Kayak paddles are not oars or canoe paddles that have single blades at one end, but have blades at both ends. You can pedal on both sides and generate enough speed to cruise ahead. Made from a wide variety of materials, kayak paddles are usually of aluminum while those who are advanced paddlers love those made of fiberglass or carbon as they are lighter and easy to handle and maneuver. Even though the fiberglass and carbon are top end stuff, they are preferred by expert paddlers.

Blade material, weight and length

While choosing a kayak paddle, you need to pick the one that is best suited for you as there are many choices as it is considered an extension of your arm. The blade material, weight and the length will determine your choice of a kayak paddle.

Ideally, the paddle lengths can range from 220 cms to 255 cms and you can choose from the different lengths on offer. While shopping for the right paddle, place the center on your head and your hand should be at 90 degrees from your elbow.

Taller people using a kayak paddle will have to go for wide boats with paddle lengths of more than 240 cms while average sized people will need 235 cms only. Shorter people can do with only 220 cms and your best bet would be to try out different sized lengths depending on your height and the boat width.

Many paddlers are not experts and could be kayaking for recreational purposes only and for them, shorter paddles are best suited.

You need to go for kayak paddles that are light in weight for easy handling and are strong enough to be durable. The paddles need to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of the long hours in water.

For those who want to workout in kayaks and go for longer trips, the weight and the strength needs to be more reinforced. You can choose from the popular options of kayak paddles made from aluminum, plastic, wood, carbon fiber and fiber glass.

Lightweight fiber glass models

If you choose wooden stuff, they would keep your hands warm in cold and wintry weather. Paddles made of fiber glass are light in weight and do not require any maintenance. They are also very light in weight. Kayak paddle accessories like blades can be complex in design to aid paddlers while kayaking in whitewater. Blade shapes can be very intricately designed and complex in shape as well.

Nowadays, there is more advanced stuff on offer even though the fiber glass models are considered popular as they are very light in weight. Even though they are priced higher, you should go for them if you want more durability and ease while paddling compared to the aluminum and plastic options that are cheaper. Light weight materials are better bets for beginners buying kayak paddles.