Sizing a Paddle

Photos Steve West
Extract from Paddlers Guide to Outrigger Canoeing

To Purchase On-Line

 

When choosing a paddle, its size; the overall length from tip to grip, is possibly the single most important issue you need to consider. Unfortunately, it is far from being a perfect science. Kialoa in the USA uses the following simple recommendations;

 

Your Height    Length
5’0”-5’2”     46”-47”
5’3”-5’5”     47”-49”
5’6”-5’8”     49”-51”
5’9”-5’11”   51”-52”
6’0”-6’2”     52”-53”
6’3”-6’5”     54”-56”

1. If you have broader than average shoulders, go to the high end of the range.
2. If you have a longer torso than average for your height, go to the high end of the range.
3. When ordering a paddle to be used with a one or two person canoe, go to the middle or low end of the range. (Most people use a shorter paddle in a one versus a six person canoe.)

 

ZRE paddles USA, suggests sitting in a chair and measuring the distance from the chair seat to the bridge of your nose or eye-level. This equates to the length of your required shaft from neck to top of the grip. From here, add the blade length of the paddle model you prefer, in order to obtain the total paddle length from tip to grip.

 

Over time, paddle lengths have been shortening. For example, even a paddler who is 6’6” can be found using a 52” paddle. The most popular lengths for a wide variety of heights seem to fall between 50-52” which is only a small variation. Lengths 1” below this length are rare and beyond that, rarer again.

 

Cautionary Note: An overly long paddle can and probably will, over time, cause rotator cuff [shoulder] damage because you are applying power to the stroke with your upper arm raised well above the level of your shoulder. Better to use a paddle marginally too short than too long.