Paddles

Paddle length

• The wider your kayak, the longer your paddle needs to be
• Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat; taller paddlers need longer paddles

Shaft material

• Lightweight materials improve performance but add to the price
• Carbon fiber is the lightest and most expensive compared with composite

Paddle style

• High-angle paddles have shorter, wider blades for faster, more precise strokes
• Low-angle options are common for recreational kayaking in flatwater

Shaft type

• A bent shaft or feathered blades can also improve a paddle's effectiveness.
• Two-piece or four-piece: A four-piece has shorter sections so it's more portable