Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Bilge Pump Maintenance Tips
    • Gear Up For Fall Kayak Fishing
    • Winter is Coming: Kayak Storage Solutions
    • How to Pack Your Kayak
    • Flush Mounted Rod Holder Install for the Offshore Angler
    • Best Kayak Fishing Crates
    • Benefits of Paddling for Exercise
    • Best Bed Racks for Chevrolet Silverado
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    Sunday, April 2
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak Paddle
    How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak Paddle
    kayak

    How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak Paddle

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreMarch 29, 2022Updated:March 29, 2022No Comments5 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    You have given a lot of thought to getting the right inflatable kayak. Paddles are also important gear to shop for and the decision of what to buy is a relatively easy one to make.

    If you are renting an inflatable kayak, you won’t have much choice of a paddle since most any paddle they give you will get the job done. Once you have decided to invest in your own boat, the paddle choice will be a matter of your kayaking style plus the paddle’s length, blade symmetry, materials used, and price.

    Contents

    Paddle Length

    The first criteria when choosing an inflatable kayak paddle will depend on your height and the type of kayaking you will do. IKs tend to be wider than hard shell kayaks so paddles will be a bit longer to compensate for the large tubes. As a general rule, touring & recreational IK paddles are 220 to 240 cm long (94.5 inches), and play boat & whitewater IK paddles are around 210 cm long (83 inches).

    It is recommended that you get a paddle that conforms to your height: a person under 5’2″ can use a 220 cm length; 5’0″ to 5’8″ can use any paddle up to 230 cm; and people over 5’6″ can use a paddle as long as 240 cm.

    As with other sports tools, such as baseball bats or ski poles, you may find you prefer a shorter paddle than what is recommended by standardized charts. It will also depend on your stroke style: do you have an upright or high angle paddle stroke, or a relaxed, low angle sweeping stroke? Your best bet is to try a couple of lengths before you buy.

    Paddle Shape

    Along with the length, paddles vary in the style of the blade and the shaft. More advanced inflatable kayak paddles have bent shafts that are more comfortable for paddling, but the majority use a more economical straight shaft. The shaft will usually feature a foam grip for added comfort for your hands.

    Most kayak paddle blades are shaped asymmetrical, which provides for a better paddling experience over symmetrical blades. The paddle’s shaft is adjustable allowing for different feather angles; that is, the angle of the blades can be offset from each other with multiple feather settings up to 45 degrees.

    For best results, look for blades that are spooned (curved) to give you the best pulling results in the water. That design won’t strain your arms and shoulders as much as a flat face blade will.

    Paddle Blade

    The blade is the part of the paddle that actually moves through the water. The shape of the blade will determine how much power you can generate with each stroke. There are three main types of paddle blades: flat, curved, and asymmetrical.

    • Flat blades are the most common type of paddle blade and are typically used for recreational kayaking. They offer a good balance of power and control.
    • Curved blades are less common but can offer more power. They are typically used for whitewater kayaking where more power is needed to navigate through rapids.
    • Asymmetrical blades are the least common type of paddle blade. They are designed to offer more power on one side of the blade than the other. This can be helpful for kayakers who paddle with one hand or for those who want to generate more power on one side of their body.

    Paddle Grip

    The grip is the part of the paddle that you hold onto while paddling. There are two main types of paddle grips: T-grips and pistol grips.

    • T-grips are the most common type of grip and offer a good balance of comfort and control.
    • Pistol grips are less common but can offer more comfort for those who paddle with one hand or those who want to generate more power on one side of their body.

    Materials and Price Factors

    The last few items to review will be the quality of the materials used in inflatable kayak paddles which will be reflected in the price.

    Paddles for inflatable and hard-shell kayaks are made from anodized aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, carbon, and reinforced nylon, or a combination of materials. These will be heavier, but less costly paddles. The most expensive paddles are made from graphite composites, can weigh less than 8 ounces, and can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. The high-performance, ultra-lightweight paddles feature bent shafts ranging from 6.5 to 7.25 inches in diameter, foam core blades, and will be flawlessly balanced.

    The Final Decision: Cost

    When you review brand name kayak paddles, pay attention to the length and weight. The under $40 paddles are capable of getting the job done; they are portable (they break down into two sections for convenient stowing), and you can adjust the blade angles for either standard or asymmetrical (offset) paddling. The only drawback is that cheaper paddles are heavy, weighing around 2 ½ to 3 pounds. That may not sound like a big deal, but it is after you’ve paddled for several hours and your wrist and arms are feeling the burn.

    A cheap paddle will feel like a clunker in your hands, but it will have to do until you can invest in a better one. The sweet spot, or best value for price and durability for quality inflatable kayak paddles, is in the $80 to $150 range. Get the best paddle you can afford, but remember, overkill isn’t necessary. There’s always the slim chance your pricey paddle investment can float down the river and get away from you.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleBest 14 Fishing Shoes for Kayaking
    Next Article Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Kayak Review
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Bilge Pump Maintenance Tips

    March 23, 2023
    Read More

    Winter is Coming: Kayak Storage Solutions

    March 23, 2023
    Read More

    How to Pack Your Kayak

    March 18, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    It’s time to ditch the dry dock and get out onto the water! Kayak Manual provides an excellent resource for all aspiring kayakers and canoeists in pursuit of the best – and safest – paddling out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to dip your toes into the waters of kayaking or an experienced expert looking for new places to explore, we’ve got you covered. We provide a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know, from finding the best spots on the lake, what gear to bring along for your journey, safety tips so can cruise without hitting any rocks – and some fun fishing tales to reel in while you’re at it. So hit us up before hittin’ the water – with Kayak Manual as your trusty companion, you can be confident that sailing is smooth sailing!

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Bilge Pump Maintenance Tips
    • Gear Up For Fall Kayak Fishing
    • Winter is Coming: Kayak Storage Solutions
    • How to Pack Your Kayak
    • Flush Mounted Rod Holder Install for the Offshore Angler
    • Best Kayak Fishing Crates
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.