I found some older threads but instead of waking them from the dead I'll start a new one!

Tomorrow night I am picking up a new-to-me Prism! I have plenty of experience in various 2-person canoes and solo kayaks but very little in a solo canoe.

I'm thinking of picking up a Kayak paddle, but am not sure what length I should get. I've read some stuff from older threads on this and other sites. The consensus seemed to be 250cm is about right. I'm not a tall guy being 5'6" if that makes much difference. I typically do not mind a little water dripping in but I do hope to do more shoulder season trips in the coming years where it could be chilly.

And lastly, best place to buy?

Thanks!

I'd go 240 or 260. I'm 6'2' and use a 280.

I'm around 5'9" these days and used a 240 cm kayak paddle with my Prism last year. The paddle I broke the year before was about a 220 cm. Either worked OK for me. I will say that the year I broke my kayak paddle, I used my regular single blade paddle and that worked quite well. I was pleasantly surprised. Not much difference in speed or boat controlability.
I do prefer using a kayak paddle though.

Tomster

Cricket, I have a lot of the same questions as you so I hope you don't mind me jumping on this timely thread.

I currently use a rather short (210 cm) kayak paddle (Aqua-Bound Manta Ray) for my solo canoe, mostly because when I was in a time crunch to buy one that was the longest in stock. It works okay, but not sure I am as efficient in my stroke with it as I could be.

I have figured out I am a high angle paddler (upper hand comes above my eyes on each stroke) vs. a low angle paddler (upper hand stays below the shoulder on each stroke). I am 5'7". I feel like a slightly longer paddle would be good (220, maybe 230), but then I see people recommending 240 cm and much longer even. I am curious if people who use the really long paddles are low angle paddlers.

For those that are a high angle paddler, what length do you use? Do you have a favorite brand/model? I am weight conscious so looking to have a paddle be 32 oz. or less, if possible.

Hello StraightHairedCurly!

I had not seen paddling style described like that before but I would think I am definitely a high angle paddler. My top hand is almost straight above my bottom hand and about even with the top of my head when stroking. I have always thought that keeping the paddle as close to the center-line of the boat would be the most efficient way to paddle.

I have a very short Kayak paddle that I use with my fishing kayak. But with being so close to the water and no gunnel it seems like it would be way too short for the Prism. I couldn't tell you the length...guessing 210cm or shorter.

Somewhere I read that some people don't like using the Kayak paddle with the canoe because they found that the bow would be moving considerable left to right on each stroke...I'm guessing this is a result of low angling paddling as you put it, and they probably are using a longer paddle?

And of course I am honored to have you jump on my thread!

I am 5'8", paddle a Prism with a double blade adjustable. The first time you put into a lake put your back into the paddling. Give it all you've got. Prism is not as fast as some-like the Advantage-but it can move when you need it to do fast. Enjoy your new toy.
I usually have my length adjusted to 250/ low angle paddler. I don't get much water dripping inside but do accumulate some from stepping in at landings.

FWIW I have an Aqua Bound Tango 240 for my Swift Prospector Pack and like it a lot. I'm 6'-1" if that helps.

Good topic to resuscitate. Much more to consider than length of paddle, but that is most certainly a primary choice.

I recommend researching kayak paddling technique paying particular attention to how blade entrance and exit location relative to your position in boat affects momentum. Blade surface area also in need of contemplation.

For what it's worth, I've found the 280cm Bending Branches paddles--both the wooden beast and the graphite and plastic version--will really move a lot of water and, in turn, a Prism super fast. Those paddles seem a bit awkward and heavy. A pure graphite Werner with narrower blade will be much lighter and easier on your shoulders over a long day of paddling.

Bending Branches Slice with telescoping feature. I use a 240cm (I’m 5’4” and my canoe width is less than 35”). They sell 260 and 280 as well. If you don’t want lighter weight and prefer wood, they make one called the Impression.

I paddle a Voyager and a Blackwater. I own 2 Werner Calliste bent( crooked ) shaft padddles, 1 is 230 and 1 is 240 cms. I can use either one, but I do tend to bump the gunwale more with the 230. The 230 weighs 24oz., the 240 25oz. I'm a low angle paddler in my solo canoes. I swap off between dbl. and single paddles throughout the day to give muscles a rest. Low angle is easier on the joints for long haul paddlers. I've shrunk over the years, probably only 5' 10" now. My Rapier kayak at 17 3/4" wide I usually use a wing adjusted to 207 cms. The Callistes are pricey. I lucked out on the 230, it was a demo and a blem originally. I think I paid $ 187. The bent shafts are supposedly easier on your wrists. I really haven't tested that theory.

AmarilloJim: "I'd go 240 or 260. I'm 6'2' and use a 280."

I agree with the sizes. I am also 6'2" and use a 280.

You should consider a bent shaft single blade for a spare. You might actually find that you like it vs the kayak paddle. You will need a shorter paddle than you use in the tandem because you will be sitting 2-3 inches closer to the water in the solo.

Thanks everyone for all the responses! great information!

On any trips I would most likely bring both a single paddle (straight or bent TBD) and a Kayak paddle.

Does anyone know if there are any places that would let me try some different kayak paddle lengths/styles before I buy? I am willing to spend $$ to get a good quality paddle that works for me, but without trying, how do I know?

I may just pick up a basic Kayak paddle at Dicks to get me started.

I have about 6 weeks until my scheduled trips in mid August. I will be leading two separate groups of newbie scouts/dads on tow consecutive weeks so I don't think we will have any what I would call hard paddle days.

Thanks again...you are a great group!

If you bought a 260 and didn't like it I bet you could sell it here for about what you paid for it.

You'll stay dryer if you use a 360cm paddle. We're the same height and that's what I have.

I must say I expected wet knees when I started using a double blade but to my surprise, the rings on the AquaBound paddles - both 240s - I have are nearly 100% effective.

I'm 6' and have a 230 basic rec paddle that I got 15 years ago when I didn't know what I was doing. It's worked fine. I got a carbon shaft AquaBound Manta Ray recently for racy-er things which I'm a high angle paddler when in a hurry. It's a 220 but only because I was in a pinch and that was longest they had. It's not bad but could be a little longer if I'm nitpicking.

Right on the Manta Ray sticker is a description and table. "For high angle paddlers or big boats" For a 5'5" to 5'11" paddler, boat width <23" get a 220cm, boat width 24-28" 230cm, and 29" plus get a 230-240cm paddle.

Thanks cyclones, I think you answered my question well enough that I am going to try a 230cm. I think longer than that wouldn't work for me.

mr.barley: "You'll stay dryer if you use a 360cm paddle. We're the same height and that's what I have. "

I meant a 260 cm yak paddle not 360cm.

AmarilloJim: "I'd go 240 or 260. I'm 6'2' and use a 280."

Yes. I use a 280 cm BB Slice with my Magic. Works fine for me. As someone else stated, switch off with a single blade of your choice at times.

Just a little update, since so many of you have been so helpful with your advice.

I was able to borrow a short kayak paddle (I measure it at just under 230cm) that I will try out tonight. The place that rents Kayaks won't let me rent the paddles so my plan A was a bust.

In the meantime I have been paddling my new baby with an aluminum straight blade single paddle. This I also hope on upgrading but kind of the same situation where I don't want to spend a bunch of money before I know what is going to work best for me.

Cricket, I’m in the cities this week then back north. If you want to try a 240cm double blade (that telescopes shorter but not longer), email and we can arrange a test run of the Slice.

I am a 6-1 low angle paddler and have used 240 to 290 over the last 20 years. I have found my Werner 260 to be the best. If you can go to low angle it will sure be a drier ride. High angle in a cross wind would be a soppy affair. Others using a Prism with the 260 have found it to be the best too. You do get a little "yaw" of movement side to side but lily dipping is the cure for that. As with any type of paddle your form is really important.