Overview of Kayak Paddle Blades For Beginner Kayaking

 

Choosing a paddle for kayaking can be quite confusing for the novice paddler. Kayak paddles come in many different lengths, strengths, paddle blade styles, and materials. Selecting the right paddle should be a personalised decision based on many key factors. The first consideration should to choose the correct paddle length based on your height, paddle style, and the width of your kayak.

 

There are height charts available both on-line and in paddling stores for selecting the correct length that is closest to your needs and also based on your paddling style. If you paddle using a low angled relaxed stroke or higher more aggressive stroke techniques the charts show different parameter of appropriate paddle length. Slight length adjustments should also be made if your kayak width is thinner or broader than is considered the norm.

 

The Durable Paddle Shaft and Other Considerations

The quality, weight, rigidity, and diameter of the shaft should also be an important consideration when choosing a kayaking paddle. A strong and lightweight  shaft is generally considered the best option for touring paddlers. Fiberglass is one material commonly used in paddle manufacture because of its strength,
lightweight features, and ease of design molding. The highest-end is the kayak carbon paddle. These are the strongest and lightest weight available.

 

You also need to make sure that your paddle shaft will not easily bend. If the shaft is not exceptionally strong and rigid you will have a problem controlling your kayak. Another consideration when choosing a kayak paddle should be the thickness of the paddle shaft. This can vary with different manufacturers. You should find a shaft diameter that feels comfortable by practicing your strokes in the air with each model selected until you find the right fit.

 

The grips that come with your paddle don't need to be perfect. Many companies sell grips separately and you can choose the ones that are the most comfortable for you.
Another more traditional and aesthetically pleasing kayak paddle material is wood.
Some paddlers want to go all natural materials and find construction instruction for a wood kayak paddle and then build their own. Wooden paddles are heavier so most paddlers prefer kayak paddles made from synthetic materials.

 

Kayak Paddle Blade Options

Your final decision when choosing a paddle for kayaking should be your choice of paddle blades. This decision should be based on the blade ease of movement through the water balanced with the amount of forward thrust you get per stroke. Novice paddlers should use a flat shaped blade to help make kayak control easier.
More experienced paddler generally prefer a curved blade because of increased water-gripping power per stroke.

 

Of the two paddle blade types, asymmetrical and symmetrical, the preferred choice for touring paddlers is the asymmetrical shape. The reasons are blade ease through the water and better kayak control. For novice paddlers remember when choosing a kayak paddle the simpler the better is your best option. Later on, as your skills improve you can add more paddles to your equipment inventory based on your specific  needs. Now is the time to get out there to find a height-appropriate, lightweight paddle with a strong shaft, good grips, and flat blades.

 

References:

http://www.kayakhelp.com
http://en.kayakwiki.org/index.php
http://www.kayakingjournal.com
http://www.nrsweb.com