Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene is a good option for those who will be spending long days on the water or seeking to travel distances faster[GL2]. Carbon blends are the pinnacle of blade materials. Along with good durability, carbon fibers make these the lightest blades available. Just as with paddle blades, paddle shafts are available in a variety of materials. Aluminum and fiberglass are two common options, with carbon used in higher-end models.
The biggest advantage of an aluminum paddle shaft is affordability. Aluminum paddle shafts are generally the lowest priced option. They are also durable. You will see many outfitters and rental businesses provide aluminum shaft paddles to their visitors. This is because of their low cost and ability to handle heavy use.
If cost is the most important factor in your paddle purchase, you may want to consider an aluminum shaft. Fiberglass shafts are light, strong, and provide some flex. They are durable and provide many benefits of a performance paddle shaft but are more affordable than more expensive materials like carbon.
If you are seeking a paddle that provides a balance of performance without a big price tag and one that will stay with you as your kayaking abilities grow, a fiberglass shaft is a great option. The primary advantage for a carbon shaft is weight. Together with a carbon blade you benefit from the lightest weight combination available.
As noted in the blade section, they are worth the cost if you spend a lot of time on the water, or your physical well-being benefits from a light swing weight. Together with proper paddling technique, a carbon paddle will help minimize soreness and fatigue from a long day of paddling. Recreational kayaks are wider, more stable kayaks, often used on lakes, ponds, bays, and slow-moving rivers.
The width of a recreational kayak means you will need a slightly longer kayak paddle -- somewhere in the range of cm [ inches] to reach the water comfortably.
If you are a recreational kayaker, blades made of either polypropylene or fiberglass reinforced polypropylene will work well. Blade shape can either be elongated symmetrical or asymmetrical. Either an aluminum or fiberglass shaft will work well for a recreational kayaker. You can scope out some of the recreational paddle options available from Old Town here. Fishing kayaks are generally the widest kayaks to provide a solid platform from which to fish.
The seats also can be higher off the water to increase visibility and casting ability. This means if you will be kayak fishing, you will probably need the longest recommended kayak paddle length, somewhere in the range of cm [ inches]. To chase down trophy fish and lug your tackle around, you will want a strong yet lightweight paddle.
The Predator Angler has asymmetric shaped blades which produce smooth strokes. It also has a notch cut out as a built-in hook retriever, so when you inevitably snag a branch out of reach, your eight-foot paddle is now useful in more ways than one. You can find the Predator Angler and other fishing kayak paddle options here. Touring kayakers will be in the narrowest kayaks among these three types of kayaks. If you are a touring kayaker, you are usually looking for a kayak paddle to help you cover a bit of distance.
Touring kayaks allow for a choice of either a high or low arm angle in your paddling position. If you prefer a more vertical, high position, stick toward the shorter end of the recommended length for a touring paddle.
If you prefer the more relaxed, lower, horizontal paddle position, stay toward the longer end of your recommended paddle length.
Generally, touring paddles should be cm [ inches]. If you are 5 feet 5 inches or shorter and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is centimeters long. If you are between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is centimeters long.
If you are 6 foot or taller and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is centimeters long. Kayak Paddle Tips: Low- vs. High-Angle Paddles The final thing you should account for is whether you plan to do more low-angle or high-angle paddling. Low-Angle Paddling Long, horizontal strokes through the water characterize low-angle paddling.
High-Angle Paddling High-angle paddling is much faster and more rigorous than the low-angle method. Kayak Materials and Design The makeup of your paddle matters just as much as its size. Paddle and Shaft Options The material of your paddle blade plays a large part in its performance, as well as your ability to handle it comfortably. Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a favorite among kayakers because it is both lightweight and incredibly durable, but at a more affordable price compared to other materials.
Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the best paddle materials for beginning kayakers because it is very cost-efficient. However, aluminum paddles tend to be quite heavy, making them difficult to handle for some. Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber or graphite paddles are more costly than other paddles and are a bit harder to find, but they are among the most lightweight paddles available. Wood: Wooden paddles are excellent for their style, strength and durability, but are often more expensive than other paddle types.
Plastic: Plastic is another beginner-friendly paddle material. Although it is usually not as attractive as other paddle types, it is affordable and generally very lightweight.
Paddle Design Options At first glance, kayak paddles might all look the same. Blade width: Wider blades are perfect for high-angle paddlers because they create a lot more resistance as they move through the water than narrower blades do.
This resistance is also what makes wider blades more physically taxing. Narrow blades are not as high-performance, but offer much less resistance, making them easier to use for long periods. Asymmetric blades: While canoe paddle blades tend to be more squared, many kayak blades are asymmetrical, with the height of a blade being at the top and tapering slightly toward the bottom.
Feathered paddles have rotated blades that slice through the water at a side angle, rather than straight down. Some paddles let you manually personalize the degree of feathering. Unfeathered blades are not rotated and have no offset. Some kayakers prefer a feathered paddle because of its ability to cut through the wind. Others prefer unfeathered because it is simpler to use and does not strain the wrist as much.
Wing paddles: Racers and competitive kayakers almost exclusively use wing paddles because they provide a powerful forward stroke. However, for everyday recreational use, wing paddles are not usually the best choice.
Dihedral blades: Dihedral paddle blades have a raised core, or spine, down the center that helps distribute water flow evenly over each side of the blade. While this creates less resistance, it also creates less stability. Navigation is a bit trickier with dihedral blades. Are There Kayak Paddles for Kids? Maintain good posture: Good posture means sitting up straight and releasing the tension in your body.
While you are paddling, avoid resting against the backrest. Keep your feet pressed firmly against the floor of the kayak, or against the footpegs.
Avoid gripping your paddle too hard: While a firm grip is essential for maintaining control of your kayak, try not to keep your hands in a constant, tightly gripped state. A firm, yet light, hold is ideal.
You should also try your best to keep your wrists straight while paddling. The tension created in bending your wrists or gripping your paddle too firmly will lead to choppier, less fluid movements in the water and will leave you with sore hands at the end of the day. Let your torso do the work: While you are sitting up straight, allow your torso to do a lot of the paddling work. As you make your paddle strokes, turn your torso, rather than using only your arms or shoulders.
We us cookies to improve your browsing experience! Date September 14, Skip to content Skip to navigation. Skip to main content Skip to content navigation Close navigation. Learn Running and fitness tips Hiking and camping tips Cycling tips Rock climbing and bouldering tips Watersports tips How to choose a PFD How to choose a wetsuit How to choose a stand up paddleboard How to choose a canoe How to choose a canoe paddle Types of kayaks How to transport a kayak or canoe Choose a kayak sprayskirt How to choose a kayak paddle On-water safety: mandatory gear Canoe or kayak touring checklist Algonquin Park canoe trip checklist Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit checklist Backpack tips Outdoor clothing tips Travel tips Snowsports tips Product care and maintenance MEC packing lists.
How to choose a kayak paddle. The way the blade is shaped and sized influences the power and efficiency of your stroke Length of the shaft depends on type of padding, your height and the width of your boat Materials vary by cost, lightness and durability, as well as the way they feel in your hands.
Shop kayak paddles. Blade shape All quality blades have an asymmetric shape. Spoon blade These blades are scooped and provide instant power. Dihedral blade These blades are slanting backwards and give a smoother, more stable stroke. Medium size blades are for creeking and general river running. Blade size should be matched to your body size: bigger person, bigger blade, smaller person, smaller blade. Bent vs straight shafts Bent shafts keep your wrists at a neutral angle to your forearms throughout the stroke.
One-piece vs two-piece paddle One-piece paddles are the best choice for whitewater paddles. Paddle length Whitewater kayakers typically select paddles cm long.
Materials The material the paddle is made of will affect its performance as well as its price. Fibre composite Can be made thinner than other materials so they cut into the water more efficiently. Fibreglass Light and moderately flexible, fibreglass is a good mid-range option that balances durability, weight and cost.
Carbon Stiff and very light.
0コメント