What Type of Kayak Paddle Should I Buy -Top 5 kayak paddle for 2023

Are you confused about- “What type of kayak paddle should I buy?” As you know there are different types of kayak paddles available in the market and you need to choose the perfect one for you.

A perfect kayak paddle size can help you while kayaking and you will get comfort also. So, it’s necessary to choose the most suitable paddle size and type.

In this article, I will let you know about different kayak paddle types and why people use a kayak. Some FAQs will also be there for you. So, let’s start.

Why Do People Use Kayaks?

Kayakers are a group of people who have been around since prehistoric times. Kayaks provided them with a means of transportation and also helped them hunt marine animals. They made use of the Kayak movement against the current to get food.

Kayaking is not only about going on a trip through water, but it is all about going on an adventure with nature. Kayaking is a type of sea voyage that has been popular among people from the United States till the present.

Kayakers are very passionate about Kayaking and they love to take part in sea voyages for pleasure. Kayak’s purpose today is not only limited to hunting but also for having fun, kayaking involves a lot of paddling, carrying Kayak over your head, and climbing through rocks to get to the top.

Kayaking is a great activity for people who like to spend time outdoors in nature. Kayakers are very open-minded in nature; you can make friends with them easily because they love to socialize. Kayaks come in different types and sizes, each type of Kayak designed for a particular kind of Kayaking. Kayaks are generally made to be very light in weight so that it is easy to carry them along with you when needed.

what size of paddle for the kayak

What type of kayak paddle should I buy

People who have kayaks are always on the search for the types of kayak paddle that will provide them with comfort, ease of use, and most importantly efficiency. You will find carbon fiber Kayak paddles,  240 cm Kayak paddles, 230 cm Kayak paddles, etc. while choosing the Best kayak paddle.

These types of kayak paddles can be used in different types of water sports, thus there is a need to consider not just one or two types but as many types as possible.

There are a lot of types of kayak paddles that you can find in the market these days. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages, thus it would be best to know all types of kayak paddles before deciding on the one that will work best for you. Here are some types of kayak paddles:

• Flatwater Kayak Paddle
• Racing Kayak Paddle
• Touring Kayak Paddle
• Whitewater kayak paddle
• Recreational kayak paddle types

Flatwater Kayak Paddles

These paddles are usually made from carbon fiber or aluminum. They are long and lightweight, thus providing you with strength, balance, and speed when kayaking on flat water.

Racing Kayak Paddle

They are usually made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, or a combination of these types of materials. The blades are long with a small surface area that is easy to paddle quickly in kayaking races.

Touring Kayak Paddles

These types are not really flatwater kayak paddle types because they are shorter with bigger blades that will provide you with better balance and stability. These types of kayak paddles types are usually used in flat water but for easier paddling.

Whitewater Kayak Paddles

They have short, sturdy blades that will give the kayaker added power on rapids or on water that has a lot of waves. These types of kayak paddles types are usually made from aluminum or fiberglass and may have plastic blades as well for added strength.

Recreational Kayak Paddles

These types can be any type of kayak paddle that will provide the kayaker with comfort and ease in handling the kayak as he does not have to worry about speed or efficiency. These types of kayak paddles types are usually made from plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or a combination of these types of materials.​

How to Chose a kayak Paddle

There are many different types of kayak paddles available on the market, each designed with specific features and intended for use in certain conditions. Some key features to consider when choosing a kayak paddle include:

Paddle Angle:

High-angle paddles are designed to be held more vertically during a forward stroke and are often used for racing or paddling in rough or whitewater conditions. They have shorter and broader blades. Low-angle paddles, on the other hand, are held more horizontally and are better suited for consistent paddling while kayak touring. They have longer and skinnier blades.

Blade Shape:

Wing-shaped blades are designed with a shallow scooped shape to increase the efficiency and power of a forward stroke, but may not be as comfortable for recreational paddlers. Dihedral blades have two power faces that are intended to minimize flutter and vibration during the stroke. Greenland paddles are narrow and shaped like airplane propellers and are popular for kayak touring.

Material:

Kayak paddles can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Aluminum paddles are inexpensive but heavier and can be cold to the touch. Plastic paddles are durable and inexpensive, but also heavier and less efficient. Carbon fiber paddles are the most expensive and highest quality, but also the lightest. Fiberglass paddles are a mid-range option that are light, stiff, and durable.

How To Pick A Kayak Paddle Size – Expert guide

FAQs

Final Note

Before you choose the kayak paddle size, you need to give a trial with that specific kayak so that you can understand the kayak paddle’s suitability. 

Resource Page:

https://www.oldtowncanoe.com/blog/article/how-choose-kayak-paddle