Choosing the Right Size Kayak Paddle | How Long Should Your Paddle Be?

One of the most common questions I get is "What's the right length of paddle for me?" In this video, I answer that question, whether you paddle a recreational kayak, touring kayak, sea kayak, fishing kayak, sit-on-top kayak, sit-inside kayak, folding kayak or inflatable kayak.
Other Gear I Recommend
PADDLES
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid Paddle: bit.ly/3ivJSIu
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle:
Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: bit.ly/3iaGleJ
Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: bit.ly/3z1kiOH
FOOTWEAR
NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: bit.ly/36F1B6Y
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/2TaCMgl
PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yVID8j
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3dkDYaD
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: bit.ly/3xF43pX
NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yZGbO2
NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3wCvoI3
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: bit.ly/3BbAZZJ
NRS Flux Dry Top: bit.ly/2U3Pvlw
PFD’S
NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n
NRS Zen PFD: bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
OTHER PADDLING GEAR
Zoleo Communicator: bit.ly/3zw7gw1
NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: bit.ly/36z5BG6
WRSI Current Helmet: bit.ly/2Te6KA6
PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS
NRS Benny Board Short: bit.ly/2VIbK0L
NRS Hydroskin Shorts: bit.ly/3hCXPl2
SUNGLASSES
WileyX: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
SPECIAL THANKS to
NRS: www.nrs.com
Aqua Bound: www.aquabound.com
Wiley X: www.wileyx.com/
FOLLOW KEN
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Twitter: / gopaddle
Blog: in4adventure.com
MADE POSSIBLE with the Support of:
Ontario Creates: www.ontariocreates.ca/
PRODUCED BY
Heliconia: www.heliconia.ca
Contact: [e-mail]

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Very helpful. Thanks for discussing all of the criteria. I believe that I can now select the correct paddle(s) for our family’s needs.

[@Annie-je4yh]

Thanks for ALL of your thorough and informative videos! You are the best!!😊

[@victorwanders]

Using aquabound whiskey for seakayaking past year, reasonable price and very solid. Only buy what you can afford, work on skills and more than anything, enjoy yourself! Have fun on the water 🌊

[@ohohsnowsnow]

You're the best, Ken!

[@euniceling5213]

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzbin.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

[@EckieOutdoor]

🤣🤣🤣 You do realise this is a video about paddles?!?

[@michaelskalin5126]

Just came across your site and your doing a great job with sharing information. I'm new to kayaks and live on some great water. Bay of Fundy with two tidal rivers close by. I'm going to go back and find some strong current videos. Once again thanks for sharing 💯🍻🇨🇦

[@colmhanrahan2769]

Thanks Ken

[@markmartello]

Thanks!

[@mrcanoe5588]

Good video - I fully agree with trying a few before spending the cash for a good paddle, but also that it's worth spending the cash for a good one once the size is known. I have several Aquabounds, a couple Werners, some greenlands, and an old Lendal, and all of them are great in their own way. Do you have any thoughts on high v. low angle?

[@larrygoodman7332]

Have you ever kayaked around Maurelle Island in the Discovery islands? We’re considering doing a kayak trip there this summer.

[@danareed1656]

i went by thier size chart so i hope i picked right! im new to kayaking and different sites have different charts and its confusing!

[@chrisbaldridge142]

I have a Vibe Shearwater 125 which is 36 inches wide and I'm 6'2", I started wit a Bending Brach's angler classic 250 to 265 cm and I kept it at 265. I bought the Bending branch's Navigator at 270cm. I probably could have gotten away with the 260 but I'm very happy with the 270, I'll get a smaller version of the Navigator if I get the Eddyline Sandpiper 130. I think if people getting into the sport would get a better paddle than what some places give with a cheaper kayak they would have a better outcome and better time on the water. Another great video and topic, thanks.

[@quentonsmith6085]

Awesome! I’ve been hoping to see someone who has something similar to me. Also 6’2 with a feelfree durado, 36” wide. Trying to decide on 270 or 280

[@chrisbaldridge142]

@@quentonsmith6085 Personally I wouldn't go beyond 270, I had a 260 to 280 and I kept it at 270 the whole time I used it, if price isn't a problem the Bending Branches Navigator is more than worth it's price.

[@BrodyToYou]

When does the Christmas gifts for kayakers video drop??

[@ChopperChad]

Seems like torso length would be a better measurement instead of height since you're sitting in a kayak. Just like when fitting for a bicycle or a backpack, manufactures use torso length. Seems like something the paddle industry should adopt because when sitting, leg length has nothing to do with how high you sit in a boat. Torso on a 6' person can vary 5 or so inches.

[@About2Rain]

I have a Dagger Zydeco 9.0 kayak, which is 28.5 inches wide. I’m 5’2” (short torsoed) and the seat is low. What size paddle should I go with?

[@milanbastaa8622]

Greeting. I would like to ask for help in determining the length of a kayak paddle. The kayak is 90 cm wide Aquamarine steam, my height is 185. Thanks in advance.

[@LetsGoPaddling]

Main kayak: Itiwit x500 Strenfit: 64cm (25") wide beam, sitting low. Me: 162cm tall (5'4"). 210cm wing paddle, 735cm2 blade area, high angle aggressive paddling. 🙃 A perfect match for me. 😁

[@deaninchina01]

I paddle an Expedition Kayak Audax, 21 inch width Aussie made fast sea kayak. I’m 5’ 11” tall with a moderately upright stroke. Use a Meek A Series small wing paddle (722cm area, 205cm to 215cm, I set it on 209cm, 620g). Grabs the water really early in the stroke and exits very fast. Great paddle in rough water, easy on me for long ocean days.

[@usngunr]

Ken, what's your ratio for Baileys to water for the thermos?

[@firstname-gq5yr]

Water?

[@hntrains2]

Where does the Greenland paddle go?

[@michaelsauer9129]

Is there a type of paddle that can function at least partially as a high andl and low angle paddle? I mostly paddle smaller, flatter bottom rivers (200-1000 cfs). There are lots of places where low angle paddling is required due to water depth. However there are also narrower sections with deeper water and stronger flows where even before I knew the term high angle paddling, I naturally used more vertical, deeper strokes to move my boat (27", sit in). For my 5'11" height my paddle length seems to be in 220-230 cm - and the telescoping paddle idea is something I might want to try, if nothing else to see where in the range seems best. Is there some type of best of both worlds option for low angle paddling for efficiency in long quiet pools or somewhat quick shallow bars that also can deliver high angle power when needed in strong currents, when you really need to control your boat?

[@PaddleTV]

Honestly... I think both the Sting Ray and the Manta Ray are good 'best of both worlds' paddle, because they aren't on the far end of the spectrum in either direction. I would simply choose the model based on what's the top priority. For me, the priority is having a bit more power when I need it, which is why I use the Manta Ray. Sounds like that might be the best choice for you too.

[@353productions]

Hi Ken, I'm looking to buy a Chelan 140 and wondering what length of paddle to use. I'm about your height 6"1/ 6"2. I believe the kayak is 35" wide? What size paddle would you choose? Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

I would probably go for a 240cm paddle myself. You might consider a telescoping paddle that lets you fine tune the length. That's the joy of Aquabound's Versa-Lok

[@BoomVang]

I only buy paddles on closeout sales, and they are always limited to the worst possible length.

[@MysticalDragon73]

Um kinda silly at the 1:40 mark saying they come in ranges from 200cm to 250. It should state they COMMONLY come in this range but there are longer ones, especially for fishing kayaks. There are ALOT of kayak paddles that are in the 260, 270, 280cm range and many people need these longer paddles. For instance I am 6'2 with long arms. I often paddle a Jackson big rig loaded with chainsaws and winches. I need the 270CM paddle. Interesting the aquabound is introducing a versa lock system when bending branches is doing the same thing currently. This makes wonder if aquabound and bending branches are part of the same company? I tend to think of aquabound as cheap walmart type of paddles. Not something as a quality mid or high range paddle. When I got into kayaking, I got spoiled with using a carbon bladed paddle. Once I got it i never used my werner powerhouse again. Now I struggle to use anything else. I HATE feeling blade flutter, especially when taking a powerful stroke when urgency is needed. So after being spoiled my a carbon bladed paddle for so many years. its difficult to use even a quality fiberglass bladed paddle. However I cringed when I broke my accent crank bait paddle when I got it jammed on a tree and pushed off it. One thing that should never go cheap on is a paddle, pfd, or seat. Yes while trying to determine what length to get try an inexpensive paddle or two. Then once you know what length you need, have that as a backup paddle (especially if you can store it inside your boat) There is such a massive difference between a cheap paddle and a quality one. Nylon infused just means a plastic blade. At the minimum get a fiberglass blade. Ive paddled with others on the river. They used my carbon bladed paddles and were amazed by them. Both with how light they were, and how much better they performed. But then the moment they heard the price they tossed it back as they didnt want to get attached to it. Though they admitted how much nicer it was and more effective.

[@MysticalDragon73]

After looking at the sites, aquabound and bending branches are certainly related. Both with the layout of the site, the availability dates of the carbon bladed paddles, the versa lok system. Id be curious how the two companies paddles compare side by side. if there's any noticeable difference with similar designs.

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

Crescent lite tackle 2 + 6’2” + 220lbs + low seat + high angle what do you think? Most charts I’m looking at saying 240-260

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. I would likely use a 240cm paddle myself, and I'm 6'2 as well. I very rarely go to 250cm or 260cm. I find them too long in most cases, unless you're in a really wide boat, sitting very high.

[@Simon_W74]

I am currently looking at Paddles as I have just bought a Wavesport Hydra, but held off on the paddle as Budget was in mind when I was buying my kit and as a temporary measure use the paddles I already have. The low end paddles that the shop had were Aluminium with Nylon blades, not what I want and the better quality paddles they had were out of my price range. I am also worried due to my weight and having bent both the Aluminium paddles that came with our Ocean Kayak Malibu Two getting in and out at river banks, that I may end up breaking a Fibreglass or Carbon shaft paddle, as I can't find any answers online as to the strength of these paddles. I am 6'2" and about 17 stone. that varies depending on whether I can avoid the cupboards at night or not.

[@joethi4981]

Go for a full carbon werner paddle at 230 cm. Strong, light, amazing.

[@boden8138]

Check out the Pelican Catch line of paddles. Excellent value.

[@boden8138]

@@joethi4981 That would be considerably outside of this person’s budget.

[@joethi4981]

@@boden8138 after 25 years of kayaking I have come to realize that although the best equipment costs more, you don't need to worry about buying that item ever again. I've done the budget approach .

[@boden8138]

@@joethi4981 after 40 years of kayaking I agree, if possible buy the best, if not possible buy good enough. A 130$ paddle is 90% as good as a 350$ paddle. Getting that last 10% costs $$$, no matter what sport or hobby. Sometimes good enough is all you need.

[@jezmarshall9941]

Another excellent analysis! I've found having a versa lock paddle on the longer side is ideal . I used the brilliant Manta Ray 230-245cm for for a wider inflatable (Gumotex Seawave), but found when I transfer to the much narrower Itiwit X500, the longer paddle, set to the full 245cm was still much faster and easier to paddle than the supplied 210-220 cm carbon version. Unless you really need a high angle action for sprinting, I think longer paddles win every time.

[@adamstepic8083]

I was so excited when I saw your Greenland paddle videos. I use Greenland paddles only. I do have an Aqua Bound paddle/the Sting Ray hybrid. It stays on my front deck as a spare paddle. I know you are a euro blade guy, but I hope you do more Greenland paddle videos as you become more efficient with it

[@PaddleTV]

I've paddled in the Discovery Islands and surfed at the Surge Narrows, but never paddled around Maurelle Island. I bet that would be amazing! Lots of tidal current to navigate in that area! We based out of Discovery Islands Lodge, which was very convenient. Enjoy!

[@n-da-bunka2650]

Why "only" 15cm of variability? would limit profits is only ONE paddle was needed

[@quentinjackson3778]

There are snakes in the lakes I love to fish.should I be worried about a snake getting in the kayak with me

[@boden8138]

“ Kayak paddles range from 200 to 250 cm“ My 260cm paddle: 🤨

[@PaddleTV]

I've never tried a 260cm paddle! I find 250cm paddles to be long enough for any kayak I've tried. Good to know you found a longer one.

[@AndyKaylieno1]

Another great video, I'm a fan..... It's been over two months since the last content here. Should I be concerned?

[@PaddleTV]

Spring is in the air, somewhere, and new content is on its way!

[@alannorr]

Why do they use centimeters to describe paddle length? Nobody seems to know where paddles are measured from. I have a 220 cm paddle, and there is no measurement on the paddle that is 220 cm, and there are no numbers written on the paddle. I had to take the salesman's word for it. They could just as well sell them by "Long Bugger, and Short Bugger".

[@CalebSmyth]

It's supposed to be tip to tip. But not all salespeople are good.

[@PaddleTV]

Paddles from reputable and focused paddle manufacturers like Aqua Bound, Werner, Bending Branches, Lendal and Accent (to name a few) should all have lengths on them. If the paddle doesn't have its length on it, it's likely not a 'quality' paddle. Paddles are measured tip-to-tip.

[@denisearacich7496]

​@@PaddleTV1:50AM

[@jerrys576]

Manta ray paddle....best paddle money can buy. 5-10" sit in touring kayak. I wouldnt part with my paddle for nothing.

[@breakfastbuddy5]

they are short and skinny