Paddle Length Question

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

In the NuCanoe thread Dave mentioned having to use a 270cm paddle, and that got me wondering… Is there a formula for finding the correct paddle length for a given kayak. Maybe something that involves boat width and seat height to waterline?

2

From what I’ve read, it seems like for touring kayaks it was based off your height - the width of the kayak didn’t play too much of a role in it because most of the sit-insides were narrow. Now with the wider sit-on-top yaks those measurement guides are replaced with getting a paddle long enough to comfortably paddle the kayak, accounting for the paddler’s physical traits as well as the width of the boat…

Take this with a grain of salt - after all, this is coming from a guy who pedals! :wink:

3
quote:
Originally posted by elgeebee

Now with the wider sit-on-top yaks those measurement guides are replaced with getting a paddle long enough to comfortably paddle the kayak, accounting for the paddler’s physical traits as well as the width of the boat…

Yeah, that makes sense. The size of the paddler would be pretty relevant. Maybe base it on the paddler’s shoulder height to water line and the width of the boat. Anyway, some kind of paddle length guide would be nice.

4

The paddler should fit the paddler, not the boat. That being said, some of the boats are so ridiculously wide that the proper fit doesn’t work and you have to go with a less than optimal length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TZvlO8tPZE&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL0BCF3FBFA29DD484

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNHdmLZmZg0&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL0BCF3FBFA29DD484

Think about Archimedes. “Give me a lever long enough …” When the end on the other side of the fulcrum (your wrist) is too long it works against you.

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

5

http://aquabound.com/kayak-paddle-sizing-guide

http://www.rei.com/sizefinder/Kayak_Paddle_Sizing.html

http://www.kayakproshop.com/werner_sizechart.html

http://paddling.about.com/od/gearequipment/a/Choose_Paddle.htm

6

Thanks, both of you.

Tommy, excellent videos - very instructive.

And it looks like there are guides out there. I’ll have to study-up.

7

I agree with Toobusy, I actually prefer a shorter paddle than is suggested for my boat width. It really depends on you and your style of paddling.

Chris

Hobie Adventure Island "Rogue Wave"