Choosing the right paddle and PFD can be a hard decision, especially for the new kayaker. When faced with the plethora of available options there are some details that should not be overlooked when purchasing these items.
The paddle is perhaps the most important item you can buy as it is the primary means of propelling your kayak. Most people will purchase the economy paddle and will be happy with their choice; however they are happy with it because they do not know any better. Buying an economy paddle is like buying a Mustang with a four cylinder engine in it. They tend to be heavier and are more prone to failure while out on the water. My advice is to buy the most expensive paddle you can afford upfront. Your body will thank you. Look for composite material shafts like fiberglass or carbon fiber equipped with nylon reinforced plastic blades or fiberglass blades. These are strong and lightweight and allow the paddler to paddle more efficiently. I personally use the Werner Shuna Hooked paddle in 240 cm. It is super light, strong, very efficient, and in my opinion, is the most paddle you can get for the money.
Paddles come in many different lengths and have many different blade designs. It is very important that you have the proper paddle length for your height and the type of kayak you purchase. If you are planning on purchasing a kayak that has a higher seating position and or wider sides, then you will need a longer paddle. The rule of thumb here is that the higher you are from the water line, the longer the paddle needs to be. Kayaks that are stable enough to stand in are generally wider and also require a longer paddle. As a general rule these types of kayaks do well with a paddle in the 240 cm range. If you are in a skinnier kayak, then 220- 230cm paddles will work.
To make things simple there are basically two types of blade shapes you need to be concerned about without getting into too much detail. The first is a wide blade; these are designed for a higher angle technique and are a favorite of white water paddlers. These tend to grab the water better and are great for getting the max speed from your kayak and power from each paddle stroke. These tend to require more strength but are clearly the best performers.
The second blade shape is a longer, skinnier blade which is usually used in touring kayaks and is designed for a low angle paddle technique. These slip more in the water and do not give the performance of the wider blade. However, they are very forgiving and do not tire a new paddler out as quickly. These do not work well from a higher seating position or while standing. However, it all comes down to preference. Try both types of paddles if you can and decide which blade type you like best.
If you are a fisherman already, then you probably already have a PFD. However, I would recommend getting a kayak specific PFD. The reason is that kayak specific PFD’s are built to allow the range of motion it takes to paddle your kayak comfortably. Many are designed so that the floatation in the back sits above the seat back and do not hunch you over in your seat and give you clearance on the sides when paddling. Others have a thin back that is comfortable and very flexible. A normal PFD will rub your arms and cause chafing because they were not designed for the type of activity required when fishing from a kayak.
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