RHC, LHC, and Unfeathered.
• Blade Measurements: 18″x7″ / 45.7×17.8cm.

The medium size and unfeathered blades are crafted from fiberglass filled nylon, making the paddle glide through the water quickly while the asymmetrical-dihedral construction of the blade allows for stable, smooth and flutter-free strokes.

The blade is very versatile, making it suitable for paddlers who enjoy both low-angle and high-angle strokes. This portable lightweight paddle comes with a straight shaft. The shaft is constructed from aluminum alloy, making it heavier than a shaft made from fiberglass or carbon fiber.

However, the aluminum material makes it strong and durable. The shaft has a rubber drip ring that keeps paddlers’ hands dry and for a strong grip.

6. Wilderness Systems Pungo Kayak Paddle

The Pungo Kayak Paddle from Wilderness System is efficient in delivering effortless maneuvering strokes that enhance paddling experience. It is designed to complement other Wilderness System Pungo Kayaks; however, it also performs better with other kayak models used for touring and recreation.

This exceptional paddle is extremely versatile; with the aid of a low-profile lever it can be adjusted to fit every kayak paddler not minding the stroke style or kayak model.

Specs & Features:

• Material: ‎Composite
• Length: 86’’ to 94’’
• Shaft: 2-piece adjustable fiberglass shaft
• Blade: 19” (48cm) long and 6.3” (16cm) wide
• Adjustable Size: 220cm-240cm
• Paddle Weight: ‎0.01lb (30 oz)
• Blade Material: durable fiberglass composite blade
• Blade Size: 595 cm2
• Shaft Material: 50% carbon/50% fiberglass shaft

Several features like the blade curvature, the paddle’s shape and size produce the optimal angle of entry and stroke depth which in turn deliver flutter-free, smooth and efficient strokes that propels kayaks movement. Irrespective of paddlers experience and paddling techniques, the Pungo Paddle makes your time on water worth it.

The paddle comes in a Glass style, offering a lightweight and durable fiberglass composite blade and 50% carbon/50% fiberglass shaft. The Pungo Kayak Paddle is Proficient to achieve sustainable paddling power without fatigue or flutter.

7. Bending Branches Angler Classic

The Bending Branches Angler Classic is specially made for kayak fishing, and can also be useful for recreational kayakers. The paddle is designed for every kayak fisherman plus, it is affordable.

The paddle delivers flutter-free strokes regardless of angler’s experience, allowing you to pull smoothly through the water. Angler Classic is your best option if you indeed desire a great catch because every single component of paddles from Bending Branches is made from lightweight, durable and reasonably sourced materials.

Specs & Features:

• Length: 220 to 260 cm
• Weight: 2lb 3oz
• Take-down: two-piece
• Shaft Material: fiberglass
• Blade Material: fiberglass-reinforced nylon
• Length:  220cm, 230cm, 240cm
• Blade: Length (17.5in), Width (6.9in), Area (95sq in)
• Shaft Type: Straight

The adjustable construction of the paddle makes it possible for paddlers to easily separate into two pieces, for compact travel and storage. It also features an adjustable ferrule system with a snug-fitting 3-hole snap-button.

The blade is made with rugged fiberglass which blends the paddle’s weight and durability perfectly, delivering smooth, flutter-free paddling with minimized fatigue. It also features a few ovalized grips that allow a firm hold and with a coated shaft, you have all the comfort needed for all-day fishing.

Another interesting but uncommon feature found on Angler Classic Paddle is the built-in hook retrieval system on one of its blades. The hook-retrieval notch helps to rescue wrongly casted lines and lures.

8. Carlisle Expedition Kayak Paddle

The Carlisle Expedition is a great choice of paddle for experienced paddlers looking for a stronger paddle. It is a well-respected touring kayak paddle, best for longer distance paddling. At a great value, this paddle provides exceptional reliability and strength, delivering years of worry-free service to kayakers.

The Carlisle Expedition Fiberglass Touring Kayak Paddle is extremely versatile, whether you choose to make it your main paddle or use as a spare on the deck. Its construction blends strength and durability, suitable on lakes and rivers.

Specs & Features:

• Length: 220 cm, 230 cm, and 240 cm
• Weight: 2.06 lbs. (220 cm)
• Blade Material: fiberglass
• Shaft type: straight
• Take-down: two-piece
• Shaft material: Fiberglass

The construction of the Expedition allows it to be separated into two pieces, for compact transportation and storage. The shaft and blades are made from fiberglass which makes it lightweight yet durable for a longer distance paddling with less fatigue.

With its length and weight, you are sure to have a great all-day adventure in the water. The asymmetrical dihedral blades are made of 17-by-7-inch fiberglass, delivering a lightweight swing, a more efficient and smooth paddling.

And with the adjustable ferrule system, the pushbutton can be used to feather the blades at 60 degrees or better still, inline for left or right-handed control.

9. Adventure Technology Geronimo Kayak Paddle

The Geronimo Kayak Paddle from Adventure Technology is designed to serve those who need the power from every swing of strokes that could be made.

It is an ideal paddle for serious kayakers who are active in whitewater kayaking and a great choice for paddlers who would like to have maximum control in any condition on the river.

Adventure Technology Geronimo comes with either straight or bent shafts. Although the paddle is quite expensive you stand to get the desired value for your money.

Specs & Features:

• Length: 185 cm, 188 cm, 191 cm, 194 cm, 197 cm, and 200 cm (bent); plus 205 cm and 210 cm (straight); custom lengths available
• Weight: 1.93 lbs. (straight); 2.25 lbs. (bent)
• Material: carbon fiber
• Shaft type: bent or straight
• Take-down: one-piece
• Size: ‎191cm/One Size

The paddle is made from carbon fiber, making it strong, tough, stiff and durable. Its blades feature reinforced edges that every ideal whitewater paddle requires to glide through the waters.

The Geronimo comes only with an R30 configuration. This means that the blades can only be feathered at an angle of 30 degrees for right-hand control. However, the left-handed paddlers could get a custom paddle if they can afford to pay for one.

10. Werner Sho-Gun CF Bent Kayak Paddle

The Werner Sho-Gun CF Kayak Paddle is another great choice for whitewater kayaking. With the option of a bent and straight shaft, the paddle is durable, very strong for creeking and river running.

The bent shaft aligns with your wrist while it puts minimal stress on joints. The offsets and sizes can be customized on special orders.

Specs & Features:

• Length: 162 cm to 230 cm in 5 cm increments
• Weight: Straight Shaft – 36 oz (1021 g)
• Weight: Bent Shaft – 38.5 oz (1091 g)
• Shaft Material: carbon fiber
• Shaft type: bent or straight
• Take-down: one or two-piece
• Blade Material: Carbon
• Blade Size: 48 x 20 cm
• Offset: Paddle Right 30 degree

This paddle features the largest performance blade design from the Werner paddle line. Apart from the fact that the Werner Sho-Gun CF is buoyant and light in water, the well-balanced blade is designed for smooth and flutter-free paddling with the release of power from catch to release. The double Dynel edging and impact resistant Kevlar layer enhances durability.

Other Worthy Mentions

1. Werner Cyprus Carbon Straight Shaft Whitewater Kayak Paddle

The Cyprus Carbon Straight Shaft Kayak Paddle from Werner is designed for paddlers who enjoy paddling with a high-angle style and prefer a mid-sized blade.

The paddle can serve many purposes, although it lacks angling-specific bells and whistles if you fish, tour and rec paddle interchangeably, the Cyprus versatility and stability might just be what you need to enhance your paddling experience.

It fits the widest range of paddlers, from those who use a more aggressive paddling style with a larger variety of strokes and a faster cadence to those who desire a buoyant paddle with great power or smooth linking strokes and power catch.

Werner Cyprus is suitable for lumpy water with adverse conditions including wind-blown restless water of all sizes, deep water waves and current.

Specs & Features

• Length: 200 cm to 250 cm in 5 cm increments
• Material: carbon fiber
• Shaft Option: two-piece
• Weight‎: 1.56 Pounds
• Size: 210 cm
• Shaft Option: Straight
• Feather Angle: Smart-View Adjustable
• Blade Surface Area: 610 cm2

The paddle features an easy-to-use Smart-View adjustable ferrule with an internal gear system to customize the fit. The paddle comes with mid-sized blades, a perfect match for the majority average size paddlers; it also has a buoyant, full carbon blade that delivers a light feel paddling experience and effortless strokes.

The impact and abrasion resistant Dynel edging protect the paddle from damage when exposed to a rigorous environment. Its smooth back face gives an elegant feel of water which makes for a cleaner entry and exit of your strokes.

It also features a viewing window that reveals your offset and makes adjustments to feather left or right in 15 degree increments of what works best for you.

2. Seattle Sports 060295 SeaWhisper

The Seattle Sports 060295 SeaWhisper is a great option for fishing, touring and recreation. This low-angle, carbon shaft paddle is designed and packed with loads of features, affordable to all, you don’t have to break the bank to own a tool that would make you sing to the sea. Start your moonlight tour this season with a tough, lightweight 2-piece carbon shaft paddle.

Specs & Features:

• Length: 230/240 cm
• Weight: ‎2.78lbs
• Shaft Option: 2-Piece
• Shaft: Adjustable
• Shaft Material: Carbon
• Blade Material: Glass reinforced nylon
• Feather: Adjustable

The Sea Whisper kayak paddle comes with a distinct feature that enhances fishing, having its impact resistant glass reinforced nylon Dorsal blades molded with catch points that help with the dock or line retrieval.

The blades also have reflective emblems that give additional visibility during moonlight tours. The paddle features a Cam-Lock ferrule that allows paddlers to easily adjust the paddle to their preferred length.

You will love the oversized drip rings that glow in the dark, it makes your hands stay dry. It also comes with an adjustable feather angle integrated leash loop.

Kayak Paddle Holder

There are times when you need to put your paddle down whether you are touring, paddling for adventure or kayak fishing. And to prevent the paddle from floating off without you, you sure would need the help of a paddle holder.

A kayak paddle holder serves as a third hand to kayakers. The essence of a paddle holder cannot be overemphasized, here are a few reasons why you need such a useful accessory while paddling.

For Transportation

When it comes to moving a kayak from and to water, paddle holders can be handy for transportation. So, kayak holders are useful for both off- and on-the-water. With one or two paddles installed, your paddle is safely secured in a holder while you have a spare hand to carry your vessel to the water.

For Fishing

A paddle is a very useful accessory worth having, especially for kayak fishing. You wouldn’t need to hold a paddle when wrestling with a fish on the other end of the line, a paddle holder is useful at a time like this, giving you a secure place to safely store your paddle while you tend to how to take a catch home hence, reducing the risk of paddle floating.

Although most angler kayaks come with installed paddle holders, you can as well get one that you could mount exactly where you want it.

For Safety

You stay safer on the water when you have a paddle holder installed on your boat. You can easily paddle back to shore even after jumping off for a swim since you know that the paddle holder can secure it.

Although there are kayaks that often come with bungee paddle holders and there are some that do not have any.

You will have to install an aftermarket high quality material paddle that could keep your paddle safe. The holder also helps to keep paddle safely in the garage while you are not using your boat.

Kayak Paddle Size Chart

Kayak Paddle Length/Sizing

Kayak beginners are usually challenged with identifying the right paddle. The right paddle length for individuals varies with factors such as the dimension of a kayak, body stature of the paddler and stroke preference.

These factors have a way of influencing the right length of paddle for an individual paddler. Paddle sizing varies from brand to brand, this is why it is necessary to check the website of the brand you are considering before any purchase is made.

Basically, taller paddlers require lengthy paddles, especially for narrower kayaks. Two paddlers of the same height might not always use the same paddle length because while one might have his length in his torso the second might have his height in his legs. Your torso length should be looked into when determining paddle length using your body stature (height).

The wider your kayak, the longer the paddle you will require and the taller you are, the longer the paddle needed. However, the same length of paddle might be used by a taller paddler in a narrower kayak and a shorter paddler in a wider kayak.

If you prefer to use a high stroke to bring power face closer to the side of your kayak which is at a less acute angle of entry to the water, you would need a shorter paddle for this stroke angle preference, while a longer paddle would be needed to make a lower stroking angle that puts a shaft at a more acute angle to the surface, especially when touring.

Kayak Paddling Techniques

Kayak paddling techniques are the same in all water conditions: which requires you to engage the core, get your abdominal muscle stabilized and push paddle away from your body at the shoulder while simultaneously pulling back toward the body using your core, chest, arm muscles and back.

And to make a few strokes you need proper grip including knuckles up, hands shoulder width apart and centered. While your speed could be affected by the type of kayak you use, the type and size of the paddle should be considered as well. Here is a guide on how to make a few strokes on the water.

Reverse Stroke

Reverse stroke is commonly used as a technique of breaking a moving kayak. Sometimes paddlers get stopped by rocks, sudden drops and riffles. Reverse strokes are used as a backup, allowing you to pull away or maneuver around such obstacles.

The reverse stroke is also used as a fundamental safety skill, allowing you to make a quick turnaround to get out of harm’s way. Reverse stroke is the direct opposite of a forward stroke. To make a reverse stroke, wind your torso and spin your paddle at an angle of 180 degrees making the blades to be slightly concave pointing to the sky.

Immerse the blade in water with trailing edges standing perpendicular to your hip and instead of pulling paddle toward yourself as you would for a forward stroke, put your good shoulder to use by pushing paddle away from your body toward the bow so that more water gives way, propelling the boat backward with force.

Draw Stroke

Draw strokes are used when you need to pull close to another kayak or to a dock, preventing the boat from swinging right or left. Basically, the strokes are useful for sideways movement, giving you a steering wheel.

To execute draw strokes, start by setting your blade nearly upright then immerse the blade in water, slightly behind you with the edge pointing forward. Ensure the paddle is almost vertical with the leading edge in a closed face position.

This positioning creates an arc-like turn with the paddle controlling the whole process. While the tip of your blade is still in the water, use your lower hand to pull the blade towards you and stop before it hits the side of the boat.

If your paddle is slightly ahead of you even while it is in water vertically with a closed-faced position, your boat would end up spinning in a circle or worse still slide out. So to prevent this, make sure the paddle is slightly behind your body (not ahead) and you are facing the paddle.

Sweep Stroke

You will notice that your boat slowly turns in an opposite direction when you repeatedly perform forward strokes on the same side. It’s a creative way to turn a kayak.

To execute this, start by extending your arms forward, dip the blade into the water not far away from your feet and proceed with the sweep. Proceed with the sweep on the opposite side of the kayak from the direction you choose to make the turn.

Afterwards, make a wide arc sweep toward the boat’s stern using the blade. This phase requires that you empower the stroke by putting more power into your body’s rotation, particularly when the paddle is ahead of the cockpit.

Once the blade moves closer to the hull while still behind the cockpit, end the stroke by cutting the blade out of the water, repeat the sweep stroke if you feel there is a need to but be aware that the result should be a gradual arching turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to paddle a kayak?

• Here is a straightforward way to paddle a kayak.
• Maintain a good posture by sitting up straight to release your body tension, avoid resting against the backrest while paddling and keep your feet pressed firmly against the foot pegs or the floor of the kayak.
• Maintain a firm light hold by avoiding tight gripping while trying to control your kayak. Also, try as much as possible to keep your wrists straight while paddling. Too tight grip and bending wrists will result in choppier, less fluid movement and a sore hand.
• While maintaining a good sitting posture and a light grip, leave most paddling work to your torso. Turn your torso as you make paddle strokes instead of using only your shoulders or arms.

What size kayak paddle do I need?

The kayak paddle size you need depends solely on your torso length and the kayak width you plan to use. Most paddlers prefer a paddle length of about 230-240cm for recreational kayaks.

How to properly hold a kayak paddle

• Hold the paddle with your two hands in about 40cm apart
• Let your paddle face the right direction and have the smooth or concave part of the blade facing you, the face of the paddle is the part you will be using to pull through the water
• Keep the paddle’s right side up. If your paddle has horizontal writing, keep the writing upright and not upside down
• Watch your knuckles and ensure that they are in line with the blade
• While holding the paddle, move it away from your body at about 30cm distance
• Identify your control grip. For a left-handed paddler, your control grip is your left hand and right-handed paddlers have their control grip on their right hand. Allow the paddle to rotate and reposition in your loose hands when you are taking a stroke, this helps the paddle to enter and cut water smoothly. Mind you, the control grip should remain unchanged
• Push the paddle hard and deep so that you can go faster when you are kayaking.

How to size a kayak paddle?

Body measurement, the width of your kayak and whether you will use a low- or high angle, are a few factors to look into. For further help, seek the help of an experienced paddler in paddle sizing. Some outdoor shops hold “demo days” where you can test different paddles to get a feel of what you like.

How long should a kayak paddle be?

Paddlers arm span, height, personal preference and what it would be used for are all determinant factors of how long a kayak paddle should be. Basically, most paddles will come in different lengths suitable for what they are designed for.

Do kayak paddles float?

There is no definitive answer to this however, it is better to say that the majority of kayak paddle out there will float. The material from which a paddle is made determines its buoyancy, although a few other factors might be involved.

Paddles with aluminum shafts are usually heavy and stiff while those made from graphite or carbon are incredibly light, efficient and stiff, but very expensive.

How to choose kayak paddle length?

To choose a kayak paddle length you will have to consider your height and kayak width. In other words, a wider boat would need a longer paddle and taller paddlers in a narrower boat would need a longer paddle as well.

How to measure kayak paddle?

Measuring a kayak paddle mostly depends on what you want to do with the kayak paddle. For instance, let’s consider whitewater, whitewater kayakers would go for a paddle of about 192-198cm long.

The measurement involves holding the paddle with your elbows bent at 90° with your hands at about one hand’s width from where each blade starts from. General river running or creek boating would require a paddle length of at least 196cm.

How to pick a kayak paddle?

Firstly, hold your arms out, bend your elbow at about right angles in a paddling posture and hold the paddle as you would when you are paddling. Go for it if your hands are about 2/3 of the way from the center of the shaft way down to the shoulder of the blade.

Secondly, stand the paddle up to yourself with your arm fully extended up in the air and wrap the first joint of your finger around the paddle blade tip.

You are not expected to be able to wrap the first finger joint nor should you be able to wrap more than one finger joint. Get a shorter or longer paddle if you can do either.

How to buy a kayak paddle?

You can easily buy stuff without stepping out of your home. All you need to do is to search the internet for “buy kayak paddle near me” and you will get a list of stores close to where you are, place an order and get your kayaks right at your doorstep. And if you enjoy the traditional shopping, you can just drive straight to the store since you have their location already.

Do kayaks come with paddles?

It depends on the brand you are buying. While some come with a single paddle, others come with double paddles and some don’t come with any.

How to paddle an inflatable kayak?

You can paddle an inflatable kayak the way you would a non-inflatable kayak but the only difference is that you will have to inflate an inflatable kayak before it can be ready for paddling.

Does Walmart sell kayak paddles?

Yes, you can get almost every (if not all) kayak gear from Walmart.

How to paddle sit on top kayak?

• Here is a simple way to paddle a sit-on-top kayak.
• Maintain a good posture by sitting up straight to release your body tension, avoid resting against the backrest while paddling and keep your feet pressed firmly against the foot pegs or the floor of the kayak.
• Maintain a firm light hold by avoiding tight gripping while trying to control your kayak. Also, try as much as possible to keep your wrists straight while paddling. Too tight grip and bending wrists will result in choppier, less fluid movement and a sore hand.
• While maintaining a good sitting posture and a light grip, leave most paddling work to your torso. Turn your torso as you make paddle strokes instead of using only your shoulders or arms.

What is a kayak paddle float?

A kayak paddle float is a useful piece of kit that helps you right your kayak so that you can easily get back in whenever you fall off. It is highly recommended for beginners and can later become unnecessary as they become more confident on water.

Can one person paddle a double kayak

A single paddler can paddle a double person kayak. To be on a safer side, you will have to choose from the back or front seat and ensure that you pick the one you will feel comfortable on when paddling.

How to attach kayak paddle leash?

If your kayak is so equipped, there are several places where you can attach your paddle leash. No kayakers would love to be interrupted while paddling and if there happens to be one then it has to be at its minimum.

Depending on what works best for you, a paddle leash could be attached to your waist, D-ring, PFD or a bungee cord. Here Are two ways to go about attaching a kayak paddler.

Firstly, try to loop over a paddle blade by finding a means to clinch the loop to the shaft. Secondly, you may choose to use a velcro cuff to attach the paddle leash. Using this method requires that the paddle would have to be dismantled right in the middle so that you will properly position the cuff.

How to paddle kayak without getting wet?

• You wouldn’t want to get soaked all in the name of kayaking right, to stay dry on the water you will have to:
• Install drip rings on the shaft of your paddle if your paddle did not come with one
• Use a spray skirt so that the amount of water coming onto your clothes and lap is limited
• You may have to switch to a longer paddle
• You may need to change the design of your paddle, either to upgrade or downgrade it to your preference.

What are the rubber rings on a kayak paddle for?

The rubber drip rings on a kayak paddle are there to keep your hands and lap dry while paddling.

What is another name for a kayak paddle?

The word “oar” is usually used interchangeably with a kayak paddle.

What is the best paddle for kayaking?

Every piece of kayak paddle has its distinct performance, “there is no one size fits all”. Once the paddle delivers what is expected of it, then it becomes the best in the hand of a paddler but when it fails to deliver there would always be a need to look for another.

What is the lightest kayak paddle?

Most paddles made of Carbon Fiber are relatively light compared to the ones made from aluminum.

Where to buy kayak paddles near me?

You can get to know where to buy a kayak paddle near you by entering “buy kayak paddler near me” in your browser. A list of stores and their location in your area will pop up, you can just check their reviews to know how reliable they are.

Can one person paddle a tandem kayak?

It is possible. You just have to pick a more comfortable sitting position either the back or front seat. However, many tandem kayaks come with a third seat, between the two traditional seats.

All that is needed to be done is to move and clip one of the traditional seats to the center where you can maintain balance and control the kayak better.

Do aluminum kayak paddles float?

Every piece of paddle can float regardless of the material it is made of. Aluminum kayak paddles are fully airtight like every other paddle, meaning that the entrapped air gives them enough buoyancy to float.

Do pelican kayaks come with paddles?

Pelican kayaks come with great features that make paddlers enjoy spending time on the water but paddles are not one of them.

While planning to get a kayak, you had better include a paddle in your estimate. You can buy your kayak alongside a pelican paddle when you are ready to get one.

Why are paddleboards more expensive than kayaks?

• Paddleboards are expensive because of several reasons, here are a few reasons why their price is a little higher than some kayaks.
• Paddleboarding has become a contemporary popular sport
• The materials used in making them are not just unique but very expensive
• The size largely determines the price, the larger the size the more money it requires to get it.