5.2.6 Paddles-Specifications

WARRNAMBOOL KAYAK CLUB INC. – GO PADDLING – EQUIPMENT 

 

Paddles-Specifications

Kayaks, Canoe-Kneeling and Canoe-sitting  flatwater Marathon and Sprint Paddles

Kayaks

  • There are a variety of paddles to suit flatwater Marathon, Recreational and flatwater Sprint paddling.

  • In a kayak, the paddler is seated in the direction of travel, and uses a double-bladed paddle (a blade on either end).

  • Flatwater kayak paddling, paddlers generally use  so-called wing paddles. The blades of which are shaped to resemble a wing or spoon. The paddler uses the double-bladed paddle to move through the water.

  • A lightweight paddle at the correct length according to the kayak width and kayaker torso height and one with the proper amount of feather on the blades typically proves invaluable for maintaining stamina while paddling.

  • The kayak paddle helps determine the amount of force a paddler can utilise when paddling to propel the kayak efficiently through the water.

  • It is personal preference, some paddlers want a lightweight paddle that reduces their fatigue level, and other want to use a heavier paddle, shaped to allow them to power through the water.

 

The construction of the kayak paddle requires the paddler to:

  • 1.   Choose the blade material.

1a.   Fibreglass paddle

Fibreglass paddle is a lightweight and durable: requires very little, if any, maintenance; allows for more complex blade shapes; falls within the mid-range price.

1b.   Carbon Fibre Paddle

Carbon Fibre Paddle is amongst the lightest of paddle types though costs more than other paddle material types; slightly less durable than fibreglass; light weight means paddling for long hours is easier.

 

  • 2.   Choose a blade shape.

Consider the maximal amount of work you are able to produce. This takes into account your fitness, body size and strength, gender and age differences.

2a.  Large symmetrical blades

Large symmetrical blades allow kayakers to paddle quickly through the water at the expense of using a lot of energy.

2b.  Asymmetrical blades

Asymmetrical blades allow kayakers to paddle more efficiently, using up less energy, thereby reducing fatigue. For long kayaking trips, asymmetrical blades provide an advantage, while kayakers might want the power that symmetrical blades offer for short river runs.

2c.  Flat, dihedral and cupped blades

Flat blades make up a very common blade shape.

Dihedral blades, allow the blades to slice cleanly through the water like an airplane wing, which in turn prevents the blade from fluttering and twisting.

Cupped blade design, akin to the head of a spoon, allow the paddle to remain stable as it moves through the water.

2d.  Feathered blades

Feathered blades allow the paddle to stroke through the water as the other blade slices through the air. The angle of the blades varies between 45 to 90 degrees,. in 15 degree increments.

2e.  Unfeathered blades

Unfeathered blades include standard blades positioned parallel to each other. A standard angle is 65 degrees.

Blades come in: Juniors-small   Women-small   Men-medium and Kayak Sprint men-large.

 

  • 3.   Select the size and paddle length.

        3a.   The right size paddle for the kayak and the paddler.

Paddler Height          Kayak                  Kayak             Kayak

                                     Width                  Width             Width

                                                           Under 58cm       58-71 cm        over 71 cm

 

Under 1.65 metres    210-220 cm       230 cm           230-240 cm

1.65-1.80 metres       220 cm               230 cm           230-240 cm

1.82 metres +             220-230 cm      230-240 cm   240 cm

 

        3b.   Torso Size

Paddle length lies in the size of the torso of the paddler. To measure the torso sit up straight on a flat chair. Using a tape measure, kayakers should then measure the distance from the chair surface straight up to the nose. Then look for measurement on the following table.

Torso Size         Age Group           Kayak Paddle Size

56 cm                 Youth                  180 cm

61 cm                 Youth                  180-200 cm

66 cm                 Adult                   190-210 cm

71 cm                 Adult                    200-220 cm

76 cm                Adult                     210-230 cm

81 cm                Adult                     220-240 cm

86 cm                Adult                     230-250 cm

91.5 cm             Adult                     240-250 cm

95.5 cm             Adult                     250 cm

Note: measuring the length of the kayak paddle only takes into account the shaft. The above measurements call for a kayak paddle of 210 through 230 cm in length, then this only includes the kayak’s shaft and not the blades on each end.

 

  • 4.   Pick the shaft to put the blades on.

       4a.   Shaft type  – One piece

    Sturdier and more durable than a two-piece paddle; allow for more rigorous paddling activities,  such as white-water kayaking.

       4b.   Shaft type – Two-Piece

     Easier to transport than a one-piece kayak paddle; allows for adjusting into a feathered or unfeathered paddle position.

             4c.   Shaft shape – Bent shaft

Bent shaft is more comfortable than straight shaft. A bent shaft paddle’s design encourages proper paddle alignment when in use. Bent shaft paddles also put less stress on a kayaker’s joints.

  4d.   Shaft shape – straight

Straight shaft paddles tend to cost less and provide a lighter paddle compared to bent shaft paddles.

  4e.   Shaft diameter

Shaft diameter plays a large part in reducing hand strain while using a kayak.

Hand Size                Shaft diameter needed

16.51 cm                  Small diameter shaft

18.41 cm                  Standard diameter shaft

 5.   Choose colours.

 Blades and shafts come in different colours depending on the material and brand chosen.

 

Canoes

Canoes-kneeling  –  Marathon/sprint flatwater racing

  • The canoe-kneeling is steered using the paddle.

  • In a canoe-kneeling the paddler kneels on one knee with the other leg forward and foot flat on the floor inside the boat, and paddles a single-bladed paddle on one side only.

  • The paddle is held with two hands, some distance apart from each other. The paddle is drawn through the water from front (bow) to back (stem) to drive the canoe forwards.

  • The canoe paddle helps determine the amount of force a paddler can utilise when paddling.

 

The construction of the canoe-kneeling paddle requires the paddler to:

  • 1.   Choose the blade material.

1a.   Paddlers paddle with carbon-fibre shaft.

1b.   Paddlers paddle with a wooden blade.

  Wood is beautiful, responsive and warm to the touch, wood is by far the most popular material  for canoe paddles.

  • 2.   Choose a blade shape.

For racing canoes on rivers  the blade is typically short and broad, with a ‘power face’ on one side that is either flat or scalloped out.

  • 3.   Choose a blade grip.

3a.   A palm grip (also called a pear or teardrop grip) offers flatwater paddlers excellent comfort and control. The shape fits naturally into the palm of your hand and is comfortable for long trips. Most paddles have a palm grip.

3b.   A T-grip lets you wrap your fingers around the handle, so it offers precise control and a sure grip. It is the preferred shape for children’s paddles.

  • 4.   Select the size and paddle length.

The shaft will typically be longer than a tripping canoe paddle, because the kneeling position puts the paddler higher above the surface of the water. Common length 52″ to 60″.  Sizes offered in 2″ increments.

  • 5.   Pick the shaft to put the blades on.

5a.   A bent shaft can be used. Best for flatwater paddling or cruising, a bent shaft halps position the blade for maximum efficiency.

The blade remains vertical in the water during  during the most powerful part of your stroke, plus it helps the paddle enter and exit the water smoothly. Angles range from about 7 to 14 degrees.

5b.   A straight shaft can be used. This traditional style handles all-around paddling. It excels on rivers because it allows a variety of maneuvering and bracing strokes.

5c.   Shaft diameters can be round or oval in shape. Oval shafts offer a more comfortable grip than the traditional round shape. Some round shafts feature an oval section for better grip. This is called oval indexing.

  • 6.   Choose colours.

Different colours are available and personal preference using different shades of timber.

 

Canoes-sitting  –  Marathon/sprint flatwater racing

  • In a canoe-sitting  the paddler is seated in the direction of travel, and uses a single bladed paddle (a blade on one end).

  • The canoe is steered using the paddle.

  • The paddle is held with two hands, some distance apart from each other. The paddle is drawn through the water from front (bow) to back (stem) to drive the canoe forwards.

  • A lighter paddle means less fatigue during a long day of canoeing. The best paddles balance weight, strength and flexibility.

  • Flatwater canoeing, a flexible paddle helps absorb shock with every stroke.

  • The canoe paddle helps determine the amount of force a paddler can utilise when paddling.

 

The construction of the canoe paddle requires the paddler to:

  • 1.   Choose the blade material.

1a.   Paddlers paddle with carbon-fibre shaft.

1b.   Paddlers paddle with a wooden blade.

  Wood is beautiful, responsive and warm to the touch, wood is by far the most popular material  for canoe paddles.

  • 2.   Choose a blade shape.

For racing canoes on rivers, the blade is typically short and broad, with a ‘power face’ on one side that is either flat or scalloped out. This catches more water which enables the paddler to maximise the efficiency of the stroke. Long and skinny blades are for cruising on lakes.

  • 3.   Choose a blade handle.

3a.   A palm grip (also called a pear or teardrop grip) offers flatwater paddlers excellent comfort and control. The shape fits naturally into the palm of your hand and is comfortable for long trips. Most paddles have a palm grip.

3b.   A T-grip lets you wrap your fingers around the handle, so it offers precise control and a sure grip. It is the preferred shape for children’s paddles.

  • 4.   Select the size and paddle length.

The canoe-sitting  paddle is a shorter paddle than a canoe-kneeling paddle. Common lengths 48″ to 54″. Sizes offered in 2″ increments.

On the water: Sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle’s grip to the throat, where the paddle shaft meets the blade.

In store, trying out a paddle: Kneel down with your bottom about 6″ off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe.  Hold the paddle upside down, with the grip on the floor. The throat of the paddle should be between your chin and your nose.

At home, without a paddle: Kneel down with your bottom about 6″ off the floor, as if sitting in a canoe. Measure from the floor to your nose. Add this measurement to the blade length (commonly 20″).

  • 5.   Pick the shaft to put the blades on.

5a.   A bent shaft can be used. Best for flatwater paddling or cruising, a bent shaft halps position the blade for maximum efficiency.

The blade remains vertical in the water during  during the most powerful part of your stroke, plus it helps the paddle enter and exit the water smoothly. Angles range from about 7 to 14 degrees.

5b.   A straight shaft can be used. This traditional style handles all-around paddling. It excels on rivers because it allows a variety of maneuvering and bracing strokes.

5c.   Shaft diameters can be round or oval in shape. Oval shafts offer a more comfortable grip than the traditional round shape. Some round shafts feature an oval section for better grip. This is called oval indexing.

  • 6.   Choose colours.

Different colours are available and personal preference using different shades of timber.