A paddle that is too short makes you lean and bang the hull; one that is too long is heavy, slow and tiring. The two things that matter most are how wide your kayak is and how tall you are, then how you paddle. This calculator gives a starting length in centimeters, the unit paddle makers use everywhere.
How it works
The calculator starts from 200 cm and adds length:
| Kayak width | Added |
|---|---|
| under 23 in (58 cm) | 0 cm |
| 23 to 28 in (58 to 71 cm) | 10 cm |
| 28 to 32 in (71 to 81 cm) | 20 cm |
| over 32 in (81 cm) | 30 cm |
| Paddler height | Added |
|---|---|
| under 5 ft (152 cm) | 0 cm |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in (152 to 168 cm) | 10 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft (168 to 183 cm) | 15 cm |
| over 6 ft (183 cm) | 20 cm |
A high-angle style takes 5 cm off. The result matches the size charts most makers publish within one size.
Example
A paddler 5 ft 10 in tall in a touring kayak 26 in wide gets 200 + 10 + 15 = 225 cm with a relaxed low-angle stroke, and 220 cm with a high-angle stroke.
Low angle or high angle?
A low-angle stroke keeps the shaft fairly flat and the top hand below the shoulder. It is relaxed and efficient for long days of touring. A high-angle stroke brings the shaft close to vertical for more power and speed; it suits narrower boats, surf, whitewater and fitness paddling, with a shorter paddle and often wider blades.
Other factors
- Sit-on-top and fishing kayaks sit you higher and are wider, so they need longer paddles, often 240 to 260 cm.
- Seat height: a raised seat adds a few centimeters.
- Torso length matters more than total height; try the range shown.
- Whitewater paddles are shorter, usually 190 to 205 cm.
Checking the fit
Stand the paddle upright: for touring, you should be able to curl your fingers over the top blade. Better still, sit in the boat and check that the blade buries fully without the shaft hitting the deck. Adjustable-length shafts let you fine-tune within about 10 to 15 cm.