Kayak Paddle

The kayak paddle is your engine and it is important to choose the right paddle. The right paddle will make you more comfortable, use less energy and let you spend more time enjoying the water.

Different kayak paddles have different blade shapes and blade cambers. The high end of kayak paddles have more camber and are very narrow and also lighter. These are better for long tours as you are not pushing so much water, so you can get up to speed and paddle less to maintain your desired speed.

Offset blades are more comfortable because when your paddle comes out of the water, the wave is coming off flat so that you are not pushing water backwards. This also moves your wrists to keep circulation moving.

A grip ring is also very handy to have on a kayak paddle. When you pull the blade of the paddle out of the water, the water hits the ring and doesn’t come inside your boat, keeping you and your kayak dry.

The basic kayak paddle will be made of plastic of aluminum. The midrange paddles are made of graphite, and the more expensive paddles will be made of carbon fiber. Spend as much as you can on your kayak paddle. A carbon fiber paddle is extremely light and will allow you to feel energized as the miles and hours sail by. A cheaper paddle will flex less and will make you use more energy to create motion.

The more expensive materials will also give your blades more buoyancy which will help you brace and roll with more confidence and improve your overall skill in the water. The kayak paddle is your engine, and the extra investment will give you the best performance possible.