rei has an excellent article on canoe paddle length
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/canoe+paddle.html
"Contrary to what you may have heard, standing height is not an accurate way to size a canoe paddle. Since you sit while boating, the best way to choose a paddle length is to sit — either in a canoe or on the floor. Most flatwater and whitewater canoeists will require a paddle in the 52" to 60" range, but lengths vary to fit paddlers of all sizes. Bent-shaft paddles are shorter overall, with common lengths of 48" to 54". There are several ways to determine which length is right for you.
At Home
Kneel down with your seat about 6 inches off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe. Measure from the floor to your nose. Add this measurement to the blade length (included in our online specification chart). The total is the correct overall length for your paddle.
In the Store
Kneel down with your seat about 6" off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe. Hold the paddle upside down, with the grip on the floor. If the paddle length is correct, the blade should start right about even with your nose.
On the Water
Sit in your canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the water. Add blade length to get the correct overall paddle length for you.
Fine-Tuning Fit
•If purchasing a bent-shaft paddle, follow the above instructions, but deduct 2" to 4" from the length.
•Canoe width affects length. In a wide canoe, a longer paddle allows you to reach the water without stretching or straining. A paddle that’s too short requires extra effort to get the whole blade in the water, making it difficult to propel the boat.
•If you’re buying for a child, consider a paddle made especially for children. Besides having shorter lengths, they’re built with narrower shafts and T-grips, which are easier for little hands to control."
hope this helps
When you are standing it should be up to your chin.
References :
rei has an excellent article on canoe paddle length
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/canoe+paddle.html
"Contrary to what you may have heard, standing height is not an accurate way to size a canoe paddle. Since you sit while boating, the best way to choose a paddle length is to sit — either in a canoe or on the floor. Most flatwater and whitewater canoeists will require a paddle in the 52" to 60" range, but lengths vary to fit paddlers of all sizes. Bent-shaft paddles are shorter overall, with common lengths of 48" to 54". There are several ways to determine which length is right for you.
At Home
Kneel down with your seat about 6 inches off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe. Measure from the floor to your nose. Add this measurement to the blade length (included in our online specification chart). The total is the correct overall length for your paddle.
In the Store
Kneel down with your seat about 6" off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe. Hold the paddle upside down, with the grip on the floor. If the paddle length is correct, the blade should start right about even with your nose.
On the Water
Sit in your canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the water. Add blade length to get the correct overall paddle length for you.
Fine-Tuning Fit
•If purchasing a bent-shaft paddle, follow the above instructions, but deduct 2" to 4" from the length.
•Canoe width affects length. In a wide canoe, a longer paddle allows you to reach the water without stretching or straining. A paddle that’s too short requires extra effort to get the whole blade in the water, making it difficult to propel the boat.
•If you’re buying for a child, consider a paddle made especially for children. Besides having shorter lengths, they’re built with narrower shafts and T-grips, which are easier for little hands to control."
hope this helps
References :
old salt
I learned the chin height in Cub Scouts, in the last Century, but I think you can over do it in finding the exact size you need. I’d recommend one that reached the water.
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long enough to reach the water
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