Paddles and PFD’s are necessary equipment for kayaking. Your paddle decision depends on several factors. There are numerous choices in paddles: length, material of the shaft and material of the blade to name a few. Choose a paddle that is budget friendly yet is comfortable.
Let’s talk about length first. The length of the paddle is determined by the stature of the individual paddler and the design of the kayak they are using. Kayak paddles come in lengths from 230cm to 275cm. There are kayak paddles that are shorter, designed for use by a youth typically under 12 years old. The average adult will use a 230-240cm paddle. Some paddles are designed to be adjustable in length.
To determine correct paddle length sit in your kayak with the paddle held with your hands about shoulder width apart. Keeping the paddle at chest level you should be able to tilt the paddle, without leaning, about 30 degrees and the blade should be completely submerged. If the paddle touches the sides of the kayak or the blade is not submerged a longer paddle is needed. If your kayak has a seat that adjusts to a high/low position more length is going to be needed in the high seating position. It is always better to have a longer paddle than one that is too short. Too short of paddle causes you to have to ‘dig’ and lean as you stroke the paddle.
Paddle shaft material makes a big difference in the weight and durability of a paddle. Less expensive paddles are made with alluminum shafts. These tend to be quite heavy yet they are adequate for short term use of an hour or so of paddle time. Most inexpensive paddles are made with a power grip, an oval shape in the shaft, on the right end of the paddle due to most people being right handed. A better quality paddle will have a power grip on both ends of the paddle. The next lighter paddle shaft is fiberglass. These paddles are very durable and are resistant to corrosion. Top line paddles have carbon fiber shafts and are very light weight. A lighter paddle means less hand and arm fatigue when paddling for extended periods. Paddle grips can be added for extra comfort. Most paddles are adjustable for center, right and left ‘feathering.’
The blade material can vary as well. Less expensive paddles are made with plastic blades. Better quality paddle blades are constructed of fiberglass, carbon fiber and hybrid materials which are lighter and more durable. The blade shape determines how the paddle will push water. Longer more narrow blades are used for speed paddling yet may lack control ability. The curve of the blade is done so that water is scooped when using the paddle. Some paddle blades have a cut out enabling the paddler to use them for grabbing and pulling with the paddle. Less expensive paddle blades are often riveted to the shaft, better paddles have the blades glued or welded to the shaft. The rubber ring on a paddle is a drip ring. The ring should be placed near the paddle blade. It allows water coming off of the paddle blade, in the raised position, to drip outside of the kayak keeping the paddler dry.
A Personal Flotation Device or PFD is required on a paddle craft, it does not have to be worn but must be readily accessible. A seat/throw cushion is not a PFD! The least expensive PFD is the orange ‘one size fits all’ type. A better PFD is a vest type with adjustable straps which are sized and can be fitted to the individual. Sports model PFD’s are designed to be worn comfortably while engaged in paddle sports. PFD’s can range in price from $10 to over $200. Inflatable PFD’s are also available and allow the paddler complete comfort and safety. They are available in manual and auto inflate types. Always make sure your PFD is fitted to you before engaging in a paddle sport, there is no time for fitting when you need it.
I hope this information is helpful making your kayaking more enjoyable. Safe and happy paddling.