Kayak Paddle Size

Kayak paddle size can be personal, but it’s an important consideration if you are going to get the most out of your kayaking. Many stores end up sizing paddles too long, and you want to avoid that if you don’t want to have to buy two paddles — one the right size and the other too long. The below image in this article is an example of a store that got it wrong. The problem with paddles that are too long is that they are harder to get into the right positions for some strokes — particularly any strokes that require a vertical shaft such as draws. Longer paddles also tend to build bad habits. They often lead to poor forward strokes with the elbow, hand and shoulder misaligned. That leads to a less efficiently stroke, aka more tiring work for the same speed and distance. See: High Angle vs Low Angle Kayak Strokes.

Recently, I was in a store and saw this sign showing a kayak paddle size chart. In most cases, it will result in paddle length that is at least 10cm too long. I decided to surf to a few other stores online sites to see how they were sizing paddles, and their charts would likely get you a length that is too long as well. I won’t link to them here to avoid promoting the wrong information.

The problem is two-fold:

1. Old information about paddle size is common.
2. If you are sizing by height, then people with long or short legs get sized wrong. A better way would be to determine torso length and seat height in the kayak. But that’s more difficult, so my suggestion follows.

The first part of determining the length of the paddle is to figure out how wide to hold it. The starting point is to put your arms out to your sides even with your shoulders, then bend your elbows until they are at 90 degrees and your hands are straight up in the air. The width that your hands are from each other is the approximate width that your hands should be from each other when holding your paddle.

To get a better idea of what paddle length you need, you should size it up while sitting in the kayak. If this is on land, then you’ll want the kayak propped up higher than the ground level. I only mention on land because I imagine someone will try to do this in a store. It’s better to do it while on the water.

While in the kayak with the kayak outfitted and adjusted to fit you correctly hold the paddle like above. Then rotate your body like doing a forward stroke with your shoulder, wrist and hand aligned. Then with a slight forward lean put the paddle into the water near your feet. If you can’t reach your feet when the kayak is properly adjusted, then the paddle is too short. You’ll likely reach it with no problem though. If it’s going past your feet, it’s likely too long.

Next try several draws. You should be able to get the shaft of the paddle vertical without struggling. Also try bow rudders to make sure you can get the paddle into the water without struggling. In general, a paddle that’s too long will be harder to get into the vertical positions.

Go paddling for a while and try to keep your shoulder, elbow and hand in alignment on the upper hand — the one on the side where the paddle is out of water. A longer paddle will often promote poor form because it makes it easier to keep the shaft low and still get the paddle blade into the water. You want to avoid that. If you have a good forward stroke that uses proper technique, you can also vary the length of the paddle to match the cadence of your natural stroke.

Mess around with several paddles and paddle sizes until you find one that works best for you based on the above. One note is that a different blade shape may influence the length of the paddle. So, if you are buying a new paddle make sure that you account for that when trying different sizes.

If you want any easy way to pick. Your paddle length should probably be 210cm in a sea kayak if you are under six feet tall. If you are under five and a half feet tall, then try a 200cm paddle. Over six feet tall and you’ll likely need a 210 or 220cm paddle.

One thing to keep in mind when sizing kayak paddles is that a 5cm difference can mean the difference between a comfortable and well performing paddle and one that doesn’t fit you. It’s worthwhile to experiment with paddles to find the exact right size before you plop several hundred dollars down on a paddle that’s the wrong size. You could try an adjustable length paddle. I have two that allowed me to narrow in on an exactly perfect size that was 2cm from any standard paddle length.

Although I’m not a fan of kayak paddle size charts, here’s how I’d do it.