Kayaking is one of the awesome activities one can enjoy during vacations. People prefer kayaking in freshwater,
calm water and in thrifty water currents depending on their expertise and availability of the adventure options in the area where they are spending their spare time.
It is also a fact that kayaking needs special skills to tackle the kayak moves according to the water movements. To keep the kayak on track and move smoothly, the most important requirement is for having a perfectly sized and designed, best kayak paddle that would be easy to use and will let you control your kayak like a pro. Learn more about 5 best ways to transport a kayak.
But choosing a kayak paddle that would be perfect for your use is not just an ordinary thing rather it needs to be selected carefully based on the special features you can observe by looking at it in detail.
Here we’ll be discussing all those factors and some of the best options you may have to look for when you are up for getting the best paddle for a kayak for your next kayaking adventure.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Kayak Paddle Reviews
Solstice 4 piece Quick Release Paddle
The four-piece quick-release paddle is inexpensive and good to use at the same time. Some people are of the view that it’s one grip is larger than the second one but this is not an error.
It possesses a bit longer grip which provides it an extra edge. It is an indexed grip that helps you when you are learning to roll your kayak and also it never slips from your hand while you are in any sort of wild water or this sort of a troubling situation. It has three different position adjustability which also makes it more suitable to use and again is good for the grip.
It is light in weight and thus is easy to carry in your pack during traveling. You feel no flex at all while paddling on the water surface. The paddle is 90.5 inches (verified length) in size. The blades are made of rigid plastic and the paddles can be adjusted for about 45 degrees of angle for better paddling and faster moves if necessary. The overall frame is aluminum made. Since it is around 230 cm is good for people having a height around 5.5 or below.
Pros
- It has an indexed grip for better positioning of the paddle and quick handling.
- The grip has a non-slip design so your paddle would not slip off your hand
- It travels friendly due to the lightweight and compact structure
- It can be disassembled and packed into a bag where the largest size of the disassembled sticks would be 30.5 inches
- The size and length are not adjustable so you need to select the correct size carefully.
Cons
- The paddle is not indicated to be a floating paddle so you need to be sure it doesn’t slip off your hands.
SeaSense X-1 84-Inch Kayak Paddle
The kayak paddle is made of two pieces of aluminum and comes in an 84-inch size. It is light in weight that makes it much easier to carry in the backpack.
The paddles have three different adjustable positions that make it easier for the user to adjust according to the angle you need to set them. The blades are made of high-quality plastic and are capable to resist the twisting and bending forces. The grips are made of foam rubber to make it nonslippery and firm grip.
These are adjustable so you can adjust the angle the way you need it to work. The paddles can float and would not sink if you drop them into the water. They are suitable when it comes to the price and also they are to some extent resistant against normal wear and tear during use.
Pros
- The paddles have 3 adjustable angles using which you can adjust the paddles as per your needs.
- The paddles are floatable and would not sink into the water
- The length is around 215 cm which is perfect for people having their height of 5.5 and above
- The nonslip grip makes it even safer to use in wild water
- Easy to store and carry along
Cons
- Not contoured, so may not be good for heavy water moves
Naviskin Aluminum 2 Pieces Construction 87 Inch Kayak Paddles
This two-piece kayak paddle design comes in an 87-inch size which is two inches larger than the usual size of the paddles. The construction is of aluminum and the blades are made with plastic.
If we want to store it during travel, it is easier because of its construction that is in two pieces. It comes in many colors and thus provides variety for the customers as compared to the other product of the same kind. The blades are in a feather-like shape and provide enough thrust for easy propelling.
Three different locking positions make the adjustment easier for the one who is using it for perfect angling. The lightweight makes the paddling easy even for small men or women. The material used for the construction is durable thus you can use these paddles for a very long time without any fear of the wear and tear in them. They are not- floating and may sink in water.
Pros
- Easy storage and handling due to compact design and lightweight
- They are durable and robust
- Adjustable angles for better blade adjustment
- Have anti-slip grip for better handling of the paddle
Cons
- They cannot float or may float momentarily and will sink soon if dropped in water.
SeaSense X-Treme II Kayak Paddle
The kayak paddle is easy to store and carry at the same time because the construction is in two pieces and thus we can split it into two which reduces the size and makes it adjustable in a smaller place.
The material used for the construction of the central pipe is aluminum. The design of the blade is feathered which makes the paddling easy even in stormy conditions. The drip guards are also adjustable according to the need and situation.
It floats and thus there is no danger of its sinking if it slips from the hand. There is an extra ridge for support purposes. This ridge provides extra strength to the paddle thus making the paddling easy in the heavy water and also reducing the threat of its twist or bending in the water. The paddle has three adjustable positions according to the need of the user.
Pros
- It is easy to use and can be carried along anywhere you want to.
- The 84 inches and 213 cm length is perfect for 5-5.5 ft people when using an average kayak width
- They are durable and can resist heavy thrust in the water.
Cons
- It would not sin and is floatable
Lifetime Kayak Youth Paddle Blade with Shaft
The kayak youth paddle is an excellent paddle for beginners during the training session as they are light in weight and are easy to use if you are using paddles for the first time in your life.
Its length is 72 inch which is a bit smaller than the usual which makes it easy to carry for the new beginners. It is a non-float item that’s why the user should be careful by not letting it go or dropping it in water. It is aluminum made from the center and is of two pieces which make it easy to carry and also.
The lightweight also is helpful that allows its easy use in water and less use of force is required by the beginners. The blades are also adjustable and the material used is of good quality that increases its durability and you can use it for a very long period.
Pros
- Good for the kids
- Durable and long-lasting
- They are durable and can resist heavy thrust in the water.
Cons
- The paddles are compact and lightweight that is why they are easy to carry
SeaSense X-Treme II Mix Kayak Paddle
The mix kayak paddle comes at an affordable price. It is constructed in two pieces and thus the storage is never a problem as it does not occupy a lot of space. The drip guards are adjustable to make the use more convenient for the paddler.
The kayak is a floating one that means that it never sinks in water if it slips from the hand during paddling. Three locking positions can be adjusted according to the grip of the one who is paddling. The size of the paddle from left to right is 96 inches. This extra length helps paddle to a great extent.
The extra support in the paddle makes it more strong which is a must because with the extra length there is always a fear of bending or breaking of the central rod. The central portion is aluminum which is resistant to corrosion and the plastic of the blades is hard to increase the strength of the paddle.
Pros
- It floats and would not sink if dropped accidentally into the water
- It is durable and provides enough support and force for propulsion
Cons
- The length is about 243 cm which is enough suitable for the 6 ft tall or above
Leader Accessories Marine Aluminum Kayak Paddles 87-inch
This kayak paddle is constructed of aluminum material in two pieces which make it easy to pack during traveling.
It is available in five different colors according to the choice of the user. The length of the paddles is 87 inch which is usually the approx length of the paddles and is proved to be suitable for most of the users. The paddles are light in weight that’s why they are easy to carry and also easy to use in tough situations. The blades are of plastic that is durable.
Three different locking positions make it adjustable for all and easy to set the angles of the blades. Another feature is the enforced push-button technology that separates it from the rest. Also, the blades can be curved up to 60 degrees according to the need. The category of the paddles is non-float, which means that there is a threat of its sinking if it falls in water during or after use.
Pros
- The size is 220cm and 87 inches which make it perfect for 5.5-6 ft tall
- It is durable and non-corrosive
- The blades can be adjusted to three different angles
- Blades are made of quality plastic and the rod is of aluminum for giving a sturdy lightweight finish
Cons
- It would not float and may sink if you drop them into the water
SeaSense 8690 X-1 Unified Marine Kayak Paddle, 96-Inch
It is the best combination of flexible ends and a rigid center. Its center is a two-piece one and the material used is aluminum. The two-piece nature makes its place in your bag. The grips are made of fine rubber and foam that allows the grip to be more firm than in the usual paddles.
The paddles never slip from your hand because the rubber produces friction in the hand as compared to the aluminum. The drip guards are adjustable which makes it a perfect fit for every user and no issue during paddling.
The length of the paddle is usually 96 inches approx and is an exact one for the turns in the deep or stormy water. The two pieces of the paddle also have a snug fit which shows it superior quality because usually such paddles after a while of using have a loose fit which proves inconvenient most of the time during paddling. The paddle is of an exact price if you are looking for one according to your affordability.
Pros
- The paddles are durable and are formed with high-quality materials
- The length is 96 inches which equal 243 cm and is enough for the 6 ft tall and above
- It floats on the water so you would not sink
Cons
- The grip is effective for keeping the aluminum bar in hand without any issues
AIRHEAD AHTK-P2 Deluxe Kayak Paddle
This kayak paddle is 84 inches in length. It can be broken down into two pieces which is quite suitable as it also can be stored in a much smaller compartment in this way.
The blade of the paddle is adjustable which makes the paddling in different conditions and different situations easy for the user. The grip is firm because of the foam used on it. That’s why it never slips out of your hand even in the worst of situations.
The curve of the blade is also increased for faster paddling because in this way more water can be pushed backward. The paddle also has a floating ability if dropped in water so you never have the fear of losing it in water. It is light in weight and thus it can be used by the women also without any handling problem in the deep water.
Pros
- It is durable and sturdy
- The curved blades and adjustable angles make it easier to propel the water at a faster pace
- It floats on the water if dropped
Cons
- The compact design makes it fit for carrying along on a travel
Bending Branches Whisper 2-Piece Snap-Button Kayak Paddle
This durable kayak paddle is made of aluminum from the center which makes it strong and also light in weight and thus it becomes a suitable tool.
The paddle easily fits in your luggage because of its ability to be broken down into two pieces whenever required. When these pieces are joined they never show any loose grip. The blades of the paddle are fixed but they are made in such an angular shape that you never feel any flutter.
This feature also saves us from the hard work of paddle adjustment all the time. The paddle is neither too heavy nor too light rather an ideal weight provides the user with the balance that he needs in his kayak paddle. The grip is made of the aluminum shaft in such a way that it causes no jerk or slip during its use in the water.
Pros
- Durable and easy to handle
- Can work with strong water waves due to specialized blade designs
- The shaft can be broken into two pieces and can be packed easily for quick and easy storage
- It provides strong grips for safe use
Cons
- May float if dropped into the water
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Kayak Paddle
For buying a perfect kayak paddle for your use when you are kayaking in calm or string waves, you need to know that certain factors may affect your choice and which are discussed below:
The Size
The overall size of the paddles matters a lot because you have to select the paddle as per your height and the width of the boat. That is why it is considered that when you have a shorter height and you are riding on an average kayak, you need a considerably shorter length paddle whereas if you are taller you need a longer paddle length to give enough push on the water that is needed.
The common sizes could be 210-250 cm and people need to select as per their needs. In addition to the height of the user and the width of the kayak another factor that affects the selection is the angled formation of the blades. Angled blades give more power as compared to flatter ones. In case if the person needs more power and is using angled blades, there may not be a need of having a longer paddle size.
The Blade Style
If you are buying a flattened or slightly contoured paddle you may need to select a longer paddle as you may need more force to propel and keep your kayak at the speed you need. For angled blades, you can choose to get a shorter length of the paddle which will give you the same force due to the curved blades. Feathered blades are also good for making swift and speedy propelling moves.
The Kayaking Style
Sometimes people have wider kayaks and they are of average height and that means there will be a lower angled paddling style used in such kayaks. This would need
Low-Angle Kayak Paddle Length Sizing
BOAT WIDTH | UNDER 23″ | 23″ TO 28″ | 28″ TO 32″ | OVER 32″ |
---|---|---|---|---|
People Under 5′ tall | 210cm approx. | 220cm approx. | 230cm approx. | 240cm approx. |
People 5′ to 5’6″ tall | 215cm approx. | 220cm approx. | 230cm approx. | 240cm approx. |
People 5’6″ to 6′ tall | 220cm approx. | 220cm approx. | 230cm approx. | 250cm approx. |
People Over 6′ tall | 220cm approx. | 230cm approx. | 240cm approx. | 250cm approx. |
High-Angle Kayak Paddle Length Sizing
BOAT WIDTH | UNDER 26″ | OVER 26″ | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
People Under 5’1″ tall | 200cm approx. | 220cm approx. | ||
People 5’1″ to 5’4″ tall | 205cm approx. | 220cm approx. | ||
People 5’4″ to 6′ tall | 210cm approx. | 220cm approx. | ||
People Over 6′ tall | 220cm approx. | 230cm approx. |
The Materials
The materials that are used in the making of the paddles include plastic, fiberglass, nylon, carbon fiber, and aluminum. These materials are considered sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use while kayaking in any kind of water level and force. Though aluminum, nylon, and plastic materials are more popular than others because of the fact they need less care and make sure to serve for longer periods.
The Compactness and Easy to Use
Most of the best kayak paddle for fishing are those that take lesser space when it’s being carried along on travel and can be packed by separating its multiple parts which can be reassembled together easily.
The Torso Measurement
The torso measurement is also an important factor when you are selecting the paddles. You should know if it higher than average, average, or below average to choose the length of the paddles you are going to buy.
Your Kayaking Destination
Your kayaking destination or the water speed also matters a lot if you need a perfect kayak paddle. Strong water current needs angled blades whereas flatter blades are good for use in calm water.
The Price Range
The price range would be important if you are looking to buy more than one or two or if you are already on a budget. Otherwise, you can buy the best kayak paddle for the money within a reasonable range.
FAQ’s
Can You Extend A Kayak Paddle?
Paddles come in different lengths depending on what kind of paddling you want to do. You can get longer paddles if you need them.
How To Choose a Kayak Paddle?
Paddles are essential for any kind of paddling. Kayaks need them for stability and control. A paddle should fit well, but not too tightly, and not too loose. Your paddle should be light enough to use efficiently without being cumbersome.
Choosing from the variety of paddles on the market to buy is a task on its’ own. Paddles come in a variety of lengths, materials, and blade shapes. You need to understand what you want before buying your kayak paddle. Here are some tips on choosing the best kayaking paddle for you -your paddle buddy.
Kayak Oars or Kayak Paddles?
- Oars are used for rowing and are found on most rowboats.
- Kayak paddles have two blades and are meant for paddling.
What size kayak paddle do I need?
A kayak paddle should be long enough to reach across your body but still allow you to move forward easily. You want to use your whole arm when moving forward. You also need to take into account how much weight you’re carrying if any.
Kayaks come in many different sizes, but the ideal size is around 2 feet wide by 4 feet long. A kayak should be about 1 foot longer than your height.
Paddle Blade Materials – What are the Best Kayak Paddle Blades Made From? Kayaks use plastic blades because they’re light, but they’re also flexible and strong. They’re cheaper to make than fiberglass blades, but they’re still very expensive.
Carbon fiber blades are lightweight, strong, and stiff. They are also expensive. Foam cores make them even lighter, stronger, and stiffer. But they are still expensive.
What is a High Angle or Low Angle paddle?
High-angle blades are used when you want to move quickly or get into position fast. Low-angle blades are used when the kayaker wants to be very precise in their movements.
Straight shaft kayaks are the best option for most people. However, if you’re a strong paddler or regularly spend time on the water, then a bent-shaft kayak paddle might be worth considering.
How to Size a Kayak Paddle?
When buying a kayak, there are several things to think about. You want to make sure that the kayak fits your height and weight. Also, if you plan on using the kayak for fishing, then you’ll want to make sure that it has enough space for storage. Most importantly, you want to choose a kayak that works well for you.
Conclusion
Choosing the best fishing kayak paddle would be possible only if you can choose the best length according to your height, your torso, and the boat width as well. As these factors are crucial, you need to see if the paddle you have chosen is according to your height, the kayaking style, and the size of your body.
To choose the best kayak paddle you can simply put it vertically and check if you can hold it while your half fingers are bent from the top of the upper blade. This is the simplest way to check the size. Or else you can check the measurement details and compare them to your height for an accurate selection of the paddle. Just remember, the better you select the paddle the easier would be your kayaking experience for sure!