An IN-DEPTH Discussion on Multisport Paddle Length

The last time I made a video on setting paddle length was back in 2012. A lot has changed since then and I feel this video has been long overdue.
In this video, I share my in-depth thoughts on why you should no longer trust the traditional method for adjusting your paddle length. I go into detail on how to set your paddle length using the new system I've developed for Coast to Coast multisport athletes.
I hope you enjoy the video.
PRODUCTS FEATURED IN VIDEO
Paddles:
Gara Odin-XS: bit.ly/2UM5p43
Gara Odin-S: bit.ly/3i2GwtN
Kayaks:
Flow Aspire
Barracuda Enigma: bit.ly/3y3tL7Z
Barracuda Beachcomber: bit.ly/3zvRrSK
Footwear:
Palm Rock Booties: bit.ly/3eTmi3X
PFD:
Day Two Adventure Racer PFD: bit.ly/3iOR3YZ
Whistle:
Flow 40 Mini: bit.ly/3i2vYLh
Paddle Jacket:
Palm Zenith Shorty Semi-Dry: bit.ly/3zya2O5
Helmet:
Sweet Strutter: bit.ly/3xZ00Fj
Hat:
Canterbury Kayaking Snap-Back Cap bit.ly/3rAjZaN

[@stevew3788]

Awesome video. Thank you for explaining all of this. I'm going to try it all.

[@sgvern1]

Great videos, this and your one on setting the feather. Finding a way to personalize the fit of the paddle is so very important for long term comfort and maintaining the correct stoke as well as the strength of the stroke. Bravo to you. I have subscribed to your channel. If if didn’t live half way around the world from you, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, USA, I would traveling to you for information and instruction. Let me know if you would to try out paddling around Jane’s Island and the Chesapeake Bay some time. I have a place on the water there.

[@bakkew02]

Thank you!

[@manderssteve]

I began kayaking in 1967 when you had to make your own fiberglass kayak, and paddles had wooden handles. Anyway, I now have carbon fiber boats and paddles. All the commentator said is correct but I like a shorter paddle for white water, for more torque at low speed, and a longer paddle for the sea kayak at higher speed to get a longer slower reach per stroke.

[@tw6955]

I like your applied approach as paddlers bodies, boats, and techniques are all a little different so utilizing a more holistic approach in establishing size, length, reach etc. makes perfect sense to me. I ran into so many rigid rules on paddle size and paddle technique with SUP and ultimately the best advice was thinking of yourself as a pole vaulter launching your body forward through the paddle stroke. It's about piecing together all the elements size, length, reach, craft type and width in relation to ones body mechanics and level of physical conditioning. It takes lots of little tweaks, and lots of time on the water until you ultimately find yourself in the most effective and efficient zone. A continuous evolving process. Thanks. Well done.

[@peterdouglas4073]

Great video. I'm newish to paddling. I'm paddling a stellar 16 surfski and a galasport metax 520. I definitely notice the boat width, but I'm already max out on shaft adjustment. 😢 problem is. I've gotten stronger since I bought my Stella wing paddle. So I think my blade size is now a little small for the ski. But it's ok for the kayak. Shaft length, catch length is ok for the ski, but too narrow for the kayak. I extend the shaft 3 or 4 cms past factory marks🤞. Spouse ideally I need two new paddles. Big problem is money and what paddle. Probably new ski paddle and I will keep using the over extended paddle for the kayak.

[@Mr.Bryan1234]

The size of a wing blade is not a problem you can use a small / medium or large . Small is good for beginners and long sessions medium and large will tire you quicker but more acceleration for racing.

[@lancebenn1638]

Great video, please could you explain how you calculate "reach length" from the "kayak width"? not sure what to do with the "kayak width" measurement.

[@jordanhamer6087]

Yea I’m confused how they are connected

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Yeah, I've come to the conclusion that the old method was just the first best guess. It depends more on torso length, arm reach, seat height, front deck height and yak width. I tend to pick up a different paddle for each yak I paddle. Good to see you guys at the lake the other day.

[@Canterburykayaking]

100% agree 👍

[@robertmarteli5979]

You give lot of details to think about. Thank you! To me trainers also told universal paddle lenght receipe as to you... Like every person walks differently, also each person has different paddling movement. Kayak size and type, blade size and paddle length are bundled together. I am 171 cm and had 55kg with 18 years. Able to make maximum 80kg on bench which is considered very good weight-power ratio for not professionals. For me kayak size, blade size where smaller then for someone with height 185cm and more power. But we changed for paddle on training and then I feel big blade is breaking my back. Too long paddle I had too much load on my back. I always want longer becouse of better control of water path of paddle. So your body just confirms theories. I could know who is paddling on water in distance only by his paddle movement, before we come closer and I could recognize friends kayak, cloth or face. I was training kayak flat water and white water for national competitons in Croatia. (In nearby Slovenia, Austria and Italy is lot white water avaiable) In Croatia there is lacking white water for professionals... For white water shorter lenght and smaller blade is needed to stay in your kayak on white water. Bigger stroke number is needed to resist power of white water which wants to turn kayak upside down.

[@michaelsauer9129]

How diod you arrive at the 16 cm reach, based on height, and catch zone 47 cm?

[@Canterburykayaking]

Hi Michael, good questions. I honestly don't have a precise formula yet... I simply measured my own reach length and boat width, and compared that to a couple of elite athletes in narrower boats + novices in wide boats. I concluded that a reasonable range was between 12-20cm. I think the most important element here is the width of the boat where you place your forward stroke (what I call the "catch zone"). A professional athlete I measured in a narrow elite boat (Flow Rush) was using a 12 cm reach (without any input from me). And for most of my novices in the widest boats like the Barracuda Beachcomber, 18-20cm seems right. It's clear that I still have some work to do in order to create a quick and easy guide for people. I hope that clarifies it somewhat. Sam Milne.

[@paddlingfool64]

Isn't it great how Yutube has all these information videos on virtually everything. The trouble is, most of them are from people that do not know enough about the subject they are talking about.

[@Canterburykayaking]

I agree with you. Do you think in this video I come across as one of the people who doesn't know enough, or does know enough, to upload a video to KZbin on this subject? Cheers, Sam.

[@Wings_of_foam]

@@Canterburykayaking You made me listen.

[@Sp-nd6uj]

No idea how any of those measurements was used to calculate paddle length. What was the point of any of those measurements?

[@gustavojavier2353]

one cm really matters 😂

[@Canterburykayaking]

Haha yes, hard to feel 1cm, but I’d immediately know if you snuck another 2cm into my paddle adjuster when I wasn’t looking. Makes a bigger difference than you might think.

[@johnpawlow]

What a waste of time, talk about something you know.

[@Canterburykayaking]

I honestly wish I knew more on this subject - or could find someone who genuinely does. Once I do, I will be sure to update this video, and make it a lot shorter. I am sorry for wasting your time.