Need advice on paddle length

flytrash · Post by **flytrash** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:15 am

Howdy guys. This is my first post, but I've been lurking for awhile now. After 6 months of talking myself out of buying a yak, I finally bit the bullet last night and bought one...a Heritage Redfish 14. I can't wait to get it out on the water.

I still need to buy a paddle, but I'm not sure which length to buy. From everything I've read, it looks like 230cm or 240cm is the way to go. Which one do you suggest?

Skinnyfeet · Post by **Skinnyfeet** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:45 am

It really depends on your body size, personal preferences, paddling style, etc.

A 230cm paddle is a good, middle of the road sized paddle. 240's are really long, and 220's are short. A smaller person paddling with a 240cm paddle is probably not going to be that comfortable, but, a taller person with a shorter paddle sometimes works out ok (I'm a hair under 6'5 and I sometimes use a 220, but it depends on the boat I'm in).

Bending Branches (and maybe others) makes a telescoping paddle that adjusts between 215cm-230cm, and another that ranges between 225cm-240cm. You can customize these paddles to fit your style/boat/whatever just by turning your wrist. Check 'em out at http://www.bendingbranches.com/telescopingferrule.html

If you have some friends that paddle, meet them on the water and try their paddles and see what you think ........ you'll be surprised at the differences between each manufacturer and style.

Night Wing · Post by **Night Wing** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:10 am

My SPTW is only 26" wide and I use a 220cm paddle length for it. I also paddle using a "low angle style" instead of a high angle style. Try different paddle lengths with your style of paddling in conjunction with the width of your yak.

Clip · Post by **Clip** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:11 pm

What he said.

I have a couple of paddles. One is a 220 and I find I really like it. It is not a good paddle for touring, but the more vertical stroke it forces me to do is great for short powerful spurts (like getting out of the way of a power boat) and it is easier to handle when you just need to do a stroke or two. I also like to use a paddle as a downwind sail, and the shorter paddle is easier to handle. If I liked paddling long distances or toured it would be too short. I've been considering getting an Onno Big Boy (better for sailing) and I need to talk to Patrick about what length is best for me.

Skinnyfeet · Post by **Skinnyfeet** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:46 am

Here's some info that I found this afternoon ........

Kayak Width <23" , 24"-28" , 29"+

Paddler Height

Under 5'5", 210-220cm , 230cm , 230-240cm

5'5" - 5'11", 220cm, 230cm , 230-240cm

6'+, 220-230cm, 230-240cm , 240cm

Hope it helps..........

c_bkayak · Post by **c_bkayak** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:40 pm

You go skinny!!!!