Kayak Paddles
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- Bending BranchesWhisper Paddle$64.95
- Aqua-BoundSting Ray Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle - Carbon Shaft$149.95
- CarlisleMagic Mystic Kayak Paddle$79.95
- WernerOvation Kayak Paddle$510.00
- Aqua-BoundManta Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle$149.95
- WernerCamano Straight 2-Piece Paddle$285.00
- WernerSkagit FG 2-Piece Paddle$135.00
- WernerCyprus Carbon Paddle$415.00
- Aqua-BoundSting Ray Paddle - Fiberglass$109.95
- WernerKalliste Paddle - Carbon Bent-Shaft$490.00
- WernerKalliste Paddle - Carbon$415.00
- WernerPack Tour M 4-Piece Kayak Paddle$345.00
- Aqua-BoundSting Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok Four-Piece Paddle$159.95
- Bending BranchesAngler Classic Kayak Paddle$139.95
- AccentLanai Carbon Paddle$190.00
- AccentInfinity Hybrid Adjustable Paddle$169.95
- AccentLanai Carbon/Fiberglass Paddle$150.00
- WernerShuna FG Straight 2-Piece Paddle$285.00
- Adventure TechnologyOdyssey Glass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle$136.73 Compared to$275.00You save 50%
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Kayak Paddles
A lot of paddlers overlook the importance of a good paddle to propel their kayak. You'll spend many hours wielding your paddle on the water, so you'll want one that is both comfortable and efficient to use.
Choosing a Paddle Length
Your height and the width of your kayak will determine your paddle length. Taller paddlers and wider kayaks require longer paddles. Our article on choosing a kayak paddle includes a chart that's a good place to start.
Low- vs. high-angle paddling: Advanced paddlers sometimes prefer a faster high-angle stroke, which uses a slightly shorter paddle than recommended in this chart.
Paddle Materials
Generally, lighter blade and shaft materials boost performance—and the price you pay.
- Plastic/nylon blades: They're inexpensive and relatively durable but not indestructible. The flexibility of plastic is a plus when you bump things with it, but you sacrifice some efficiency with each stroke.
- Aluminum shafts: Inexpensive, durable and serviceable. Aluminum retains both heat and cold well, though, so having paddling gloves is a good idea to protect against weather extremes.
- Composite blades and shafts: More lightweight and efficient to paddle with than plastic, fiberglass paddles also cost more. Fiberglass blades tend to chip rather than crack, a plus for longevity. Carbon-fiber paddles are ultralight, ultra-efficient and priced to reflect premium performance.
Blade Design
Most blades are asymmetrical to optimize the amount of blade surface in the water during each stroke. Most blades are also dihedral, meaning there's a rib in the center that channels waterflow for a smoother stroke. Inexpensive, symmetrical and/or rib-less blades are fine for recreational paddling.
Narrower blades cut down on weight and fatigue on long tours. Wider blades give you more power per stroke, which can be helpful in dealing with currents, winds and waves.
Shaft Design
Most shafts are straight. With more expensive bent-shaft models, your hands are positioned at an optimum angle during each stroke to help reduce discomfort and fatigue on long tours.
Most shafts can be broken down into two or four pieces to make transport easier. They also allow you to rotate the blades to be "feathered" (offset) or "matched" (aligned). In feathered mode, most paddles also allow you to set them up for right- or left-hand control.
To learn more about how to use your paddle, read How to Paddle a Kayak: Basic Strokes.
More to Consider
In addition to your kayak paddle, consider these paddling essentials and kayak accessories.
- Kayaks:Read Kayaks: How to Choose for guidance.
- Personal Flotation Devices: How to Choose PFDs (Life Jackets) can help.
- Spray skirts: How to Choose a Kayak Spray Skirt outlines your options.
- Kayak racks: How to Choose a Cartop Boat Mount and Transporting Your Kayak offer advice.
- Kayak clothing: Read What to Wear Kayaking for tips.
More Reasons to Shop at REI
REI carries top brands like Werner and Aqua-Bound. We also have gear checklists and a library of kayaking articles to help you get started kayaking.