If I was to upgrade from my current paddle which I got as a gift long ago....what length? Mine is currently about 230cm tip to tip if that's how they're measured, but like I said it wasn't fit for me or anything. I'm 6 ft tall with average build if that matters. I use it in my kayak, but I figured if I get a nicer one it might as well be more apt to do a good job in solo canoe.

Depends on width of gunwales, your height and style. I don't like a vertical power stroke because I get wet in a canoe. I'm 5'11" and I prefer a 260-280 cm paddle for canoeing.

Bending Branches recommends 260-280 cm depending on body size and width of canoe. I have a 280 cm that seems good to me, though I'm not totally sold on the double bladed paddle concept yet.

I'm not that tall - 5'6" with fairly short arms - and I did not like the 280cm I used once. It created too much of a sweep stroke that pushed the front of the canoe back and forth vs. powering it forward. It wasn't that good in the wind for that reason and all the extra paddle to wave around out there. I usually use a 230 cm but might be happier with a 240 cm. I wet foot anyway and don't get enough extra water in the canoe with the drip cups pushed out to the end to worry about it. It would be best if you could try some in the canoe you'll use before buying.

I use a Current Designs Kayak 230 cm paddle with my Current Designs Solstice GT Kayak. This 230 cm kayak paddle pairs nicely with my Bell Magic that is narrow gunwhale to gunwhale. I am 6 ft tall 215 lbs. I have tried my buds longer 280 cm kayak paddle and it was just too long for the narrow Bell Magic.

If I were to paddle a wider canoe like a Wenonah Prism ... I would go with a longer kayak paddle like a 250 cm.

I am 5’11” and completed two trips in a Wenonah Prism. I used a 260 cm kayak paddle and it worked well. Little to no water in the canoe with the drip rings pushed way out to near the blades. I did occasionally bump my knees so had to play with seat and foot bar a little the first mile or so to get everything dialed in. Any longer paddle and I could easily see the side-to-side sweeping motion Boonie described kicking in. I saw a little of that but attributed it more to stronger, dominant arm strength and/or wind direction. But for covering distance, especially into a headwind, I appreciated it.

I also spent more time getting more comfortable with a single blade paddle in the Prism but the double blade is still faster for me.

The only solo I've paddled so far is an Advantage, which seems fairly narrow to this solo newbie. So...maybe 240 or 50 is all I need to go. I don't really feel the 230 is too short but I've also never had anything longer to compare it against.

I use a Werner bent shaft Kalliste in 240 cms in my Blackwater. I picked up a used 230 cm blem, demo Kalliste at such a great price I couldn't pass it up. After comparing the 2 , I preferred the 240 in my boat. I still prefer my 9 oz single blade though for mild conditions. Best to try some demo paddles in your canoe. I doubt you'll find 1 that performs perfectly in your kayak and canoe. I use an adjustable 205-215 in my narrow racing kayak, usually set at 210.

I started out using a Graphite/Fiberglass 240cm in my Bell Magic and found too much drip for my liking--even with the boat's relatively narrow width. Moved up in size to a wooden double blade 280cm from Bending Branches. Solved the drip and feels great in hands compared to graphite. Yes, a bit heavy, nonetheless I love the way it pushes water. Mostly horizontal stroke. Would definitely recommend the investment in such a beautiful paddle.

Have also used BB's 280cm graphite double blade. To me, this paddle cheapens the paddling experience compared to the wooden option.

MagicMan1: "Have also used BB's 280cm graphite double blade. To me, this paddle cheapens the paddling experience compared to the wooden option."

Can't find this on their web site. What model is this?

I use a Werner Ovation 260 and love it. Used it in a NW Solo, Canak, and plan on using it in my Advantage. I'm 5'9" and shrinking btw

Sorry, my mistake. BB shaft to which I referred is made of fiberglass--even worse!
https://bendingbranches.com/canoe-paddles/solo/slice-glass-solo/2pc

I’m 6’1” with a long torso (only 30” inseam) and I use a 245-255 adjustable in my magic. I did not like the ultra long 260-280 paddles but to each his own.

MagicMan1:
...Have also used BB's 280cm graphite double blade. To me, this paddle cheapens the paddling experience compared to the wooden option. ..

"Sorry, my mistake. BB shaft to which I referred is made of fiberglass--even worse!
https://bendingbranches.com/canoe-paddles/solo/slice-glass-solo/2pc
"

Umm, for the price difference, not really.
The BB slice solo is a nice paddle, but to each his own.

jhb8426: "

MagicMan1:
...Have also used BB's 280cm graphite double blade. To me, this paddle cheapens the paddling experience compared to the wooden option. ..

"Sorry, my mistake. BB shaft to which I referred is made of fiberglass--even worse!
https://bendingbranches.com/canoe-paddles/solo/slice-glass-solo/2pc
"

Umm, for the price difference, not really.
The BB slice solo is a nice paddle, but to each his own."

I've used a 260 cm BB Slice since 2011 and it's great. I'm 6' and my boat has a 30" gunnel width. It has a learning curve but I stay dry and it seems to be the perfect length for me. I surely wouldn't want a longer paddle and I got wet using a 240.

Someday I'll get a more expensive lighter paddle but one step at a time. I bought a new solo boat in March this year. This paddle is great for a first time purchase.