Is your paddle long enough??

This week a couple of thoughts on the 'perfect' length for you whitewater paddle. Many people are cruising with paddles that are way too short and it is holding back their paddling. A little extra length can help with the roll and turning/boat control and is a real game changer in my opinion. Personally I like 200cm-202cm. I am about 5ft 11in so not the biggest but not the smallest and thats reflected in my paddle length choice.
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[@beckiejbrown]

This was so helpful - thank you

[@SethAshworth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ethanfrangenberg7733]

I went from 191 for freestyle and 194 for creeking to 200 for freestyle and 203 for creeking and I love it. For me it helps make every stroke more significant, I tend to have a low stroke rate.

[@SethAshworth]

Ethan Kayak #enlightened

[@chrisbodner2424]

Great video Seth!! Wish I had seen it years ago when I was sure my 191 cm Sherpa was perfect for me. I got a 200 cm Strike when I started racing last year and it blew my mind. I found the extra length in the catch not only boosts my forward stroke while racing and attaining, but also adds lots of power to boofs when creeking. Thanks for pointing out blade sizing too. One more point I’d make (although it’s outside the scope of your video) is on paddle construction. I’ve found that for me, a fiberglass blade and shaft is much more comfortable in an all-around paddle than carbon. The rigidity of carbon transfers any impact directly to my arms, whereas fiberglass seems way more forgiving, especially for manky rivers and extended paddling trips. What do you think about carbon vs. fiberglass paddles?

[@robpretorius9612]

Hi Seth, this video is really helpful thank you. I come from a river marathon background, but in recent years doing more and more white water in my plastic. I’m 5 ft11 and similar build to you. So will definitely have to upgrade my white water paddle it’s only 190 cm. Love your content and find it very helpful keep up the amazing content. What about adjustable spilt shaft paddles?

[@SethAshworth]

Thanks for checking it out! For sure longer paddlers are what’s up. Adjustable split technology has improved air and there are a few companies out there with a really solid pro now from what I understand. I actually haven’t used a paddle with adjustable split but have a few friends that swear by them.

[@nikapyrenees]

I just ordered Shogun 203cm. I have a double diamond 200cm and I love it. I am 6ft tall.

[@SethAshworth]

Yea I’m about 5,11 and like 200/202 depending on what I’m doing. 🔥🔥

[@giovannicaso21]

thanks

[@SethAshworth]

Thanks for watching 🙏🙏

[@dukerider694]

It’s horses for courses whatever you feel comfortable with is the most important I’m 5’11” and use a 193 for whitewater and it’s also perfect for the lake

[@ethanfrangenberg7733]

Also a note that you don’t always need a short paddle for high stroke rate from my experience. If you need some quick strokes you can always take them a bit shorter.

[@SethAshworth]

That is true too!! Thanks

[@rommelrivera1186]

Very informative video but I found the paddle sizes confusing. I'm new to kayaking and the Werver lengths I've come across are 210, 215, 220... all the way up to 240. Never seen 191, 194 or 202. Since I want to kayak for fitness as well as fun, I went with a wide blade 215. My various orders are still coming in, so don't know how well it will serve me when I take it on the water. I am 5' 9". Thanks for the video!

[@SethAshworth]

The 210-240 range is in their sea/touring/rec range and I am speaking to their whitewater range. Whitewater paddles are generally in the 191-202 range plus or minus a little. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching

[@heatherkelpin3752]

Hi Seth, I'm about 5'3" and paddling the Jackson Zen 3.0 boat. I ordered a Werner paddle that is 194cm, but after watching your video I am worried that it may be too short. Do you think it will work for some freestyle/river running?

[@SethAshworth]

I certainly wouldn't go any shorter than 194 but you will probably be good or good at 197. The Zen 3.0 is pretty easy to paddle though so don't stress too much!

[@heatherkelpin3752]

@@SethAshworth thanks so much for letting me know! Love your informative videos, please keep them coming!

[@mikem6213]

Hi. I'm 5'9, athletically built and have a 30" wide kayak. I use a 250cm paddle (Aquabound Manta Ray or angler types with somewhat larger blades; long big blade whitewater 250's tire me a bit) and do long moderately angled strokes. I can move fast, can paddle a few6 miles without getting exhausted. Every chart says I should be using a 220 or 230 max. Is this unusual? Thanks.

[@hunkybill]

I am 6’ and I bought a 200cm Werner Sherpa bent shaft, and I am almost certain it is too long. If I grip it, the box I can make for good paddling technique is not square! If I point my thumbs inward to the middle, and measure, i am pretty sure it is ~ 2-4cm too long! I wish I could go down to 197 for a change. Paddles are so expensive it is punishment to be stuck just size!

[@SethAshworth]

I do think the Werner bent shaft is a bit messed up. I use a 200 for freestyle but grip the grips slightly on the inside of the bend. Not ideal.

[@davidlazar3621]

​@@SethAshworth I know the feeling exactly. On a 175 km descent last summer, I found I had ample time to try various positions, and the amount of sliding around everywhere except the actual bent shaft positions was hilarious. My shoulders were not laughing though. Eventually, I succumbed to some repetitive strain that I had naively hoped a bent shaft would've helped me to avoid. One thing you spoke of that still resonates ---> SPEND TIME paddling backwards! Build up those opposing muscles no matter how silly you think it is. I would've saved myself many physio sessions had I bothered to spend 10-15% of my paddling time going backwards! Paddle length is also in play for that.

[@edgerat]

EJ is 5'7" and he uses a 203? I get that too much can be just that but, I imagine demo'ing if possible would be ideal

[@davidlazar3621]

@Boaty McBeaterhead Main point made to me is this. If you are not "hurt" in any meaningful way, you probably don't need a bent shaft anyway. Wish I knew that measurement fact before ordering. As a small takeaway, there are actually situations where having a longer paddle can help, so I can take some solace in that. Have had just a few offers to buy the big bent shaft, but no takers so far. Tough crowd!

[@jtswhitewater4940]

Your arm span should be within a few cm of your height check it out it’s and interesting fact. My question is what is your recommendations for lessons in the valley this summer? I’ve never kayaked let alone white water but I’m a capable swimmer so I’m confident I can learn. Thanks for posting these vids.

[@SethAshworth]

Lots of good places in the valley. I recommend either liquid skills, Ottawa kayak school, or connecting with a local club like Petawawa river rats. Maybe next season I’ll be running classes. Undecided as of right now. Have fun. Ottawa valley is one of the best places to learn to paddle. Thanks for watching.

[@brianthompson9485]

My arm span is nearly 15 cm longer than my height.

[@clarkeknt2577]

I guess im in the minority, I prefer a long paddle I use either my 260 or 240, and yes even at 6'5" I know thats long, I tried a 220 and hated it

[@SethAshworth]

That is long for sure, but if it is working for you thats great. Thanks for watching

[@dirtbagoutside]

Which Werner paddle are you using at 200+? I went with the Power house bent shaft 197.. longest length it came in.. and a Sherpa straight shaft, also 197.. longest length it came in. Im 5'10 , 195 - 205 lbs.. i would have went 200 but never found them that lengrh.

[@SethAshworth]

I just recently broke my most favourite 202 powerhouse but I don’t know if that’s a stock length. Ordered direct from Werner.

[@SethAshworth]

Also I think up to 200’ is a standard size from Werner.

[@dirtbagoutside]

@@SethAshworth not sure why i wrote Sherpa. Lol.. other paddle is actually Sho Gun. Anyway.. i just checked Werner site.. both paddles in 200 are sold out... Thanks for the info

[@dgrfsthrgsergwrtghasefq]

Dirtbag Outside, All the paddles you mentioned come in lengths longer than 197, sold out does not mean it is not made or offered....they have a phone number just order what you want. Most people do not order any of the paddles you mentioned that long so they do not stock them assembled at 200+ but all the pieces are there to build most any length you want within reason.

[@dirtbagoutside]

Yes got that, thanks

[@ironmaiden5658]

The paddle length isn't the only factor.. You need to talk about the Kayak and how deep or high you sit.. A sit on Kayak will need a much longer paddle than and deep sit in Kayak. I'm 5'11" and I can tell you right now a 200 will not be long enough for my sit on fishing Kayak. I use a 230.

[@SethAshworth]

For sure, this video and all on my channel are really just focused on whitewater kayaking not SOT or fishing

[@derekbell5333]

I’m 6’2 and in using a bent shaft powerhouse 197. Should I go up to 203?

[@SethAshworth]

If you could try one I bet you would like it.

[@dMaribo]

How about a discussion on feather angle, then?

[@SethAshworth]

That’s probably not water I’m gonna sail into to be honest.

[@dMaribo]

@@SethAshworth I understand. There is probably a lot written about it already.

[@Nick-vs5wl]

Is Seths hair long enough? 😉😄

[@SethAshworth]

Nick too long right now !

[@DavidGeeraerts]

165 cm (5'5") tall at 74 Kg (~163 lbs.) and I paddle a 197 for everything (playboat/river/creeking). Werners: Player/Power House/ Stikine Shout out to Hardcore paddles (hardcorepaddles.com/) --I'm saving my $$$! Matai --you look so beautiful! I'll be a V+ paddler with that magic paddle! (LOL)

[@SethAshworth]

Nice! Thanks for checking this video out.

[@christopherastbury6644]

Seth, you have lots of echo in this room.

[@SethAshworth]

Thanks for letting me know, I am working to improve!

[@christopherastbury6644]

@@SethAshworth thanks, greetings from Northumberland

[@keystonedaytrip238]

It’s never long enough 😒

[@gillgjr]

Sorry, to much talking, not enough actual how to.