What length kayak paddle should I buy for use in a canoe?

Posted on May 27, 2010 by admin

I currently use a 230. That was just a guess but it seems to work well. I am going to buy a four piece paddle and will be spending more money than last time so I want to make sure i pick the right length. I am 5’4"

Stand against a wall…reach up and mark the highest place you can touch. Measure the distance from the ground to that point. Try a paddle at that length or the next highest standard or available length. Using a kayak paddle ( double blade) to propel a canoe may cause difficulties and inefficient strokes. Forward paddle strokes need to be made perpendicular to the water. Kayak strokes (left and right) usually swing a canoe back and forth. Read about kayak and canoe paddle use. The paddle blade should be planted as far forward as possible and then have the boat pulled to it. Never allow the paddle stroke to continue past your hip.

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3 Responses to What length kayak paddle should I buy for use in a canoe?

  1. campaholicone2000 says:
    May 27, 2010 at 11:34 am

    A 230 sounds pretty reasonable, but what is the width of the canoe? A wider hull will need a longer paddle so you can reach the water comfortably.
    References :

  2. g_steed says:
    May 27, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    Stand against a wall…reach up and mark the highest place you can touch. Measure the distance from the ground to that point. Try a paddle at that length or the next highest standard or available length. Using a kayak paddle ( double blade) to propel a canoe may cause difficulties and inefficient strokes. Forward paddle strokes need to be made perpendicular to the water. Kayak strokes (left and right) usually swing a canoe back and forth. Read about kayak and canoe paddle use. The paddle blade should be planted as far forward as possible and then have the boat pulled to it. Never allow the paddle stroke to continue past your hip.
    References :
    Instructor

  3. c_kayak_fun says:
    May 27, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    If the 230 works without banging your knuckles on the gunwales, you could stick with that. I’m 5′ 5" and mostly kayak with several boats of differing widths. I have paddles from 185 (a Greenland style "storm" paddle) to 240 and use the 240 with my widest beam ‘yak and also if I use a canoe since my reach to the water can be more vertical with the longer paddle. A ten cm difference is only about 2" on each side. So the 240 might end up being more practical. I like having different lengths and always carry a spare paddle on deck that is a different length from the primary one I’m using. On a long trip, switching off to a different size can give your muscles a break.
    References :