Kayaking Choosing a paddle No need to break the bank for a double-blader By Ken Whiting Photos by Paul Villecourt
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N WHITEWATER KAYAKING, the paddle is an extension of your upper body, so it’s important that you find one that feels good to you. You’ll be happy to hear that you needn’t buy the most expensive paddle on the market. Although you can spend up to $500, there are good paddles available for as little as $200. Paddle designs do vary, but their general anatomy is the same. The two blades are attached to a shaft that can be straight or bent in various ways, and each blade has a concave power (front) face and a non-power (back) face that may or may not be symmetrical in shape. Asymmetrical blades are designed to ensure equal resistance on both halves of the blade in water, which makes for a smoother stroke by avoiding flutter. The most influential factor in choosing a paddle is your size. You need to consider the length of the paddle, the width of the shaft, and the size of the blades. Smaller paddlers should look for a paddle with slightly smaller blades and with a narrower shaft for easier grip. The stronger you are, the larger the paddle blades you will be able to control. Using a paddle that is too long or too large will cost you some control and could place too much stress on your body. Paddles are conventionally measured in centimetres. In general, a paddle 196–200 cm in length is good for paddlers between 5’8” and 6’1” in height. Paddlers between 5’3” and 5’8” will find that a 192–196 cm paddle works well. Next, you need to consider the offset of your blades. The offset, or “twist,” refers to the difference in angles between the two blades. Traditional kayak paddles have blades that are offset at 90 degrees so one blade pulls through the water as the other slices efficiently through the air. For whitewater kayaking, a 30- to 45-degree twist is most popular. Many of us are even using paddles with no offset at all. A lower offset means less repetitive twisting of the wrist, which can help prevent tendonitis and better facilitate certain manoeuvres. Paddles come in a variety of materials, ranging from aluminum and plastic to fibreglass and carbon fibre. Finding the right one for you is a personal choice that depends on your budget and weight preference. Durability is also a concern, so we recommend staying away from aluminum for whitewater paddling.
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Until you’re immersed in the sport of whitewater kayaking, you’re unlikely to notice much, if any, difference between a $500 paddle and a $200 paddle with the same length, blade size and offset. That’s why I encourage novices to buy a good, but affordable, paddle for the early stages of their development. As you paddle more and more, you’ll learn which features you like and dislike in a paddle, and you’ll have the opportunity to test other styles.
Next time you’re looking for an excuse to get out on the water, try telling the sales staff that you need to test out a $200 paddle that you’re thinking of buying, rather than the $500 that you were going to buy. I guarantee they’ll usher you out the door!
—Ken Whiting is a World Champion Kayaker, and the author and producer of an award-winning series of instructional kayaking books and videos, which includes his new book, The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Kayaking. He teaches at the Liquid Skills Kayak School on the Ottawa River and leads kayaking trips to Chile in the winter. For more info, check out www.playboat.com
