What's Out there

There are heaps out there to choose from but here are our suggestions:   If you're looking for a good starter paddle we would suggest the TNP Asymmetric Paddle at £34.95. Very strong and great value.

For an all-round whitewater paddle the Robson Magnum for £168 is a great entry-level paddle whereas the Werner Stikine crank come in at £369.95 with a foam core for your high-end whitewater paddle.

As for sea kayaking and touring the TNP Wolferine at £49.99 is great  for your first sea kayaking paddle, whereas the Werner Corryvrecken at £229.99 in glass will give you a bit more power and a bit less weight.

What am I going to be using it for?

For kayaking you need a double-bladed paddle which is what this article is about. For Canoeing (i.e Open boats) you need a single bladed paddle.

What length do I want?

This depends on your height, arm span, personal preference and what you are using it for. For example a 5”11 male with an average arm span might want a 190cm paddle for freestyle (tricks and stunts in a kayak) where as he might want a 198cm for a whitewater river trip. If he were to race slalom he might look at a 200cm paddle. However many people use  the same length paddle for all sorts a kayaking. There is a paddle size guide here. Most paddles will come in a variety of sizes suitable for what they are designed for. However most whitewater paddle manufactures will also make them to your own custom length and feather. Give us a call and we can sort this out.

What feather (the angle of the blades) do I want?

The feather of a paddle refers to the angle that each blade is offset from each other. The feather from one blade to another is normally measured in 5 degree increments. The most popular feather is 45 degrees this is a great all round feather. Have a look at great article on paddle feather here.

Do you get left and right hand paddles?

Yes. For the majority of people paddling today regardless if you are left or right-handed, most instructors will teach you a right hand technique, some people however do struggle and need a left handed paddle. The difference being a right-handed person will have their right hand as their control hand (tight on the right, loose in the left) a lefty will use their left hand as the control hand, and spin the paddle in their right hand. 

The Types of paddles

All-round / General purpose - This is where most people start their paddle buying experience, the paddles generally come with aluminum shafts & plastic blades, the plus of this is that the paddles are very strong and relatively cheap, the down side is that they tend to be fairly heavy, normal length is around 200cm. Whitewater - Stronger blades and shaft, typically made from composite materials (Glass / Carbon), length’s 190cm’s to 200cm’s. Sea Kayaking / touring  - Lighter weight blades and shafts, typically longer than whitewater paddles, commonly made from composite materials (high-end) and aluminum’s and plastics (lower end), typical lengths 210cm’s up to 220cm.   

Straight and Crank Paddles

Ergonomic Crank - The most common crank you see on the water, this crank doesn’t give you any extra control over the paddle it simply lets your hand sit at a more comfortable angle on the shaft, reducing the strain put through your wrists and elbows. Power Crank - Not so common! A power crank puts your hand behind the power face of the blade, this gives you extra reach on a forward stroke and gives you better control as you pull the blade through the water. Straight Shaft - This is what most people will plum for! Keeping it simple works well for general purpose, touring or white water.

Shaft Diameter

Most kayak paddles have a diameter of around 30mm this is fine for most adult paddlers. There are however some paddles out there designed with a smaller shaft diameter of around 22mm, perfect for smaller women and junior paddlers.