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At Northkayak, you will find a range of kayak and canoe paddles in different models from our own brand Havspaddeln. We have everything from the more affordable aluminum paddles to the most premium carbon fiber paddles. There are many things to consider when choosing which paddle is right for you and your purposes. If you would like some tips and advice, feel free to contact us at 08-740 05 05 or butiken@langholmenkajak.se and we will be happy to help.
When kayaking, it is important to have the right paddle length. The right length improves your technique and enables more effective paddling.
To quickly determine which 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 feel.
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 upright in front of you and reach one arm toward the top of the blade.
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 appropriate. However, the majority of kayaks are under 59 cm wide, so the most common choice is a paddle between 210-220 cm.
Your technique, or more precisely your paddle style, is also important when choosing paddle length. The most common style among beginners is 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 paddle with a lower stroke, you should choose a longer paddle.
For those with a higher paddle stroke, for example if you want to fitness paddle, you should choose a shorter paddle. With the higher stroke, you hold the paddle in a higher starting position (approximately at eye level) and base your paddling from there.
Tip! – The length of the paddle also determines how much leverage you get. If you want to take heavy, powerful strokes, you can choose a slightly longer paddle. With a shorter paddle, you get a higher stroke rate instead. With some paddles, you can adjust the length. At Northkayak, we have carbon fiber paddles and wing paddles where you can infinitely adjust both the paddle length and the angle between the blades.
In our blog, you will find a more detailed guide about kayak paddles where we cover different types of paddles and materials. The article is called "Choosing the right kayak paddle".
