Measure Your Body Height If you are 5 feet 5 inches or shorter and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is 210 centimeters long. 24 to 32 inches wide: Try a paddle that is 220 centimeters long. 29 to 33 inches wide: Try a paddle that is 230 centimeters long.Mar 31, 2020
How do you measure for a paddle?
The best way to choose paddle length: 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.
What happens if kayak paddle is too long?
When using a paddle that's too short or too long, you'll end up over exerting yourself and working harder than necessary to build up speed and keep the kayak on track. If the length isn't right, your hands will tend to move along the shaft, resulting in the development of blisters.Nov 29, 2017
Does kayak paddle length matter?
If you fall between two sizes, it's generally better to go shorter. Either size would probably work, but you'll save a few ounces with a shorter paddle. If you're proportioned with a shorter torso, though, then the added reach will come in handy and you should go with the longer paddle.
What size waves can kayak handle?
Most folks will do just fine in ocean waves of 1-3ft in height. However, breaking waves of even this small height can pack a lot of punch and can be tricky to navigate without the proper skill set.Aug 7, 2014
Can you kayak in waves?
At some point you will end up under your kayak and will require self-rescue moves to get your head back above water. Touring kayaks also require skill to safely paddle in waves. ... With practice you'll learn the skills to avoid flipping, but it'll take time.
How many knots can a kayak go?
Winds & Waves Generally, any wind under 10 knots (about 11.5 mph) offers safe kayaking regardless of wind direction. Wind can be deceiving – an offshore breeze makes it difficult to paddle back – especially on a paddle board.
How do you get a kayak past the waves?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azXH7DnGpeo
Which side of a kayak paddle goes in the water?
Have the part of the paddle blade that is concave or smooth facing you, the face of the paddle is the part you want to pull through the water. Have your paddle right-side up. Many kayak paddles are asymmetrical meaning there is a top and a bottom to the paddle blade.