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Re: paddle length?
By:John Leonard
Date: 12/23/2000, 8:51 pm
In Response To: Re: paddle length? (Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks)

I agree with Nick, that there is no reliable formula or table for selecting the right size paddle. A lot of places still try to sell paddles based on the paddler's height alone. It has far more to do with personal preference and the type of boat you are paddling. A wider boat with a higher deck is going to require a longer paddle than a narrower,low volume boat. I have tried quite a few paddles and have settled on 220cm for now. It works well on my bigger boat (solstice gts) which has a pretty high front deck. I could probably go a bit shorter with my pintail because it has a low deck.

The shorter paddles are going to give you a higher cadence which many people find more comfortable and easier on the joints and muscles. I know alot of people use longer paddles but I would recommend trying at least a 220 and maybe shorter.

Ken Fink used to have a great article on paddle sizing and selection on his website. I can't find the link right now but if someone knows the link to his sight and can post it, it is a great article.

Regards,

John Leonard

Messages In This Thread

paddle length?
mathew -- 12/22/2000, 9:07 am
Re: paddle length?
Jay Babina -- 12/26/2000, 11:00 am
Re: paddle length?
Earl Bailey -- 12/22/2000, 3:49 pm
Re: paddle length?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/22/2000, 10:00 am
Re: paddle length?
John Leonard -- 12/23/2000, 8:51 pm
Re: paddle length?
Greg Stamer -- 12/23/2000, 5:50 pm
Re: paddle length?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/26/2000, 10:43 am
Re: paddle length?
Rob Macks -- 12/26/2000, 1:28 pm
Re: paddle length?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/27/2000, 11:30 am
So what makes a good paddle?
David Dick -- 12/28/2000, 8:12 am
Re: So what makes a good paddle?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/28/2000, 11:54 am
Re: So what makes a good paddle?
Jim P. -- 12/28/2000, 8:48 am
Re: So what makes a good paddle?
Rob Macks -- 12/28/2000, 9:38 am
Re: paddle length?
Rob Macks -- 12/27/2000, 3:56 pm
Re: paddle length?
Rob Macks -- 12/27/2000, 2:30 pm
Re: paddle length?
Ken Sutherland -- 12/28/2000, 9:43 pm
Re: paddle length?
Rob Macks -- 1/2/2001, 11:16 am
Re: paddle length?
Richard Boyle -- 1/3/2001, 11:50 am
Re: paddle length?
Rob Macks -- 1/3/2001, 3:01 pm
Re: paddle length?
Ken Sutherland -- 1/2/2001, 9:57 pm
Re: paddle length?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/28/2000, 12:32 pm
Re: paddle length?
Greg Stamer -- 12/26/2000, 12:41 pm
Re: paddle length?
Bert -- 12/24/2000, 12:51 pm
Re: paddle length?
Greg Stamer -- 12/24/2000, 3:32 pm
Redwood & Tung oil?
John Monfoe -- 12/23/2000, 12:45 am
Re: Redwood & Tung oil?
Duane Strosaker -- 12/24/2000, 11:51 pm
Re: Redwood & Tung oil?
John Monfoe -- 12/25/2000, 6:05 am
Re: Redwood & Tung oil?
Greg Stamer -- 12/23/2000, 10:22 am
Re: paddle length?
Larry C. -- 12/22/2000, 6:24 pm
Re: paddle length?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 12/26/2000, 9:10 am