Nothing bothers me more than seeing a person in a kayak basically rowing the boat, usually with a paddle that is 10 times longer than it should be. Which brings me to my next pet peeve, people paddling with a kayak paddle that is way to long? How do you know what size is right? Let’s talk about it.
The first thing you need to understand is how you paddle. Paddling style will dictate the overall length you will need as well as the type of boat you are in and the style of blade. For starters let’s look at the stroke itself. All too often as mentioned above I see people literally rowing their kayaks. Paddle almost parallel to the water using big arcing strokes that cause the boat to veer right then left as each stroke is applied. This is actually called a sweep stroke and used for corrective measures. The proper form is to keep the paddle shaft as vertical (90°) to the surface of the water as possible which in turn will allow you to draw your paddle stroke parallel to your direction of travel pulling your craft in a straight line.
There are basically two types of kayak paddling styles you will hear people discuss, high and low angle. High angle being vertical or within a few degrees of it, while low angle will drop down some but should still be less than 20° off vertical. The lower your angle of paddle, the longer the paddle will need to be. Check out the Olympic sprint kayaking races this if you want to see truly great form.
Your hands should be placed about shoulder width apart and put those drip rings out where the shaft meets the blade (the throat). This will keep the water from dripping into your lap. If you need a marker for hand placement put a small piece of tape on the shaft. As you paddle, the entire blade should be submerged in the water but no deeper than required to get it below the surface. Make sure the top hand is pushed straight forward using your shoulders and keep it level with your chin.
Next let’s look at the width of the craft. The idea behind a self propelled water craft is to be efficient. Remember, you are the power supply, not a 50 hp outboard. The narrower/longer the kayak the more efficient it will be in moving through the water. Relax, I do understand most of the recreational boats out there are quite short and relatively wide. So, the wider your boat, the farther you will need to reach out to get your paddle in the water. In doing this you will need to lower your shaft angle, hence require a longer paddle.
You have probably noticed at least two very distinct blade shapes. One is long and narrow and the other shorter and wider. Paddles are sized generally in cm and the length given will be from blade tip to tip. What we really need to focus on is the length of the shaft, not the overall length of the paddle. A paddle with a high angle blade style (short and wide) that measures 220 centimeters will have the same shaft length as one with a low angle blade style (long and narrow) that measures 230cm( give or take a few cm in either direction). When buying one focus on the length of the shaft from throat to throat and not the overall length of the paddle. When your stroke is at your hip, the entire blade should be buried in the water with as little distance from the throat to the surface as your paddling style and boat will allow.
If you are currently paddling with a paddle that is to long, try using a shorter one sized as we discussed above. You will see improved performance, efficiency and lighter weight as you will have less paddle in your hands. As with anything there are lots of variables along with personal preference. For me, I am 6’1” and paddle with a 220cm paddle which has a high angle blade shape and it would not be awkward for me to use a 210cm. Until next time, Happy Paddling!!!
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- Hemlock Pete
- The most frequent question I get asked is, "Where did you get the name Hemlock Pete?" First of all my name is Scott Edwards. The Hemlock Pete title was given to me by my grandfather, Howard Wardner. Here is a man who was blessed with three daughters and not a single son. He was an avid outdoorsman born and raised in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York. His father was an Adirondack Guide working for the Paul Smith's Hotel. When I was born (in Key West Florida) my grandfather drove down to see me. This was a very long trip back in 1957. As the story goes, he took one look at me and declared that I was his "Hemlock Pete". According to my grandmother he could not wait for me to accompany him on his hunting and fishing excursions. Unfortunately for both of us he passed away when I was merely two years old. My grandmother (Mildred Wardner) quite often would mention how much Howard would have enjoyed my company.