What size kayak paddle do i need

How do you pick a kayak paddle size?

Measure Your Body Height

If you are 5 feet 5 inches or shorter and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is 210 centimeters long. 24 to 32 inches wide: Try a paddle that is 220 centimeters long. 29 to 33 inches wide: Try a paddle that is 230 centimeters long.

Is it better to have a longer or shorter kayak paddle?

If you fall between two sizes, it’s generally better to go shorter. Either size would probably work, but you’ll save a few ounces with a shorter paddle. If you’re proportioned with a shorter torso, though, then the added reach will come in handy and you should go with the longer paddle.

What happens when you use too long of a paddle for kayaking?

When using a paddle that’s too short or too long, you‘ll end up over exerting yourself and working harder than necessary to build up speed and keep the kayak on track. If the length isn’t right, your hands will tend to move along the shaft, resulting in the development of blisters.

How long should my paddle be?

The general convention for determining the correct paddle size is to take the rider’s height and add 9-10 inches. If you’re 5’11” ideally you should get a paddle about 80-81 inches, or 6 feet 8 or 9 inches. This is the recommendation for the average user.

Should I feather my kayak paddle?

Feathering is most advantageous when paddling into high winds. The higher the angle of your blade, the less resistance you will encounter. Alternatively, an un-feathered paddle can be advantageous when the wind is at your back, working as a small sail each time the blade is raised into the air.

How do you size a paddle?

Turn the paddle upside down between your legs and on the seat of the chair. Hold the shaft in front of your face. The throat of the shaft should come to just about eye-level. This should be the right size canoe paddle for you.

What size kayak do I need for my weight?

What size kayak do I need for my weight? The right size kayak for your weight is one with a maximum capacity rating that’s about 125 pounds more than your body weight. Another rule of thumb is to find out the manufacturer’s maximum capacity rating and reduce it by about 30-35%.

How much are paddles for a kayak?

Kayak paddles can range in price from $40 to $500. The material of the blade is usually the main factor in the cost of a paddle though the shaft material can also affect price. The cheapest paddles available have an aluminum shaft and fiberglass blades and costs around $40.

Are kayak paddles measured tip to tip?

Paddles are sized by overall length: tip to grip (or tip to tip). However it is far more accurate to measure your correct size by using only the shaft (and grip in the case of canoe paddles), as the blade can vary greatly in length.

Is an 8 foot kayak big enough?

While there are certainly shorter kayaks out there, an eight-foot length is one of the smaller options. This is a great kayak size for kids and small adults who are relatively new to the sport. Most shorter kayaks tend to be more stable for recreational paddling because they have a better length-to-width ratio. …

What size kayak do I need for my height and weight?

Kayak Length for Height Chart
Height Weight
Low Volume Kayak < 5 ft. 6 in. < 140 lbs.
Medium Volume Kayak 5 ft. 7 in. – 5 ft. 10 in. 150 lbs. – 180 lbs.
High Volume Kayak > 5 ft. 10 in. > 180 lbs.
May 17, 2021

How do I choose a kayak size?

Generally, the longer and narrower the kayak, the faster and straighter it will go. A kayak is more stable and easier to turn if it’s wider and shorter, but it may sacrifice speed. If you are new to kayaking, then a wider kayak can be a good beginner’s choice as you grow accustomed to being on the water.

Is a 9 foot kayak too small?

Generally, the shorter the kayak, the more easy it is to maneuver on the water. An 8 or 9 foot yak could be a good choice for kids or beginners for recreational use. If you’re tall or large you may find you’re not comfortable.

How do you fit a kayak paddle?

Are sit-in or sit on kayaks more stable?

If all other dimensions are equal, a sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayak is more stable than a sit-on-top kayak. In an open-cockpit kayak you’re sitting lower in the boat. … A wider kayak will be slower. And changing the bottom shape will make a larger surface area which makes it less efficient to paddle.

What is the smallest size kayak?

Enter Intex’ Challenger K1 – a 9-foot sit-in inflatable that’s both the smallest and the lightest on my list, and kayaks on the market Seriously, it weighs a mere 27.2 pounds! Don’t expect much in terms of storage, though. The Challenger has a limited 220-pound capacity and front storage net; that’s about it.

Does Pelican make good kayaks?

Pelican Kayaks are a great choice for first-time and inexperienced kayakers because they’re also one of the most stable kayaks you can use to refine your basic kayaking techniques.

How do you sit in a sit on top kayak?

What is a good lightweight kayak?

Best Lightweight Kayaks Reviews & Recommendations In 2021
  • Pelican Maxim 100X. …
  • Pelican Sentinel 100X. …
  • Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak. …
  • ADVANCED ELEMENTS Lagoon 1 Kayak. …
  • ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirFusion Elite Kayak. …
  • Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak. …
  • Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak. …
  • Intex Challenger K1 Kayak.

What is the lightest weight pedal kayak?

Slayer Propel 10
Weighing in at 62 lbs (without the drive unit) the Slayer Propel 10 is the lightest 10′ pedal drive fishing kayak on the market. Light enough to lift car top or effortlessly slide into the back of a pickup, this little yak is a master of hands free fishing.

What is the lightest 10 foot kayak?

Eddyline Sky 10 – 32 lb (14.5 kg)

Eddyline Sky 10 is a lightweight 10-ft recreational kayak that retains some of Eddyline’s features found in their sea kayaks. At only 32 lbs, this kayak is very easy to handle, transport, and store. It can also fit inside an SUV so you might not even need a roof rack!

Who makes the lightest sit on top kayak?

The Lifetime Lotus is the lightest and smallest kayak on this list, and one of the most portable sit on top kayaks around. That said, it might be better suited for smaller and lighter kayakers as the max weight capacity is 250 lbs.

What is a good kayak to buy?

Here are the best kayaks:
  • Best overall: Dagger Stratos 14.5.
  • Best on a budget: Perception Sound 10.5.
  • Best for whitewater: Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6.
  • Best folding: Oru Bay ST.
  • Best tandem: Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Dirigo Tandem Plus.
  • Best recreational: Wilderness System Pungo 120.

How much does a 10 foot kayak weigh?

This will depend on factors like length, width material, and accessories. Your average 10 foot fishing kayak that’s made of HDPE(High Density Polyethylene) will weigh around 55 pounds. However, a more heavily outfitted and wider fishing kayak can easily get into the 120 pound range.