Guide: How to choose the right fishing kayak
Fishing kayaks Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is a kayak that suits your needs. By considering how and where you will fish, which price range suits you, and which features...
Choose the right length for your kayak paddle
Paddles for kayak, SUP & canoe
At Northkayak you will find a wide range of paddles for kayak and SUP from our own quality brand Havspaddeln. We offer everything from affordable aluminium paddles to lightweight and efficient carbon fibre paddles – perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Choosing the right paddle is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water. Length, weight, material, and paddle shape play a significant role depending on whether you are paddling a kayak, canoe, or SUP.
Need help finding the right kayak paddle or SUP paddle? Feel free to contact us at 08-740 05 05 or email butiken@langholmenkajak.se – we are happy to help with tips, advice, and personal service.
You can find all paddles here
How to find the right length for your kayak paddle
| Kayak width | Under 59 cm | 59-74 cm | 74+ cm |
| Paddler's height | Recommended paddle length | ||
| Under 165 cm | 210 cm | 220 cm | 230 cm |
| 165-180 cm | 220 cm | 220 cm | 240 cm |
| 180+ cm | 220 cm | 230 cm | 250 cm |
When paddling a kayak, it is important to have the right length paddle. The right length improves your technique and enables more effective paddling.
Your height determines
To quickly determine what length you should have, you can look at the table above. A length of 220 cm is a good starting point for most people, and you can then adjust based on how it feels.A practical way to determine approximately how long your paddle should be is to stretch your arm straight up. The paddle length should be from the ground to your fingertips ±10 cm. If you have the paddle available, you can stand it vertically in front of you and reach one arm towards the top of the blade.
Kayak width determines
The type of kayak you will be paddling also affects your choice of paddle length. Generally speaking, the wider the kayak, the longer the paddle should be. If you have a very wide kayak (over 76 cm), a paddle in the 230–250 cm range is suitable. However, the majority of kayaks are under 59 cm wide, so the most common choice is a paddle between 210–220 cm.Paddle style
Your technique, or more precisely your paddle style, is also important when choosing paddle length. The most common approach among beginners is to use a relatively low paddle stroke, meaning you hold the paddle relatively close to the kayak when paddling. The same applies when paddling longer distances. If you think you will be paddling with a lower stroke, you should choose a longer paddle.For those with a higher paddle stroke, for example if you want to do fitness paddling, you should choose a shorter paddle. With the higher stroke, you hold the paddle in a higher base position (approximately at eye level) and paddle from there.
Tip! – The length of the paddle also determines how much leverage you get. If you want to make heavy, powerful strokes, you can choose a slightly longer paddle. With a shorter paddle, you get a higher stroke frequency instead. Some paddles allow you to adjust the length; at Northkayak, for example, we have carbon fibre paddles and wing paddles where you can steplessly adjust both the paddle length and the angle between the blades.
Here you can find a more detailed guide about kayak paddles where we cover different types of paddles and materials.
