CHOOSING A PADDLE There are many different paddle styles so it is essential that you find the paddle to suit your choosen pursuit.
WHITEWATER: Shorter, stronger shafts, durable blade, larger blades to grip water for repeated acceleration/deceleration. Generally slightly heavier than touring paddles and blades generally symmetrical in shape.
SEA KAYAK-TOURING: Longer shafts, lighter materials, smaller blade sizes for efficiency and faster stroke rate, reducing drag and energy use. Blades are generally asymmetrical in shape.
SURF: Shorter, stronger shafts, larger blades to grip water for repeated accelerartion/deceleration. Blades are generally asymmetrical in shape.
PADDLE LENGTH - THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Boat width - the wider the kayak, the longer the paddle length.
Paddling style - High-angle Paddling = Power - White water, fitness and competition. Low-angle Paddling = Cruising - Recreational, relaxation and touring.
RECOMMENDED KAYAK PADDLE LENGTH (average paddler)
High-angle: White Water 194cm - 200cm. Multi Sport/Competition 212cm - 220cm
Low-angle: Sit-on-tops 214cm - 220cm. Sea kayaks 220cm - 230cm. Extra wide kayaks up to 240cm.
BLADE SHAPE AND SIZE
For flatwater long distance paddling a smaller blade size is preferable as it reduces fatigue. Whitewater or surfing requires a larger blade size. Sea kayaks paddles are typically asymmetrical to provide easy entry and exit, reducing torque during stroke. Symmetrical blades are more forgiving of mistakes and as such are good for beginners or recreational use. Whitewater paddlers use both asymmetrical and symmetrical blades by personal preference.
DIHERAL BLADE: Designed to give direction to the flow of water off the blade to reduce drag and fatigue by providing a powerful smooth stroke.
FLAT BLADE: A good choice for beginners and recreational paddlers. Flat blades provide easy stroking, but lack grip on the water that more advanced paddlers prefer.
SPOON CUPPED BLADE: Generates a powerful stroke for increased speed and control. Recommended for more experienced paddlers.
WING BLADE: Designed to generate lift, with a very cupped blade and hi-drag for increased speed much like an airplane wing. Generates exceptional power and stroke efficency in all applications.
PADDLE SHAFT OPTIONS
ONE PIECE: The shaft comes standard with no joins and is one complete length with blades attached at each end.
ONE CLICK CONNECTOR: Allows the paddle shaft to be broken down into 2-pieces by way of a one click connector.
SMART SHAFT: This is a 2-piece system with adjustment of the shaft by 100mm length and infinite angle ability. Standard angle indicator included on center ring.
