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The Best Kayak Paddles for a Smooth Water Adventure

Kayaking is a leisure activity loved by many and even more by thrill-seeking watersports enthusiasts. Making the most out of your kayaking experience demands that you have the right gear, and a good kayak paddle goes a long way. We have compiled a list of the best paddles on the market for every kayaker. During our research, one product stood out above the rest. The Bending Branches Whisper Kayak Paddle checked all of our requirements – lightweight, durable, and easy to transport. Read on to learn more about this paddle and others like it, its pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you find the perfect paddle.

Our Top Picks For Kayak Paddles

• Best Overall: BENDING BRANCHES Whisper Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Best for Experienced Kayakers: MSC Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Most Efficient Design: Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Best Value for Money: Leader Accessories Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Best for Competitive Use: SeaSense XtremeKayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Best Dry Paddle: Attwood Asymmetrical Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• Most Compact: Intex Kayak Paddle Shop Now ➔
• 1 Introduction
• 2 How Long Should a Kayak Paddle Be?
• 3 What are the Different Designs of Kayak Paddle Blades?
• 4 What Materials Are Kayak Paddles Made From?
• 6 Drip Guards
• 7 Multi-piece vs. Telescopic Paddles
• 8 Conclusion

What is the difference between kayak paddles and kayak oars?

How much kayak paddles cost, what are the different shapes of kayak paddles, related articles, best kayak paddles, best overall.

BENDING BRANCHES Whisper Kayak Paddle

The BENDING BRANCHES Whisper Kayak Paddle is great for kayakers who want to go fishing or just paddle leisurely on the water. It comes with lightweight multi-piece construction, efficient blades, and overall ergonomic design. The blades are a good blend of weight and durability to prevent fatigue while paddling for a smooth experience. The shaft has an ergonomic, designated grip area to further add to its comfortable feel. The shape of the paddle blade allows you to pull through the water and maintain a flutter-free stroke to avoid splashing. It also comes in different sizes to suit different kayakers.

• It comes with a low-profile design
• Efficient blade design
• Ergonomic grips to prevent fatigue
• Snap button may break after long-term use

Best for Experienced Kayakers

MSC Kayak Paddle

The MSC Kayak Paddle is great for intermediate and advanced users. The anodized aluminum alloy shaft gives it corrosion and wear resistance, increasing its durability. The asymmetrical blades are high-tension plastic, and they feature drip guards to prevent water from trickling down your arms. It has a three-hole snap-button ferrule for feathering and ergonomic foam grips for comfort. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect paddle that matches your style.

• Comes in multiple colors
• Ergonomic foam grips
• Drip guards to prevent water trickle
• Not recommended for new kayakers

Most Efficient Design

Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle

The Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle is a lightweight, adjustable paddle that comes in multiple high-visibility colors. It features a two-piece coated aluminum shaft and fiberglass-plastic composite asymmetrical blades for both low and high paddling angles. It has an indexed shaft, adjustable drip guards, and a two-angle push-button ferrule for feathering. Its lightweight design helps you combat fatigue when paddling – so you can stay on the water for longer. The design also has less flex than other paddles to avoid the blade losing its shape while moving through the water, helping you avoid fewer strokes for maximum efficiency.

• Indexed shaft and adjustable drip guards
• Non-flexing material
• It is highly ergonomic
• May have residue on handles

Best Value for Money

Leader Accessories Kayak Paddle

The Leader Accessories Kayak Paddle is a great option on a tight budget. The high-visibility, bright blue blades are lightweight and help pull water back with more strength, ensuring a smooth kayaking experience. It features a two-piece composite aluminum-carbon-fiberglass shaft and an asymmetrical polycarbonate blade with a dihedral cross-section for ultimate durability. The paddle has three locking positions to allow you to adjust it to suit your needs. It has a water-resistant ring to prevent water from flowing down the shaft tube and filling your kayak. It also has a soft grip to add to its ergonomic design.

• High visibility colors
• It offers generous feathering angles
• It is lightweight and low-profile
• May be too short for some

Best for Competitive Use

SeaSense XtremeKayak Paddle

The SeaSense XtremeKayak Paddle features an asymmetric blade profile, ideal for high-angle competitive use. It has a sleek, low-profile design and is highly ergonomic. It has a two-piece coated metal construction and two ergonomic foam grips. Its all-black design is low-profile and its blades have a dihedral cross-section. The shaft locks at three feathering angles. It’s lightweight and floats in the water if dropped. The blades also have drip rings to prevent water from trickling into the kayak and keep your hands dry. Plus, this kayak paddle comes in multiple sizes to suit your needs.

• It comes with an ergonomic low-profile design
• It delivers high propulsion
• It won’t sink if dropped
• Blades may flex too much

Best Dry Paddle

Attwood Asymmetrical Kayak Paddle

The Attwood Asymmetrical Kayak Paddle is exceptionally lightweight and is perfect for long-duration kayaking. It features an aluminum two-piece shaft, plastic asymmetrical blades, and double soft grips for comfort. The blades increase stroke efficiency and reduce blade flutter in the water, helping you combat fatigue while kayaking. Its drip rings are very effective for dry paddling, and the spooned dihedral blades will float if dropped. The breakdown design makes it ideal for storing and transporting. Overall, this kayak paddle is great for long-duration kayaking thanks to its lightweight design and asymmetrical blade design.

• Lightweight and efficient
• Asymmetrical blade to reduce fluttering
• Dry ring design is exceptional
• May be too heavy and short for some

Most Compact

Intex Kayak Paddle

For the kayaker who wants the most carrying convenience, the Intex Kayak Paddle is just the thing. It comes with a stylish design, is highly efficient, and is very versatile. It comes with a stylish black and polished metal aluminum shaft, is 86’’ long, and is lightweight. It comes with a portable 5-piece construction, and drip guards, and yields three feathering angles. It also comes with spoon-shaped asymmetrical blades, soft grips, and a zebra black-and-white pattern that looks great. The ribbon-spoon-shaped blades increase performance on the water, allowing you to gain speed and maneuverability with ease.

• It is lightweight and very portable
• Blade design increases performance
• Portable 5-piece construction
• It may not be the best choice for high-angle paddling

Best Kayak Paddles Buying Guide

Introduction.

Using the right kayak paddle is just as important as using the right kayak. Your kayak may be world-class, but its performance will only be as great as the paddle you use. These paddles convert your arm effort into propulsion needed to propel and maneuver your kayak. We have given you an outline of the best paddles on the market, but you may still be unsure of which to go for. We’re still here to help. In the rest of this buying guide, we take it a step further and outline important factors you should consider and qualities to look out for in a paddle before you make a purchase.

How Long Should a Kayak Paddle Be?

Kayak paddles come in different lengths and dimensions. The appropriate kayak paddle will depend on your height and the width of the widest point on your kayak. Many manufacturers usually provide buying charts of kayaker heights and kayak widths against the respective appropriate paddle lengths. For kayakers under 5’5’’ and with kayaks between 23-33’’ wide, we recommend kayak paddles around 86’’ in length. For kayaks wider than 34’’, kayak paddles around 96’’ in length are best.  For kayakers between 5’5’’-5’11,’’ tall and with kayaks between 23-28’’ wide, we recommend 86’’-96’’ paddles. The same applies to kayakers 6’ and taller – kayaks that are under 23’’ wide should be used with 86’’ kayak paddles. You should use wider kayaks with 96’’ long kayak paddles.

What are the Different Designs of Kayak Paddle Blades?

Kayak paddles are also separated based on their blade profiles. They are:

• Symmetrical:  Symmetrical paddles come with blades with the same shape and surface area on either side of an invisible line drawn through the center and along the shaft. They provide the most surface area for propulsion and are especially great for high-angle intense kayaking, like in white water.
• Asymmetrical: Asymmetrical paddles come with blades that have different surface areas on either side of the shaft line. They are considered more efficient than symmetrical paddles and are great for leisure kayaking.

What Materials Are Kayak Paddles Made From?

Kayak should be able to withstand the paddling strains for long periods. They should also be tough to eliminate the chances of paddling flaws like fluttering. Different materials have different effects on the paddle. Shaft The shaft on a kayak paddle withstands the most stress and will usually need a rigid material like metal. Aluminum is the most common shaft material in kayak paddles as it is lightweight and stiff. Some paddles come with composite shafts that are lighter and more durable. Blades The blades should be rigid to propel the kayak forward and lightweight. Kayak paddles will usually come with hardened plastics or composites.

Ergonomics is very important. Paddling in a kayak demands effort and should come with soft grips for comfort. You want to see foam, EVA, cork, or rubber grips that are non-slip and comfortable to hold.

Drip Guards

Any kayak paddle you are going for should come with drip guards or drip rings. They are cups that catch water dripping from the blades when they leave the water and along the shaft. Your hands must stay dry when paddling for maximum grip, and drip guards ensure this.

Multi-piece vs. Telescopic Paddles

The ideal kayak paddle should be compact and portable. To ensure compatibility, paddles will usually come as multi-piece or telescopic units. Multi-piece paddles are the most popular options and come with multiple pieces that you will need to assemble. Telescopic kayak paddles come with shafts divided into several tubes in increasing diameters that sit and slide relative to each other.  In general, telescopic kayak paddles are better as they are easy to adjust and provide infinite feathering angles (the angle between one blade and the other as an offset).

In conclusion, there are a lot of features to consider before buying a kayak paddle. You need to consider which design of the paddle will best suit your needs and what material the manufacturers use to create the shaft. We hope with this guide, you have the knowledge you need to make an informed purchase.

People Also Asked

Kayak paddles typically come with one or two blades and are held fully in the kayaker’s hands. Kayak oars on the other hand come as a pair and with single blades that are mounted at pivot points with oarlocks. Oars are used for rowing.

Like with all gadgets, kayak paddles sit in a wide price range. On the lower end, you can find kayak paddles between $30-50. And on the higher end, competitive or high-intensity kayak paddles can go for as high as $200-500. The price points will depend on the brand, intended use, materials, and design.

Apart from symmetrical and asymmetrical kayak paddles, kayak paddles can also be differentiated based on the shape of their blades’ cross-section. Kayak paddles will usually come with flat, dihedral, spoon-shaped, and wing blades, each with its pros and cons.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

The Best Kayak Paddles of 2024

A good kayak paddle is essential for getting out in the water, and without one, well, you’ll be up the creek. We’ve paddled the best of them, and through years of casual and strict comparison alike, we’ve settled on the quiver of paddles we’d take anywhere.

No one ever paddles the same river twice, and with kayaks ranging from sea-worthy expedition shells to plunk-around rec boats, using a paddle that is primed for the style of paddling you’re after is key to getting the most out of your kayak. Like an extension of yourself, a good paddle is your connection to the water and needs to be up to the task.

Our testing team consists of sea kayak and whitewater guides, packrafters, and even a few SUP tourers thrown in for good measure, and we used and abused these paddles over the course of many miles to figure just what makes them tick. We played with different lengths, feather angles, and blade profiles, and along the way, we formed a pretty good idea of what makes a great kayak paddle great — pulling that together here.

Our selection spans the spectrum of water out there, and if you’re interested in the finer details of paddles, dive into our detailed Buyer’s Guide and Comparison Chart , where you can count ounces and measure these paddles against one another. For everything else, the FAQ should be illuminating.

• Best Overall Kayak Paddle: Werner Shuna  
• Best Budget Kayak Paddle: Carlisle Magic Plus
• Best Touring Kayak Paddle: Werner Kalliste Bent Shaft
• Best Value Rec Kayak Paddle: Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok
• Best Whitewater Kayak Paddle: Werner Sherpa
• Best Packrafting Paddle: Aqua Bound Shred Carbon 4-Piece
• Most Durable Kayak Paddle: NRS Ripple

Werner Shuna

• Style High-angle
• Shaft Material Carbon
• Blade Material Fiberglass laminate
• Blade Shape Mid-sized, asymmetrical, dihedral face
• Ferrule Smart View Adjustable; 60 degrees in either direction
• Lengths 205, 210, 220, 230 cm
• Weight 1 lb., 11.7 oz.

• All-around design works for different paddling situations and water
• Carbon shaft is available in standard and small diameters
• Smart View Adjustable ferrule is excellent, very low profile
• Blade reinforcement spine is strong and flattened for hydrodynamics
• Fiberglass blades will start to accumulate marks, flex a bit under load
• High angle design won't be for everyone

The Werner Shuna ($335) is a paddler’s paddle, and touts a high-angle touring design that impressed with its even-keeled performance, light weight, and long-standing durability. Combining lightweight fiberglass blades with a full carbon fiber shaft, this paddle provides a powerful stroke that doesn’t flutter, and from weekend overnight tours to splashy whitewater, we’ve about done it all with the Shuna.

The Shuna’s wider power face is more conducive to powerful strokes and ones with a high angle of entry. This makes it ideal for muscling around strong ocean swells or even pushing through occasional whitewater. If your paddling style is more low-angle, the Werner Camano is the contemporary paddle to consider.

The dihedral face of the paddle is a bit more muted on the Shuna compared to some other touring paddles, which helps to retain more power while still reducing flutter. With a good high-angle stroke we found this paddle moved water excellently. Mated to these blades is a carbon fiber paddle shaft, which sports a light texture to improve grip.

The Smart View Adjustable ferrule was undeniably the favorite design of any we laid our hands on, and is an incredibly simple construction that offers 60 degrees of feather angle in either direction, in 15-degree increments. This connection had zero play in our testing and is the closest to a single-piece paddle you can get out of a ferrule. Externally, only a small push button and a window to display your angle give it away.

Durability on a fiberglass paddle certainly isn’t lacking, but you will start to notice the battle scars build up as you use it. We noted a fairly thin edge on the Shuna, which while ideal for hydrodynamics, will need to be treated with care. There’s no durability-enhancing materials used on the blade edge here, and that’s where you’ll see the most wear.

Available in lengths from 205 to 220 and both carbon and fiberglass blades, the Werner Shuna is happy to do most all of it. If you’re a larger paddler (or have the muscles to paddle it), the Corryvreckan is the same paddle, just blown up, but for day-to-day ease of paddling, we’re sticking with the Shuna.

Carlisle Magic Plus

• Style Low-angle
• Shaft Material Wrapped fiberglass
• Blade Material Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene
• Blade Shape Mid-sized, asymmetrical
• Ferrule Push-button; 0 and 60 degrees in either direction
• Lengths 220, 230, 240, 250 cm
• Weight 2 lbs., 7.8 oz.

• Budget pricing
• Fiberglass shaft is textured and ovalized for grip, much nicer than an aluminum shaft
• Glass-reinforced blades are stiffer than all plastic blades
• Longer lengths for recreational paddling
• Hefty at over 2 pounds
• Push button ferrule isn't the most robust, had some slop in the fit

Let’s start off by saying there are some bunk paddles out there. Cheap plastic blades, ill-fitting aluminum handles, and push-button locking mechs that rattle away into the shaft, never to be seen again. The Carlisle Magic Plus ($125) is not one of these — but it still hits the budget pricing we’re after for a casual paddle. 

A slight upgrade paddle from the brand’s Magic Mystic — an aluminum shafted paddle — the Magic Plus hits in all the right places and combines a fiberglass shaft with glass-reinforced polypropylene blades. This is the perfect compromise in our minds, providing a better paddle with little to no flex under pressure.

The paddle shaft is wrapped to provide a measure of grip for wet hands and is slightly ovalized for indexing your hands when the paddle is feathered — with an option of 60 degrees in either right- or left-hand control. Going with a fiberglass shaft over an aluminum one lightens things up and is also warmer to hold.

The available 220-250cm lengths make this paddle ideal for flatwater paddles and long, sweeping strokes. The push-button ferrule was a bit loose from the start, and while we could feel it if we really paddled hard, it didn’t manifest often.

One metric the Magic Plus comes up short in is weight at 2 pounds, 9 ounces. Only the NRS Ripple was heavier in our testing, and even the super-budget Bending Branches Whisper weighed a bit less than the Magic Plus. For quick jaunts in the lake, however, we’d be lying if we said it’d ruin your good time.

Highly comparable to the Aqua Bound Sting Ray Fiberglass , the Carlisle Magic Plus is the paddle to grab if you’re just getting into this kayaking thing, or need something to outfit a new paddler in the family.

Werner Kalliste Bent Shaft

• Blade Material Carbon with Dynel reinforced edges
• Lengths 220, 230, 240 cm
• Weight 1 lb., 9.2 oz.

• Bent carbon shaft is supremely stiff and reduces wrist fatigue
• Smooth back blade face makes for clean entry
• Smart View ferrule makes adjusting angle easy, and feels like a one piece paddle
• Dynel reinforcement on the blade edges reduces likelihood of chipping
• Bit bulky to store on deck of kayak
• High cost of entry

For extended days in the saddle and long transits where efficiency is key, the Werner Kalliste Bent Shaft ($550) squeezes every last drop out. This low-angle stick sports mid-sized blades that cut effortlessly through a stroke, and the bent shaft variant puts wrists in a more neutral position as a safeguard against fatigue. When hefted in one hand, the Kalliste feels like a weapon.

As a full carbon design, the Kalliste is solidly in Werner’s tip-of-the-spear ‘Ultimate’ performance line, which is aimed at eking paddling efficiency out with smart blade tweaks. At a lofty 1 pound, 9 ounces, this paddle is feather-light and makes for effortless strokes. The sea kayak guides among us especially praised this paddle as being one of the easiest to move through the water.

Available in both regular and small shaft diameters, the grip and fit on the Kalliste is made for long tours, and the bent shaft puts your wrists where they need to be during the power stroke, limiting the strain that can creep on late in the day. A straight shaft version is also available, but for extended tours, we’ll take every percentage we can get.

On the backside of the paddle blade is a smooth face that dips in and out of the water easily, and the ultra-buoyant design springs from the water during strokes. Along the edges of the blades is a material called Dynel, a composite reinforcement that adds chipping resistance where needed most. We’ve had issues with full carbon paddles wearing along this edge in the past, and the addition here is well appreciated. 

In terms of critiques, it’s tough to rustle up any to hold against the Kalliste, though the bent shaft design does make storing the paddles on the deck of our sea kayaks awkward. The price is obviously glaring, and with some paddling around entire kayaks that cost as much, this paddle is certainly for folks who get out often, or who want to simple paddle the best.

Even for the price, though, the Werner Kalliste Bent Shaft won praise from all of our long-distance paddlers, who commended the ease of paddling and credited it for keeping their shoulders from going numb. For paddling a touring kayak, this is the paddle to do it with.

Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok

• Blade Material Fiberglass reinforced nylon
• Ferrule Posi-Lok; 60 degrees in either direction
• Lengths 200-260 cm in 5 cm increments
• Weight 1 lb., 14 oz.

• Excellent value for the ability
• Posi-Lok ferrule is highly adjustable and strong
• Lightweight carbon shaft keeps overall bulk down
• Strong dihedral face splits water well, no flutter noted
• Wide available variety of lengths
• Nylon blades flex a bit under strong paddling
• Blade volume is fairly low, and won't move a lot of water if you need to

For the money, the Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok ($180) is a rightfully popular paddle and nails the needs of flatwater paddlers. The hybrid nylon/glass blades are robust enough to be bumped on the bottom repeatedly, while the carbon shaft lightens things up where it counts. 

Perfect for low-angle touring strokes, this paddle had us moving across lakes and bays with ease, and the mid-sized blades are well balanced with a defined diherdral that prevented flutter deep in the stroke. The face of the blade is just under 600 cm², making this a fairly low-volume paddle that’s easy to move through the water.

The Posi-Lok joining ferrule on this paddle is something special and is neck and neck with the best out there in terms of ease of use. A simple two-button release splits the shaft, and infinite feather angles can be dialed in 15-degree increments. The carbon ferrule insert has a tighter interface than fiberglass and will stay that way for a good bit longer.

Compared to the other injection-molded low-angle kayak paddles we reviewed (the Werner Skagit FG and Carlisle Magic Plus ), the Sting Ray Hybrid slides in a handful of ounces below both of them at 1 pound, 14 ounces. This might not seem like much, but for long tours the swing weight can certainly add up, and with the jump up to a full fiberglass blade being an extra $200, this paddle has some serious value.

For most folks, the Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid Posi-Lok would make an excellent daily driver of a paddle. The broad range of sizes makes it easy to dial in on what you need, the light weight won’t fatigue you prematurely, and the ferrule is a joy to use.

Werner Sherpa

• Shaft material Fiberglass
• Blade material Fiberglass
• Blade shape Mid-size, asymmetrical, shallow dihedral face
• Ferrule Push-button; R45/0/L45 or R30/L30
• Lengths 194, 197, 200, 203, 206, 209 cm
• Weight 2 lbs., 8.7 oz.

• Wide blade surface area catches and holds water
• Wide variety of feather angles available
• Reinforcement spine is tough and resists blade flex
• Custom-fit shaft sections fit tightly
• Fiberglass blades have light swing weight
• Steel push-button ferrule is durable, not not the highest performer
• Larger paddlers may need the bigger Powerhouse

The Werner Sherpa ($325) and its larger cousin, the Powerhouse, are classic whitewater paddles that have sliced, boofed, and skipped their way through some of the most wicked water on the planet. We tested this paddle in the rapids of British Columbia’s Cheakamus and Elaho rivers, where it hung tough through class III+ rapids.

With a broad 680 cm² face, this paddle is near the upper end of blade volumes, and is primed for digging into high-angle paddle strokes and pushing water. A subtle dihedral across the blade keeps it from fluttering during heavy strokes, and a broad reinforcement spine along the back braces against the flex that some fiberglass blades can have.

Werner’s whitewater offerings all use stainless steel push-button ferrules to join multi-piece paddles — a choice we can get behind. While not as adjustable as some of the nicer ferrules used on other Werner paddles, there’s also less to break on the Sherpa, and it’s arguably the stronger interface.

This paddle is available in one-, two-, and four-piece designs, as well as straight or bent shafts, and fiberglass or carbon blades. We paddled a fiberglass-bladed version of the Sherpa for our testing, and while a full carbon tool won’t flex at all, we actually enjoyed the nimbleness of the fiberglass — which felt more forgiving. 

If heavy water is all you’re after, a full-carbon one-piece surgical tool like the Werner Stikine might be more up your alley. But for a more well-rounded paddle that’s up for whatever you toss at it, the Werner Sherpa is our go-to.

Aqua Bound Shred Carbon 4-Piece

• Blade Material Carbon reinforced nylon
• Blade Shape High-volume, asymmetrical, dihedral face
• Ferrule Push-button, fixed angles of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 degrees in either direction
• Lengths 191, 194, 197, 200, 203 cm
• Weight 2 lbs., 2.5 oz.

• Four piece design fits into packs or kayaks well
• Rugged carbon shaft
• Short lengths appropriate for whitewater paddling
• Large blade volume really moves water
• Affordable for a WW paddle
• Nylon ferrule shafts aren't the most tight
• Not true carbon blades
• Feather angle is fixed

Packrafters have some unique needs when it comes to a paddle, and one of the primary among those is the ability to be broken down and stashed away. The Aqua Bound Shred Carbon 4-Piece ($265) is a killer option for those looking for a whitewater-ready paddle that can be split and packed into your drop-in. 

Featuring a full carbon shaft and carbon-reinforced blades, the Shred isn’t a boat anchor either, and has a stiff flex that transmits power when you need it. We used this paddle to packraft down the Sauk and Dosewallips rivers in Washington, where it had enough oomph to keep us out of trouble in rapids.

Those four pieces tuck away nicely in packs as well, with the longest being 25” in our tested 200 cm paddle — easily fitting on the outside of our packs. This paddle also takes the possibility of a ferrule failure on long expeditions off the table by using a time-tested snap button system to unite the sections.

This does, however, mean that this paddle has no feather angle or length adjustability, and you’ll need to decide exactly what you need when purchasing. 

Thankfully, the Shred is available in 4 different angles in both right- and left-hand control, and five sizes, ranging from 191 to 203 cm. It’s important to remember that sizing a paddle for packrafting is different than for a hardshell kayak, and you’ll need to opt for a longer length to clear the wide tubes of your raft.

It’s important to note here that while the blades of the Shred are reinforced with carbon (in the same way that a fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade is), they still retain most of the characteristics of a plastic blade, with added stiffness. This can be a boon for paddlers who can’t keep from bumping around in rock gardens but don’t expect a feather-light blade here.

The one aspect you weren’t as stoked about on the Shred Carbon is the blade interfaces with the shafts, which aren’t as confidence-inspiring or tight as full fiberglass or carbon ferrules. We don’t anticipate any blades flying off anytime soon, but we’ll be watching in our long-term testing for any slop in the fit.

If you’re using your packraft to mainly traverse calm lakes or river crossings, you’ll likely be better served by a low-angle paddle like the Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon , or even the ultra-minimal Supai Olo Paddle . For packrafters who like to chase heavy water, though, the Aqua-Bound Shred Carbon 4-Piece is where it’s at.

• Shaft Material Fiberglass
• Blade Material Fiberglass reinforced ABS
• Ferrule Push-button, 0 or 45 degrees in either direction
• Lengths 194, 197, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240 cm
• Weight 2 lbs., 6 oz.

• Rugged glass-filled ABS blades are burly
• Built-in index grip on paddle shaft
• Available in a wide spread of lengths
• Blades move some good water
• Fiberglass shaft has a nice finish and grip
• Blade to shaft interface is with rivets
• Some flutter when paddled hard

Ideal for bashing about while kayak fishing or during low-water passages, the NRS Ripple ($150) is a rugged paddle that honestly surprised us with its performance. It’s no sleek and willowy sea kayaking paddle, but the fit and finish are high-quality, and there are a few features not found on even our high-end daily drivers.

Using hardier ABS plastic instead of polyethylene, the blades on the Ripple are just plain tough, and are mounted to a fiberglass shaft to keep things light. The swing weight on these blades is noticeable compared with fiberglass, but that’s not even on the radar for the types of paddling we used it for. 

With a blade profile similar to the Werner Shuna , the Ripple has a high-angle shape that responds well to deep strokes, and is powerful enough to get you moving quickly in rougher water. The blade is noticeably thicker, however, and we saw this manifest in a sloppier entry and exit while paddling. 

Decked out with a simple push button ferrule and three angle options, the big news on the shaft is the built-in hand index grip — a raised section added to the right side of the paddle to register your fingers on and know you’re lined up with the paddle. While this is accomplished with ovalizing the shaft on other paddles, we liked the execution on the Ripple, and found it worked well.

The weak point on the Ripple is certainly the blade to shaft interface, secured with rivets — not our favorite. Were you to beat on the paddle mercilessly enough, this is certainly where it would give up the ghost. In all of our testing so far, however, we haven’t seen any loosening occur.

The NRS Ripple may well be our favorite angling paddle — if it had a notch in the blade for retrieving lures. Even still, We were impressed at the ability this $150 paddle had, and for everything from flatwater to some splashy rivers, it paddled admirably.

Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass

• Shaft Material 50% carbon/50% fiberglass
• Blade Material Fiberglass composite
• Blade Shape Low-volume, asymmetrical, dihedral face
• Ferrule Leverlock; infinite angles
• Lengths Fully adjustable between 220 and 240 cm

• Leverlock ferrule is adjustable in both length and angle
• Blades enter and exit water with ease
• Carbon/fiberglass blend shaft is strong and lightweight with full-carbon price
• Adjustable length is great for paddlers with multiple boats
• Comparatively pricey
• Blade design will wear and chip
• Ferrule design can become looser over time, need to be tightened

The Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass ($350) is the perfect companion for a good rec kayak, and it performed admirably across all of our flatwater testing. The full fiberglass blades are noticeably lighter to paddle than plastic versions, and the 50% fiberglass, 50% carbon shaft is rock-solid through the power phase of a stroke.

It’s the novel ferrule system on this paddle, however, that really got our motors running. The Leverlock ferrule uses an expanding rubber stopper to hold fast, and can be adjusted in both length (220-240 cm) and infinite feather angles. While initial hold had a bit of slop, after snugging up the mechanism a bit the Leverlock held strong.  

The adjustable length makes this paddle ideal for passing around to different paddlers, or for someone who paddles a 20” wide touring shell one day and a portly fishing kayak the next. Adjustable length mechanisms are typically a little bulky, but the simple lever on the Pungo Glass keeps it out of the way.

Like other fiberglass paddles, the Pungo Glass will start to accumulate marks and scratches as time goes on, and the unique print design highlights these. You’ll need to take care not to leverage too harshly on the tip of the blade, such as pushing off during a launch, as this can damage or even snap the blade.

Like the kayak it’s named after , the Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass paddle is an absolute all-arounder, even-keeled across all the metrics we tested, and paddled well wherever we used it. The hybrid glass/carbon shaft is even a step up from some of our other similarly priced recommendations, and that Leverlock still continues to impress.

Werner Skagit FG

• Shaft Material Carbon and fiberglass blend
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.

• Great value for the performance
• Carbon and fiberglass shaft is a stiffer upgrade over similarly priced paddles
• Available in both standard and small diameter shafts
• Sharp blade dihedral tracks true
• Some deflection in the blades
• Costs a bit more than comparable paddles

Solidly in the budget-minded touring paddle camp, the Werner Skagit FG ($174) has some impressive value on board, and paddles near as well as some of the high-end low-angle paddles we’ve used. For many, this will be an excellent intro to kayak touring paddle, or even a backup to keep on board on longer journeys.

We tested the Skagit in its namesake river, where broad muscling flows make for an enjoyable down-river float, and the paddle excelled. Its longer available lengths make it ideal for low-angle paddle strokes, as well as clearing the broad beams of recreational kayaks. For slow-moving water or relaxed paces, this paddle makes it happen.

The fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades keep the price down on this paddle, but in typical Werner fashion, don’t skimp on the design, and a sharp dihedral on the power face split water well in our tests. The 605 cm² blade volume is pretty middle of the road, and this paddle was easy on our joints after full days in the cockpit.

As most nylon blades do, there is some deflection in the depth of a stroke, which while not the best power transfer, does provide a bit more of that shock-absorption we appreciated on long days. The Skagit’s carbon-fiberglass shaft bumps up the performance of this paddle compared to fiberglass sticks like the Carlisle Magic Plus or Aqua Bound Sting Ray Fiberglass , and the Smart View Adjustable ferrule is leaps and bounds ahead of the snap buttons on those paddles.  

Another solid do-it-all type paddle, the Werner Skagit FG should be on the short-list for anyone serious about moving up from their rec boat and paddling further in a touring shell. The low-angle blades slip in and out of the water easily, and the carbon-blend shaft is an upgrade over similar paddles — making it well worth the extra $40 or so bucks.

Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq

• Blade Material Carbon and replaceable polyamide tips
• Blade Shape Greenland-style
• Ferrule Push-button 'Diamond Joint'; 0 angle adjustment
• Lengths 210, 220, 230 cm
• Weight 1 lb., 8.4 oz.

• Supreme ability in active sea swells, surf
• Polyamide tips take abuse, and can be replaced
• Small details like titanium hardware and carbon-spring push button
• Very lightweight
• Compact packed size
• Pricey bit of kit
• Steep learning curve to use effectively

Greenland-style paddles are curious-looking things, and draw a lineage to the first paddles used to ply the waters of the Arctic coast — where driftwood was in short supply, and hunters needed a paddle to both transit and surf the waters. The modern Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq ($468) dresses the classic design in new materials, and takes the simple stick design to the nth degree.

Available in three sizes (210, 220, and 230 cm), the Kalleq — which, by the way, is Inuit for lightning — is a full carbon fiber build that weighs all of 24 ounces. The paddle feathers down to a blade-like 1.1 mm at its thinnest, and enters and exits the water beautifully. Otherwise very simple, the Kalleq is a two-piece design that joins with a super-minimal ferrule, and sports polyamide tips to act as sacrificial bumpers in rocky waters.

While it might seem impossible even to get moving with such a narrow paddle, the volume of the power face is all there, just stretched out, and requiring a more refined stroke to unleash the power behind this stick.

By cocking the upper edge of the paddle slightly forward, the paddle behaves much more like an airplane wing, creating a low pressure in front of the paddle and pulling you forward. It is efficiency that simply can’t be matched by Euro-style paddles.

That low profile also pays dividends above the water, as the Kalleq has no need to be feathered, as it doesn’t catch wind. While paddling, we felt much more connected to the water, and should you capsize, rolling with the Kalleq is also easier, as you don’t have to worry about the angle of the blade. This paddle isn’t relegated to only sea kayaking, either: Our tester even used it to paddle his canoe — to surprising success. 

Many will choose a Greenland paddle as a backup option on long sea kayak trips because of their super low profile when secured on decks, but we’re not convinced that many wouldn’t be served better by the opposite arrangement. The Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq is absolutely a ‘try it and you’ll love it’ type of paddle, and it’s earned a few new adherents to the faith on our team.

Read Review: Greenland-Style Paddles: Gearlab Kalleq Review

Bending Branches Whisper

• Shaft Material Aluminum
• Blade Material Polypropylene
• Blade Shape Low-volume, asymmetric, no dihedral
• Lengths 210, 220, 230, 240 cm
• Weight 2 lbs., 5 oz.

• Makes a great beginner or loaner paddle
• Strong blade to shaft interface
• Handmade in Wisconsin
• Aluminum shaft is strong and rigid, has rubberized grips
• Aluminum shaft is cold to the touch
• Blades can snap if bent too far

Budget-friendly and ideal for bulking out your stash of loaner paddles, the Bending Branches Whisper ($80) looks like many cheaper paddles but has a higher-quality, American-made fit and finish that distinguishes it from the rest. This won’t be the last paddle you buy in your life, but when it does kick the bucket, you also won’t mourn it.

The aluminum shaft is robust and gives this paddle a good backbone, and is a durable choice for sticking into the hands of kiddos who might choose to jettison it into rocks and trees. Two sections of rubberized grip provide a bit of thermal protection, as metal shafts can be a bit colder than their fiberglass counterparts.

The plastic blades are fairly simple and incorporate very little dihedral into the paddle face, which leads to a bit of fluttering when cranking on the Whisper. Expecting an $80 paddle to perform flawlessly isn’t our bag, and the paddle makes the grade for clunking around the lake.

At 2 pounds, 5 ounces, the Whisper isn’t exactly light (level the blame at the aluminum shaft), but it also won’t weigh you down, and we’d instead make the trade for durability here. We had no problem tossing this paddle on shore or in the back of our pickups, knowing it’d be just fine.

Even with its shortcomings, it isn’t hard for us to drum up a number of folks who would be excellently served by the Bending Branches Whisper : new and young paddlers who might not have the perfect stroke yet (or the ability to avoid hitting the dock) would do well with it. Folks who use a kayak as a ferry between shore and their bluewater boat would also appreciate the Whisper, as it’ll be just fine being stored on deck, and deployed when needed.

Kayak Paddle Comparison Chart

How We Tested Kayak Paddles

Kayak paddles are your connection to the water you’re moving through — like an extension of your arms — and can be pretty personal so far as recreation equipment goes. Each behaves a bit differently while using, which often boils down to some pretty minute differences in angle, thickness, or material. 

A casual glance might conclude that most paddles are the same, but it’s all this we aimed to hone in on in our testing. Our testing team is well qualified for the job, too: Lead tester Nick Belcaster is a kayaker and packrafter out of Washington State, where he takes full advantage of the Cascade Range and the waters that flow from it. His testing for this guide saw him making a few multiday kayak trips in the Salish Sea, and paddling hard in rugged water in British Columbia.

Tester Wil Henkel brings a depth of experience to the team, with a history as both a sea kayak guide in the Pacific Northwest and a whitewater guide and teacher in Ecuador. He’s paddled everything from full-on touring shells to agile creek and play boats, and used just as many paddles. Wil handled our heavy water paddles for this review and gave them the proper blessing required before mashing on them.

Our testing was just as much structured as it was casual, with testing revolving around performance, ease of use, and value. We spent entire days in the lake passing paddles around, and focused intently on the entry, power phase, and exit of each stroke. Every paddle was used by both a seasoned vet and a beginner to gauge relative approachability, and each was set up and broken down scores of times to survey for wear.

And, to best understand the sport-specificity of these paddles, we used them to where they were most comfortable, and where they stood out like a sore thumb. This meant paddling fully loaded sea kayaks with whitewater paddles, using Greenland-style sticks in our canoes, and while we wouldn’t suggest paddling your bash-around creek boat with a $500+ full carbon touring scalpel, we did it so you don’t have to.

All of this testing gave us the best idea of what makes a paddle good at what it does, and shook out our list of the best available today. Our testing continues on a year-round basis, and as new paddles become available, we’ll loop them into the circuit to ensure our selection is as accurate as possible. 

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Kayak Paddle

While there are plenty of paddles on the market, nailing your purchase the first time is not only a great feeling but will provide you with the performance you’re after and complement your kayak. Besides a good PFD , a paddle is essential to getting out on the water.

There’s a surprising amount to consider baked into kayak paddles — from dihedral angles to power face volumes and entire textbooks on hydrodynamics that we won’t pretend to understand. We do, however, know a good paddle from a lackluster one, and the following should get you up to speed.

Types of Kayak Paddles

Before exploring anything else, you’ll need to determine the type of kayaking you’re looking to do with your paddle. Some paddles are versatile enough to be used for multiple styles of paddling, while others are hyper-focused and designed for a specific kind of paddling.

Recreational and Touring Paddles

The majority of paddles out there will fall into this category and are used for casual day boating or going a little deeper with your touring kayak. Typically longer to accommodate a shallower stroke angle, these paddles can be found between 205 and 260 cm and feature what are called Euro-style blades, which are roughly flower pedal-shaped and made for efficiency.

Recreational paddles are often constructed using fiberglass handles and nylon blades, though some choose the slightly nicer glass-reinforced blades for a bit more durability. Touring paddles need to be light for longer days of paddling, and they often use fiberglass or carbon shafts and blades to trim the weight.

Whitewater Paddles

Made for the splashy stuff, whitewater paddles are more about the power and ability to move water quickly. They are typically shorter — between 190 and 200 cm — as they need to be paddled quicker and deeper into the water than recreational paddles.

Whitewater paddles are also more durable, as they are more liable to be bashed into rocks or trees. High-end whitewater paddles are often all carbon fiber, which offers the greatest power transfer.

Paddle Performance

A paddle’s performance is a concert of several things, but it all comes down to the stroke — more specifically, the three components of the stroke: the catch, the pull, and the exit.

The catch is the initial part of the stroke where you place your blade in the water. Leading with your shoulder and pointing toward the bow, your paddle blade should enter the water with ease as you wind your body up. Here, a thin paddle edge makes for an easy entry.

As you begin to dig into the water, the pull is where your power is generated, and you’ll rotate your torso to lead the paddle through the stroke. During this phase is where something called flutter can occur, which is the blade twitching as it’s pulled from side to side in the water. This can be dealt with by angling your paddle slightly or using a paddle with more dihedral.

Finally, the exit is the withdrawal of the blade from the water, and winding up for another paddle stroke on the opposite side. This occurs about as the blade passes your hip, and you should aim to pluck the paddle up out of the water as you reset for another paddle.

Style of Paddling: Low- vs. High-Angle Blades

After reading up on some of the science, it’s time for a bit of the art. Paddling is comprised of a number of different strokes that move your paddle through the water, generating motion. The manner in which you make these strokes reflects greatly on how you move through the water, and one of the biggest differences lies between the high- and low-angle strokes.

The low-angle stroke is a more horizontal one, roughly between 20 and 30 degrees if you imagine your paddle shaft making the third side of a triangle between your body and the surface of the water. This stroke requires less effort and puts less stress on your joints, making it better for long-distance kayaking or leisurely paddles. The Werner Kalliste, Skagit FG, Aqua Bound Sting Ray, Wilderness Systems Pungo, and Bending Branches Whisper are all low-angle paddles.

A high-angle stroke places the blade more vertically in the water, and digs deeper to generate more power. This stoke is more energy-intensive, but muscles your kayak around quicker, making it ideal for rolling coastal waters or whitewater kayaking. The Werner Shuna, Sherpa, Carlisle Magic Plus, Aqua Bound Shred, and NRS Ripple are all high-angle paddles.

Both of these strokes benefit from a differently shaped blade. Low-angle blades are typically longer, narrower, and mounted to longer paddle shafts. This allows them to enter the water more easily. The blades on high-angle paddles are wider than low-angle paddles, and have higher surface areas to catch and hold the water. Their paddle shafts are more often shorter, as they intersect the water closer to the hull of the kayak.

You’ll notice that most touring paddles sport a low-angle blade, and most whitewater paddles use a high-angle blade, though this is not always the case. Our favorite paddle for just about anything, the Werner Shuna , is a high-angle paddle meant for touring in water that might be more turbulent. 

Feather Angle and Hand Control

Almost all kayak paddles allow for an adjustment known as feathering, which changes the angle between the two blades. This is done to best position the blades as they enter the water and eliminate the excessive wrist flexion required with a neutral-angled paddle, as well as reduce the wind resistance of the exposed paddle.

These adjustments are made possible by the paddle’s ferrule , which is the joining interface that can be set at different angles and locked in place. These ferrules can be of a few different designs, with the most basic being a push-button ferrule, which often offers only three different holes: 60 degrees in either direction and zero.

More advanced ferrules such as Werner’s Smart View Adjustable or Aqua Bound’s Posi-Lok ferrule offer up many more angles and locks solidly to provide single-piece-like performance. Which direction you feather your paddle will depend on your dominant hand, which will become the side you control the paddle from. 

Deciding which feather angle to use, or even any angle at all, is highly personal, and we recommend trying out many to see how they feel. Most flatwater paddlers will use an angle between 45 and 60, while whitewater kayakers find a lower angle suits their deeper paddle strokes.

Blade and Shaft Design

Paddle Blades

The blades of your paddle are where the magic happens, and there’s quite a bit of hydrodynamics going on between every stroke. The power face is the side of your paddle that’s facing you while paddling, and it’s the one that is catching the water.

This face can often incorporate a dihedral shape , which is a bevel that adds a leading edge to the middle of the paddle to split the water. This is added to help prevent flutter, which occurs when a paddle is trying to turn sideways as it is drawn through the water. Typically, touring paddles will incorporate a higher degree of dihedral than whitewater paddles.

The shape of a paddle blade is also hugely important, and most kayak paddles will have an asymmetric shape — with a longer upper edge. This is done to push the paddle deeper into the stroke when it’s pulled through the water, and makes the paddle directional.

The length and width of a paddle can also change its characteristics, with low-angle paddles being longer and typically more narrow to more easily pass in and out of the water. Whitewater paddles are shorter and wider, to best concentrate the power face and push more water.

Finally, Greenland- or Aleutian-style paddles sport entirely different style blade profiles, and are elongated spars that spread their power face across a long cross section. 

The volume of your paddle blade is an excellent metric for comparing the relative power between paddles, and most kayak paddles sport a 550-750 cm² blade volume. Low-angle touring paddles like the Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass (595 cm²) are on the lower end of the scale, as the slower cadence stroke used to paddle them doesn’t need to move as much water, and they typically paddle kayaks that don’t take much effort to keep moving.

The 615 cm² of the Werner Shuna is indicative of a mid-sized blade that is designed as an all-arounder, and can be paddled in a low- or high-angle stroke to make the best use of its surface area. Some paddles like the Shuna are offered with like-designs that are just enlarged for bigger paddlers, and the Werner Corryvreckan bumps up the volume to 721 cm² — a significant difference for those who need to push more water.

Whitewater paddles will occupy the upper end of the spectrum, and 680 cm² of the Werner Sherpa and 710 cm² of the Aqua Bound Shred Carbon both move significantly more water compared to thin touring paddles when compared side-by-side.

Paddle Shafts

The paddle shaft is your connection to the water, and it is much more than just a stick to connect your paddle blades (though Greenland paddles do sport that nickname). As a handle, the paddle shaft needs to be comfortable for all-day paddling, as well as have enough backbone to transfer your power into the blades and propel you forward through the water.

Aluminum shafts are used on budget paddles in order to save on material and construction cost, and while stiff, are heavier than other constructions. Fiberglass is a much more viable alternative in our opinion, and is much lighter while still transferring good power. As a composite material, fiberglass can be mixed with carbon fiber in order to gain additional strength, without the cost of going to full carbon.

A full carbon paddle shaft, however, is a wonder to use, and is both supremely light and strong, transferring the greatest level of power and deflecting the least under load. Paddle shafts can also differ in their shapes, with ovalization being the most common. This involves flattening the shaft where your palm will grip, in order to add an index to reference.

Bent-shaft paddles are the extreme end of the spectrum, and angle the grip sections of the shaft inward to better reduce the angle your wrists have to make during the power segment of the stroke. This can assist folks with joint issues, or prevent them from happening in the first place. The length of your paddle, too, plays a role in that lever effect, and which size to go with has a lot to do with the kayak you’ll be paddling.

Wider recreational kayaks will call for a longer paddle, while narrower beam touring kayaks can be paddled with a shorter paddle. Your height also plays a role in this decision, with taller paddlers requiring longer sticks, and shorter kayakers needing shorter ones. Some paddles, like the Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass , are adjustable in length, meaning you can fine-tune your paddle to the kayak you’re using that day, or hand it off to others and fit them as well.

In general, light is right when it comes to kayak paddles. You’ll be using your whole body to pull them through the water, and while a few strokes won’t make a difference, an entire day with a hefty paddle will wear on you. Recreational paddles typically aren’t as concerned with weight, as you might only be paddling them for an afternoon, and often weigh around 2 pounds.

Lightweight carbon fiber paddles can trim quite a bit of weight, and the Werner Kalliste trims a half pound off the average. For long-distance kayak touring, this weight-for-money exchange can be a worthwhile one. Typically, however, swing weight is actually a more important metric to pay attention to, as this is much more noticeable while paddling. For example, you’ll immediately notice the difference in switching from a nylon blade paddle like the Werner Skagit FG to a fiberglass one like the Shuna .

Weight, too, can be a factor when carrying your paddle outside your kayak, such as carrying a packraft into a remote river. The Aqua Bound Shred Carbon uses a carbon shaft and carbon-blended blades to trim that fat a bit and makes this an ideal paddle for packrafters.

The price of your kayak paddle will closely follow the materials used to make it, with a few tiers shaking out as such: Basement budget paddles will be made with aluminum shafts and plastic blades, and joined together with simple (and sometimes less-than-durable) push-button ferrules.

While there are many lesser paddles on the market, we keyed in on the Bending Branches Whisper as being one of the worthy of picking up in the less than $100 range.

Adding a fiberglass shaft and reinforcing the paddle blades with glass or carbon bumps the price up to $125-180, and these paddles hold a surprising bit of value. For anyone who is serious about getting into kayaking, or just wants a spare paddle to keep around, these can be ideal.

The Carlisle Magic Plus was our best budget pick at $125, and while missing some fit and finish, still gets us home every time for all-around recreational paddling.

The NRS Ripple ($150) and Werner Skagit FG ($175) are both similarly good values, with the Ripple being bang-around ready with ABS blades, and the Skagit boasting a primo Smart View Adjustable ferrule found on higher-end paddles. The Aqua Bound String Ray Hybrid ($180) commands a bit more for the carbon shaft it uses, and at 30 ounces is impressively lightweight for long kayak touring.

For around $200-400, you’ll begin to see full fiberglass blades, and even some hybrid and full carbon shafts. These paddles span the spectrum of uses, but will be more refined with higher-quality blade shaping including detailed reinforcement spines, and be joined together with carbon-insert adjustable ferrules.

The Aqua Bound Shred Carbon ($265) boasts a full carbon shaft combined with unique hybrid carbon-reinforced blades, which makes it a tough option for packrafters.

The Wilderness Systems Pungo ($350) retains the fiberglass blades but uses a 50% carbon, 50% fiberglass blend to give the shaft a bit more backbone. The uber-adjustable ferrule is the draw here and helps explain the price. The Werner Shuna ($400) and Sherpa ($415) are similarly specced-out paddles, just designed for different types of water and paddling styles.

North of $450 is the realm of specialty paddles, and typically full carbon builds that squeeze every last drop of performance out. The Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq ($468) is just such a tool, and is hyper-focused on ocean paddling in surf. The Werner Kalliste ($550) is similarly dialed in for the open ocean, focusing intensely on blade design and balance to create a paddle for long-distance kayaking.

While there are many very cheap kayak paddles on the market, we hesitate to recommend many of them, as they are most often built with aluminum shafts, cheap plastic blades, and flimsy ferrule connections. We’d urge you to spend at least $100 on a kayak paddle you aim to use often.

The Carlisle Magic Plus ($125) is an excellent option, in our opinion, as it utilizes a lightweight fiberglass shaft and stronger glass-reinforced nylon blades — both important to keep paddling stress low and prolong the life of your paddle.

If you’ve done your research and consulted paddle sizing guides, taking into account the style and width of your kayak, and are still on the fence and in between sizes, going with a shorter paddle is often the safer bet. This will ensure that your paddle strokes aren’t causing you to waggle the kayak too much, and will keep you from stressing your shoulders.

There are certainly instances where going with a slightly longer or shorter paddle than recommended makes sense, such as if you’re in an abnormally wide kayak (go longer), or if you’re in a playboat and looking to paddle whitewater (go shorter).

Both carbon fiber and fiberglass offer different feels and utilities in kayak paddles, as well as price points. Fiberglass is a less expensive composite material and, while still stiff, isn’t quite as stiff as carbon fiber.

When used in blades, fiberglass can either be used entirely, or used as a reinforcement and mixed into a nylon blade to add rigidity. Paddle shafts made from fiberglass typically have a bit of give, but are quite light overall.

Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter than fiberglass, but it is also more expensive. It has very little give when paddled hard, which can make the most of the power you’re putting down, but can also be a bit harsh for some people. Carbon fiber paddle shafts are very rigid, and blades made with the stuff don’t deflect much at all.

Feathering a kayak paddle does a number of things for you, including reducing the effect of wind on your paddle blades, as well as creating a more ergonomic motion that doesn’t require your wrists to pivot as much. The amount and direction you might feather your paddle will depend on your preferences, as well as which hand you will ‘control’ the paddle with — typically your dominant one.

For everyday and casual paddling, probably not. But if kayaking is decidedly your thing , then an expensive kayak paddle certainly can make a difference. More important, however, is likely dialing in on exactly what you need out of a kayak paddle, and getting one that fits that exactly.

Before shelling out the big bucks, consider a tailored mid-range paddle like the Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass or Werner Shuna , or even the better-than-budget choices like the Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid or Werner Skagit FG . All will be a significant upgrade from a starter paddle like the Carlisle Magic Plus, and don’t command the dollar signs that full carbon jobs do.

The Best PFDs of 2024

You can have all the paddling chops in the world and still take the dunk. We’ve tested the range of PFDs and found the best to keep you right side up.

The Best Kayaks of 2024

Kayaks are the original all-terrain vehicles, and we tested the best from Old Town, Wilderness Systems, Eddyline, and more!

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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Best Kayak Paddle in 2023: Top Paddles for Touring, Fishing, and Whitewater Kayaking

In this overview, we’ve put together a list of kayak paddles that we think are worth your attention in 2023. There’s also a buying guide to help you choose the best kayak paddle for your adventures.

As an affiliate of Amazon and other retailers, we may earn a small commission when you buy via our links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

At a Glance: Best Paddles for Kayaking in 2023

Best paddle for beginners: bending branches whisper, best recreational/touring paddle: aqua-bound sting ray posi-lok, best high-angle recreational paddle: aqua-bound manta ray carbon, best kayak paddle for fishing: bending branches angler classic, best kayak paddle for the money: bending branches sunrise glass, best whitewater kayak paddle: werner sherpa.

• Best Kayak Paddle for Kids: Perception Hi Five

Comparison Table: Top Rated Paddles for Kayaking

Shaft Material: Aluminium Shaft Options: Straight shaft. 0° or 60° (Left or Right handed) Blade Material: Polypropylene Blade Dimensions: 6.75 x 18 in. (17 x 46 cm) Blade Size: 89 sq. in. (574 sq. cm) Lengths: 210 / 220 / 230 / 240 cm Weight: 37 oz. (1049 g) USRP: $64.95

Bending Branches Whisper is one of the best selling introductory paddles in North America, and for a good reason. 

The Whisper is a solid, two piece paddle. This durable design combines an aluminum shaft with polypropylene blades to create a paddle which can survive an enormous amount of abuse. When you’re starting out paddling, you’re likely to take a few knocks along the way, and it’s reassuring to know you’ve got a paddle which will take those knocks with you.

Don’t be fooled, though. This isn’t just a paddle to beat up and throw away when you’re done with it. It’s a solid, wobble free design which has streamlined asymmetric blades. The design makes the Whisper really easy to paddle with, and the adjustable ferrule lets you choose whether you want flat blades, or to control the paddle with your left, or right, hand.  

These are an affordable option for anyone starting out, but bear in mind they come from a manufacturer who makes some of the most popular paddles available. They might be the introductory option for Bending Branches, but they’re a solid and reliable option for a beginner kayaker. 

What we like

• Affordable price point
• Easy to use, great beginner option

What we don’t like

• At this price point, nothing

Shaft Material: 100% Carbon Shaft Options: Straight shaft, regular diameter (1.18 in.) or small shaft (1.12 in.). 0° / 15° / 30° / 45° / 60° (Left or Right handed) Blade Material: abXII Fiberglass reinforced nylon Blade Dimensions: 6.25 x 18 in. (16 x 46 cm) Blade Size: 91 sq. in. (587 sq. cm)  Lengths: 210 / 220 / 230 / 240 / 250 cm Weight: 30.5 oz. (865 g) USRP: $149.95

A lightweight, stiff shaft combined with a pair of incredibly strong blades gives you a paddle which is ideal for adventuring around your local lake, or for longer days out on the water. The adjustable ferrule means you can change your feather on the go, so if conditions start to change throughout the day, you can react to them and make it easier to paddle.

The blades are designed for a relaxed low angle paddle, not only making these ideal for cruising gently around, but in wind you won’t be battling on each and every recovery stroke. 

The posi-lok system is incredibly solid and easy to use, giving a reassuring click when the two pieces of the paddle are properly together. This system is corrosion free and eliminates any play that comes from some push button systems. 

The Sting-ray is a lot of paddle for the price, the rigid carbon and slight flex in the blades play off one another to give you a comfortable paddle which you know is going to last you for the long haul, and you won’t have to worry about bashing a few rocks along the way.

• Solid two piece paddle with a strong ferrule system
• Good balance of light, stiff carbon shaft and strong blades
• Blades aren’t quite as stiff as some similar paddles

Shaft Material: 100% Carbon Shaft Options: Straight shaft, posi-lok two piece. 0° / 15° / 30° / 45° / 60° (Left or Right handed). Blade Material: abX Carbon reinforced nylon Blade Dimensions: 7.25 x 18 in. (18 x 46 cm) Blade Size: 105 sq. in. (677 sq. cm) Lengths: 210 / 220 / 230 / 240 / 250 cm Weight: 29.5 oz. (836 g) USRP: $199.95

Designed for high-angle paddling, the Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon has the largest blade area of all the touring paddles on this list, giving you an incredible bite, pull and release. However, thanks to a carbon shaft, and a lightweight blend of abX carbon reinforced nylon blades, you get all of this power without feeling like you’re swinging around a sledgehammer.

In fact, this paddle feels more like a fully carbon paddle than anything with some nylon in the blades. It is stiff and responsive, while flowing seamlessly through stroke transitions. 

The two piece posi-lok keeps the paddle secure, while also allowing you to choose your feather in increments of fifteen degrees. This is perfect for recreational paddlers who are still finding their ideal set up, or for touring paddlers who want to change their approach as they battle through the wind, or drift lazily downstream. 

The high angle design really allows you to push your paddling as you move into narrower kayaks, or if you want to play around in surf or near bays, where direct power is necessary to get you moving. 

• Really powerful blade design
• Strong price point for a quality paddle
• Maybe a little pricey

You may want to check other high- and low-angle Aqua-Bound paddles in our detailed review here.

Shaft Material: Fiberglass Shaft Options: Straight shaft. 0° or 60° (Left or Right handed) Blade Material: epX Engineered Polymer, Fiberglass Reinforced Blade Dimensions: 6.9 x 17.5 in. (18 x 44 cm)  Blade Size: 95 sq. in. (613 sq. cm) Lengths: 220 / 230 / 240 / 250 / 260 / 260 / 270 / 280 cm Weight: 34 oz. (964 g)  USRP: $139.95 

Kayak fishing paddles don’t come much more popular than this! The Angler Classic paddle by Bending Branches is a step up from the company’s entry-level designs. We love this solid paddle, which would be perfect for beginner anglers but can also last you for years. 

The Angler Classic paddle is pretty lightweight by the standards of plastic-bladed paddles. The fiberglass shaft makes the paddle stiff and responsive, but also sturdy and comfortable to use over longer distances.

In our tests, the blades proved to be really strong. They are made from fiberglass-reinforced polymer, which saves weight and makes the blades stiff enough for the most powerful strokes.

The Angler Classic comes in the snap button design, which gives you a few choices for feather and a huge selection of lengths. Alternatively, you can buy the “Plus” model, which comes with a fully adjustable ferrule. This ferrule allows you to change the length of the paddle and the feather angle infinitely. Of course, the “Plus” model comes at a higher price.

If you like Bending Branches paddles, but want something a little lighter, there’s always the Angler Pro. The Angler Pro paddle has a similar design but comes with fiberglass blades.

• Great value
• Strong, smooth design
• Limited adjustability (unless you get the Plus model)

Shaft Material: Fiberglass Shaft Options: Straight shaft. 0° or 60° (Left or Right handed) Blade Material: Polypropylene Blade Dimensions: 6.75 x 18 in. (17 x 46 cm) Blade Size: 89 sq. in. (574 sq. cm) Lengths: 210 / 220 / 230 / 240 cm Weight: 35 oz. (992 g) USRP: $99.95

The Sunrise Glass is essentially the same paddle as the uber-popular Bending Branches Whisper but with a fiberglass shaft, rather than aluminum. This saves you a couple of ounces in weight, but also makes the whole paddle feel far more responsive and smoother, especially over longer distances.

Beyond that, you still get the solid Bending Branches design which makes them unendingly popular throughout North America. 

Polypropylene blades may not be the most technical option, but they will last forever, so you won’t need to worry if you play to push off beaches or bump off rocks as you career down a lazy river. 

This is arguably the best of the “under $100” bunch. The blades are a smoother shape than most others on here, and they will feel more like one of the higher level touring paddles than something aimed purely at beginners. 

• Basic paddle with a strong, smooth blade
• Bending Branches are renowned for making solid, quality paddles
• Polypropylene blades can flutter under power

Shaft Material: Fiberglass Shaft Options: Straight shaft, 30° or 45° right handed. Standard or small shaft options. Bent shaft available at extra cost. Blade Material: Fiberglass Blade Dimensions: 7.75 x 18 in. (19.5 x 46 cm) Blade Size: 105 sq. in. (680 sq. cm) Lengths: 191 / 194 / 197 / 200 cm Weight: 34.75 oz. (985 g) USRP: $260

Smooth like butter. The Sherpa from Werner Paddles has long been one of the most popular white water paddles on the market and there’s a really good reason for that. In an environment where linking strokes seamlessly together is of utmost importance, you need a paddle you can rely on to catch, release and recover in one fluid movement. 

The Sherpa is unassuming in this sense, but once you start paddling with it you’ll wonder why anyone uses anything different. The smaller brother of the Powerhouse, which is increasingly popular in tight creeks and off drops, the Sherpa is an all round classic. 

Fiberglass shaft and blades keep it stiff, responsive and durable, and you can get hold of this paddle in standard or small shaft options. You can also get a bent shaft for an extra cost, if that’s what you’re into. 

• It wouldn’t be used by so many pro paddlers if it wasn’t as good as it is
• Recovery and linked strokes is second to none
• Longer blades can slow your cadence. Some environments demand high cadence and powerful strokes. In this case, look to the Player or Sidekick paddles

Best Kayak Paddle for Kids: Perception Hi Five 

Shaft Material: Aluminium Shaft Options: Straight shaft. 0° or 60° (Left or Right handed) Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene Blade Dimensions: Not stated Blade Size: 65 sq. in. (425 sq. cm) Lengths: 190 cm Weight: 27 oz. (765 g) USRP: $39.99

This is the accompanying paddle to Perception’s popular Hi Five kayak/SUP crossover for kids and is perfectly designed for youth users. 

The small shaft, with ferrule options of no feather or sixty degrees either direction, gives room for progression as your child develops through the sport. Not only that, but the aluminium build means it will last even if it’s bounced around, dropped or trodden on as they splash around and jump on and off their kayak .

The blades are smaller than others on this list, giving them a smooth and easy going catch and release, making recovery easy too. When kids are starting out, it’s important to make things as straightforward as possible, and by giving them a paddle which is both easy to use and doesn’t tire them out, they’re more likely to stick with the sport for longer.

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These are cheap, light and durable. Although the small blades are great for starting out, they might be time-limited. As your child starts to get more confident and wants to go further, or faster, the small blades may feel like they limit them slightly. 

• Really lightweight
• Small blades make it easier to grasp strokes
• Might be outgrown quickly

How to Choose a Kayak Paddle: Expert Advice

Paddles. All they do is push you through the water, right? Why is it that every time you get on the water with someone new, they have a paddle you’ve never seen before? And why, when you borrow someone else’s paddle which they so fiercely defend as “the best paddle they’ve ever used,” do you hate it? 

Simply put, a paddle is an extension of your arms; it’s the step up from sitting in your boat and swimming your way through the water.

Similar to how your boat needs to fit you perfectly for you to get the most out of it, your paddle needs to sit right in your hands or complement your body movement. The paddle chooses the paddler. 

This all sounds very spiritualistic and nonsensical. Of course, it’s possible to paddle with someone else’s paddles, much like how you can jump in someone else’s boat. It might even be the case that you realise you prefer their paddles and change your allegiance altogether. But how much difference and science can there really be in a stick with two flaps on the end? And what is it that makes them so different from one another? 

What a Paddle Does

To understand the difference in paddles, we first need to know exactly what a paddle does. Paddles are designed to grip the water and stay in place. As you twist your core and push through the stroke with your top hand, a levering motion takes place as the blade pushes against the water; this drives the boat forwards. 

Of course, there will be some ‘slippage’ of the paddle blade in the water. This is considered wasted energy as the transfer of power isn’t directly driving the boat, and it’s this ‘slippage’ which paddle manufacturers work so hard to minimise. 

The paddle is an extension of your arms; your primary means of transferring power from your body to the water and propelling the kayak. But what is it that makes it so personal? And why are there different paddles for each discipline? 

What Paddle Length Do I Need?

Maybe the easiest place to start is how long your paddle needs to be. For recreational kayakers, this is a straightforward decision involving your height and the width of your boat. The chart below gives a rough guide for recreational and touring kayaking . This can also be applied to disciplines such as kayak fishing .

Touring (Low Angle) Paddle Sizing Chart

Low Angle Paddling

Low angle paddling is considered to be when the top hand stays roughly level with your shoulders throughout the stroke. This is a more relaxed approach to kayaking which relies less on technique and allows you to cruise all day as a beginner , without exhausting yourself. The downside is that because of the wider angle, your paddle is liable to arc away from the boat throughout the stroke and you may find yourself spending more time correcting your path. Low angle paddling is often suited to recreational kayakers in calm environments.

High Angle Paddling

High angle paddling relies on good form and effective paddling technique, using the core muscles rather than relying solely on your arms. Here, your top hand is likely to be level with your eye line rather than your shoulders, and your paddle will follow a straighter line down the side of your boat so that all of your efforts go into propulsion, rather than turning the boat. High angle paddling is more suited to experienced paddlers and challenging environments. Without proper paddle technique, this can be exhausting and you will quickly revert to low angle paddling.

RELATED: High Angle vs. Low Angle Paddling: Different Strokes for Different Folks  

Cadence/Stroke Rate

When you start to look at paddles for more technical environments, such as whitewater kayaking or sea kayaking in rock gardens or rough conditions, there are other factors which determine your paddle length. One of the major influencers here is cadence or stroke rate.

Longer paddles spend more time in the water and accordingly more time out of the water as you set up for the next stroke. A shorter paddle equates to a shorter paddle stroke and faster recovery, therefore a much faster paddling rate. For cruising and recreational paddlers, this is not beneficial, you expend more energy even if you have perfect paddle form. However, in choppy sea conditions, rock gardens or white water, balancing propulsion and cadence is essential for success. 

In choppy sea conditions, rock gardens or white water, balancing propulsion and cadence is essential for success.

Sea kayaking in choppy conditions requires a paddle long enough to propel you effectively, but short enough to accelerate quickly and spend less time without the paddle engaged in the water. Meanwhile, sea kayaking in rocky outcrops and playing around in the surf requires a paddle you can use to accelerate quickly and recover from the water quickly to change your angle and position on the water. This means you’re likely to want a shorter paddle for both of these specific situations, especially playing around in the rocks; you’re looking at dropping about 5 – 10 centimetres on the above chart.

White water kayakers use the shortest paddles of all, looking to maximise stroke rate and put the power down in short, sharp bursts of speed. This is especially prevalent in playboating, where lateral movements and power bursts are timed with body movement and slight changes in the wave and paddles tend to be even shorter for this. River runners are likely to be dropping around 15- 20 centimetres from the above chart, while playboaters would be looking around the 20 – 25 centimetre range. 

White water river running kayaking size chart, taken from Werner paddles .

Blade Shapes: Symmetric or Asymmetric Blades?

As well as the overall length of the paddle, the length and shape of the blade play an important part in how a paddle interacts with the water. Most kayak paddles now have asymmetric blades, as opposed to the traditional blades which are symmetrical above and below the shaft. Kayak blades also tend to be curved, with a concave power face gripping the water more effectively than a flat blade. 

Top blade, asymmetric. Bottom blade, symmetric. Image is taken from Boat-ed.

Symmetric paddles can allow you to put down a lot of power, but there’s nothing smooth about paddling with them. The asymmetry allows you to plant the blade effectively and maximise the power face of the paddle all the way through your stroke. Different blade shapes, therefore, are suited to high and low angle paddlers as this will impact on how your paddle enters the water and flows through your stroke.

Once you get into the particular disciplines, this asymmetry will allow you to propel the boat differently. Longer blades work similar to longer paddles and can give you a more efficient cruising stroke, while shorter blades increase your potential cadence and manoeuvrability in tight settings. 

In even more nuanced situations, paddles generate power in slightly different ways and the shape of the blade will decide whether you have a smoother transition through linked paddle strokes, an ability to quickly plant and generate power and even how that power transitions through your boat in certain situations, such a boof strokes in white water. 

Paddle Materials: Plastic, Fiberglass, or Carbon?

The shape of the blade and the length of your paddle contribute to how it puts down power, but this is also affected by what it’s made from. 

The three most common materials for kayak paddles are plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber.  Each of these has their individual benefits and drawbacks. 

Plastic Paddles

Plastic paddles are very robust and will probably outlast your kayaking career unless you do something drastic, making them perfect for playing around rocks and sharp coastlines. Besides that, plastic paddles are also much cheaper than alternatives, making them perfect for the beginner or recreational paddlers who don’t need the specific advantages of a fiberglass or carbon paddle.

The downside to plastic paddles is their flex, which you will often notice once you get into more progressive strokes or into high powered, high angle paddling. When you’re in a situation where every bit of effort matters, a flexible paddle isn’t particularly desirable. For this reason, experienced paddlers rarely use them. 

Fiberglass Paddles

In the middle of the road and probably the most common among sea kayakers and white water kayakers are fiberglass blades. These are much stiffer and lighter than their plastic counterparts and also tend to ‘slice’ through the water more effectively which makes them very capable of performing linked strokes. 

Fiberglass is prone to chipping and slowly wearing down over time and it’s not uncommon when comparing a heavily used white water blade against a brand new one to see a completely different blade shape and size. 

Carbon Paddles

If power transfer is key and you can’t afford to lose anything to flex, carbon is your friend. By far the lightest, stiffest and most expensive of the three, carbon is often considered to be unnecessary to all but those who need to maximise effort; slalom kayakers or sea kayakers on long multi-day trips. 

Carbon is even more susceptible to breaking than fiberglass and often splinters if you bounce it off too many rocks. In particularly rocky creeks you can watch your money falling away in front of your eyes!

Carbon blades also open up the possibility of having a core to the blade, usually either foam or air. This core not only makes the paddle lighter but means that when it comes to rolling in high-pressure environments, your paddle naturally wants to be on the surface of the water making the action easier and quicker.

Holding the two blades together is the shaft. Surely that bit’s easy right? It’s just a tube.

Not quite. The shaft is your direct feedback link to the water. Couple this with the fact that you wrap your hands around it for hours at a time, you want it to be comfortable.

Straight and Cranked Shafts

Most recreational kayak shafts are straight, but you may have seen people on the water with bent shafts, otherwise known as cranked paddles. The idea of these bent shafts is to put your wrists in a more ergonomic position and reduce strain through your wrists, reducing the risk of tendonitis. Bent shaft paddles are especially popular among sea kayakers who are most at risk of repetitive strain injuries from overuse, but have found their way into all disciplines. 

The idea of bent shafts is to put your wrists in a more ergonomic position and reduce strain through your wrists, reducing the risk of tendonitis.

The only way to fully decide whether they’re for you is to try them and see for yourself, but it can take a while to get used to a cranked paddle. 

Shafts also come in different widths, generally small shaft and regular shaft. Smaller framed paddlers benefit from the lower weight and easier grip they gain from the smaller shaft. 

Left-handed and Right-handed Paddles

Some companies also add a slight teardrop shape to the paddle where your hands will be positioned. Sometimes this is done for both hands, sometimes just for your primary hand. If you didn’t know that paddles come in left and right-handed, see the next section; ‘Feather’.

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Shaft Materials

Materials differ, too, and you can often choose between fiberglass and carbon shaft. Asides from the obvious price and weight difference, these alter how much flex you will get from the paddle. A full carbon, non cranked paddle, for example, is extremely stiff and this can put you at risk of repetitive strain injuries in certain situations. By changing the shaft for fiberglass you can add just enough flexibility to reduce your likelihood of getting injured.

Have you ever looked at a kayak paddle and wondered why the blades are off at different angles and thought it would be a lot easier to paddle if they were both the same? You’re not alone. Most beginners wish their paddle wasn’t feathered, but soon the movement becomes fluid and the reasons become apparent. 

While one of your blades is engaged in the water, the other is moving through the air, ready to be planted again for the next stroke. Without feather, this top blade would be fully open, as it is in the water, and wind resistance would mean you had to work harder for each recovery; more wasted effort. This may seem menial on short paddles, but over long days and in windy conditions it becomes incredibly important. 

Initially, this was overcome by putting the blades at a 90° angle so that the top blade cut through the wind perfectly. This design survived for hundreds of years before recent design showed that this was putting kayakers at much greater risk of injury. Modern paddles vary between 15° and 45°. 

Some of this decision comes down to preference, but it’s often situational. White water and sheltered environments are less wind affected and a lower degree of feather is often adequate. Sea kayaking and open water touring often use a higher degree of feather as they have to recover their paddle strokes through rough winds and choppy conditions. 

As we said before, paddles are either left-handed or right-handed. This primary hand is the one which performs the ‘twist’ to position the blade, ready for the stroke, while the other acts as a guide. It’s important to know whether you’re left-handed or right-handed as it’s important to get your feather round the right way. 

Paddles are available with variable feather, so you can alter your paddle as conditions change. This can also allow you to change between left and right-handed paddling.

Some white water kayakers, especially playboaters, have made the transition to 0° feather, or flat paddles. This means that no time or effort is wasted twisting the paddle and you can maximise paddle cadence and, in terms of playboating, direct power through some moves. 

One-Piece vs Split Paddles

As well as one-piece paddles, you can get split paddles. These come in two, three or four pieces, depending on your needs. These paddles are much easier to fit in your car , but there’s a bit more to it than that.

Split sea kayaking paddles usually have adjustable feather as we previously mentioned, but they also have adjustable length, too. Two-piece splits are often carried on the top deck of a sea kayak as a quick-to-deploy spare paddle. 

Split paddles for white water are becoming more adjustable and usually at least have the option of left or right-handed. These are usually only carried as an emergency spare, rather than a primary paddle. Even with modern split paddle design, it goes without saying that the more connections you put into a paddle, the more potential it has to break, but these are an essential piece of kit on more challenging rivers and multi-day trips. 

This is a lot of information, how do I pick my paddle? 

That’s a hard decision, unfortunately. All of these elements and nuances need to be taken into consideration when you’re picking your first or your fiftieth paddle, but there’s still that element we can’t account for; personal choice. Nothing quite beats trying a paddle out on the water, but this isn’t always an option. 

Now that you have read this guide and have an understanding of the different elements that make up a paddle, as well as the technology and design which go into them, you can look at a range of paddles more objectively and make a better decision about what might suit you and your paddling style. 

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Tom "Moose" Kilpatrick

Moose started his paddling life on the ponds and rivers in the South-East of England. He has slowly worked his way north and has spent the last few years paddling in Scotland, both with friends and as a canoe guide. A very experienced and knowledgeable coach and guide across Scotland and the rest of the UK, he spent a summer in Norway and a month in Nepal. He is also a cofounder of PaddleMore.co.uk.

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Best Kayak Paddle – Reviews and Guide for Buyers

Paddles. They’re all the same, right? Wrong!

How do you know what length to choose? Which is the best material for paddling? Bent shaft or straight?

Choosing the wrong paddle means there’s a chance you’re not going to enjoy your kayak the way you should be.

We have put together the best kayak paddle picks and a full buyer’s guide to help make sure you improve your paddling experience.

Top Kayak Paddle Picks:

• Werner Camano 2 PC Straight Paddle  (best overall)
• Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle  (best value)
• Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Posi-Lok Paddle  (best carbon paddle)

Ok, let’s go!

Table of Contents

The Top 12 Best Kayak Paddles In Review

1: werner camano 2 pc straight paddle (best overall).

Read our full Werner Camano review

• Length: 220 to 260 cm
• Weight: 26.75 ounces

This Werber Camano straight shaft, two piece paddle features a carbon fiber blend shaft , which makes it both ultra lightweight and comfortable to hold and use during a long day on the lake. It can also be purchased in a one-piece version.

It also benefits from having asymmetric dihedral blades constructed from tough fiberglass, giving it extra strength in the water and allowing for efficient paddle strokes.

This can be a good choice for touring and for frequent use to reduce fatigue, and it can be an ideal paddle for lakes and slow moving water, where you’re using a low angle stroke. It’s available in a range of bright colors and their sizes range from 220 to 260 centimeters.

The blades are a mid-size design which can make this quality paddle more suitable for a wider range of paddlers and can be best suited to a low angle stroke. The indexing and texture on the shaft, combined with the moderate flex of the carbon, can make it more comfortable for long distance paddling.

Another useful feature of this Camano one is that it is available in a standard or a small diameter shaft. This can make it more appealing, especially if you’re smaller framed and prefer a smaller shaft for improved paddle control and less fatigue.

The Camano also benefits from having a Smart View adjustable ferrule system that can let you set the blades to the desired angles for your most efficient paddling technique.

Additionally, this feature can help give the shaft the strength and feel of a one-piece paddle.

• Very lightweight
• Available in different shaft diameters
• Ideal for touring or frequent paddling
• Great for low angle paddling
• Not ideal for a high angle stroke

If you’re into paddling long distances, particularly touring, and you’re looking for a good deal, the Camano is worth a try.

2: Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle (best value paddle)

Read our full Carlisle Magic Plus review

• Length: 220 to 240 cm
• Weight: 35.6 to 39.8 ounces

Featuring fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades and a fiberglass shaft, this one is not only lightweight but it’s also durable. It benefits from having an asymmetric blade with a spoon shaped curve, which will provide more power with each stroke. The best kayak paddle in our opinion!

It is available in three different lengths; 220, 230 or 240 centimeters, with the 220 centimeter length weighing just 35.6 ounces.

Its lightweight and strong construction means it could be a good paddle for a day on the water or a multi-day trip.

The Carlisle Magic Plus is a two-piece paddle , which can make it easier to transport and store. It can also give you the chance to either feather the blades to 60 degrees or keep them inline, depending on your preference.

The inclusion of rubber drip rings can help you to stay dry while you’re paddling.

The shaft features an ovalized grip for more comfortable paddling, which could make it a good choice for both recreational kayaking and touring. The wrapped fiberglass shaft is also designed to minimize pressure on your joints, with the balanced blades helping to reduce paddling fatigue.

Another great feature of the Carlisle Magic Plus paddle is that it is built to float, making it easier to grab if you drop it overboard. However, it is still recommended that you attach a paddle leash, just in case you do happen to let it go.

This paddle also comes in a selection of bright colors so that you can choose the best one to suit the color of your yak or for increased visibility.

• Lightweight fiberglass-reinforced construction
• Available in different lengths
• Ideal for recreation and touring
• Asymmetric blades
• Not the lightest
• May not be long enough for wide fishing kayaks

3: Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon Posi-Lok 2 Piece Kayak Paddle (best carbon paddle)

Our full Manta Ray paddle review

• Length: 210 to 250 cm
• Weight: 29.5 ounces

If you’re looking for an ultra lightweight paddle for frequent use then this could be it. This Manta Ray paddle has the benefit of a 100% carbon fiber straight shaft, meaning it’s extra light but also extra tough.

This two piece paddle also features lightweight carbon fiber blades, giving you extra strength in the water. It can be good for multi-day trips or long days, as the oval shaft type will mean it’s more comfortable and allows for a better grip.

This paddle also benefits from a Posi-Lok ferrule system, which allows you to adjust the feathering angle easily but keep it locked in place when you need it. The sizes range from 210 cm to 250 cm .

The range of lengths can make it suitable for a wide range of kayakers, with the corrosion-resistant system letting you tailor the blade angles for your own needs while minimizing the risk of rusting.

The blades are a large size with a dihedral design which can help you to increase your power and let you cover more water at a faster rate.

The carbon-reinforced nylon blades are engineered to better suit a high angled stroke and could also be ideal for paddling a heavier craft, for example a fishing kayak or a fully loaded camping yak.

The shaft benefits from having seven layers of carbon, helping to maximize the strength and durability of the overall paddle. The surface is designed with a positive grip so that you can gain full control of the shaft even when your hands are wet. Additionally, there are drip rings close to the blades to minimize the amount of water coming off the blade and into your boat.

The Aqua Bound Sting Ray is the low-angle alternative to the Manta Ray and is made from carbon reinforced nylon. The Tango fiberglass paddle is a popular choice too with a very light swing weight.

The Manta Ray Carbon paddle is lightweight, durable and strong. It’s great if you’re a more experienced paddler looking for improved power and efficiency.

• Ultra-lightweight carbon
• Ideal for high angle paddling
• Great for fishing kayaks
• Ovalized shaft
• Posi-Lok system not always reliable

4: Bending Branches Angler Classic (best paddle for fishing)

• Weight: 34 ounces

Made in the USA, the Angler Classic from Bending Branches features a fiberglass straight shaft and fiberglass reinforced blades, so it’s both lightweight and durable. Designed for kayak fishing, this one has a hook retrieval system built into one of the blades, so you can easily free your line if it’s caught.

Another feature of this Angler Classic is the measuring tool built into the shaft, so you can measure your catch in both standard and metric units. The blades are asymmetric dihedral , with a slight curve to give you extra power with each paddle stroke.

This Bending Branches paddle is available in lengths from 220 cm up to 260 cm. This can make it suitable for a wider range of paddlers and ideal for different widths of boats, particularly wider fishing yaks that may require a longer shaft.

The Bending Branches Angler Classic is a 2-piece paddle, which can be easier to transport. This can also make it a good option for storing on board your yak as a spare. The shaft features a three hole snap button ferrule system which is designed to provide a strong feel, similar to that of a one piece shaft.

A handy feature of this one is the ovalized shaft . This can be more comfortable to hold while paddling and can help to minimize fatigue, as well as giving you improved grip for increased control.

Bending Branches have brought us either a sage green color or a bright orange color, so you can choose between being incognito for fishing tactics or being more visible for safety reasons.

This is a great choice for fishing and recreational kayakers alike. The 2-piece paddle makes it easier to carry around, along with your tackle.

• Hook retrieval system
• Choice of camouflage or highly visible color
• Range of lengths available
• Fish measuring system on shaft

5: Carlisle Expedition Fiberglass Paddle (best for touring)

• Weight: 33 ounces

Designed for touring, the Carlisle Expedition Expedition paddle has both a lightweight fiberglass shaft and fiberglass blades, so it can be a good choice for an all-day adventure. With the 220 centimeter length weighing just 33 ounces, you’ll be able to paddle for longer with less fatigue.

It’s available in lengths of 220, 230, 240 centimeters and it features a push button joint to let you set different feathering angles. However, it can only be angled at either 60 degrees or inline. The blades are asymmetric dihedral, to give you extra power as you move through the water.

The medium sized blades can be ideal for most paddlers and can be great for recreational paddling or even fishing, as well as longer tours.

A nice feature of the Carlisle Expedition is that it is a two-piece paddle, making it more versatile, whether you want to use it as a spare to keep on deck or use it as your main paddle. It is also built to be strong and durable, making it great for lakes and rivers.

Another great feature of the shaft is the ferrule system that can let you adjust the feathering for either right-handed paddling or left-handed, making it more appealing to a wider range of kayakers.

As well as being an excellent long distance paddle, the shaft and blades come in a bright yellow color so this can be more visible in the water for added safety.

• Durable fiberglass blades
• Adjustable ferrule system
• Asymmetric dihedral blades
• Blades can only be feathered inline or at 60 degrees

6: Werner Kalliste Carbon 2-Piece Paddle (best bent shaft)

• Weight: 25.25 ounces

This can be a great option if you’re heading out on a multi-day trip or will simply be spending a lot of time on the water. The Werner Kalliste features a carbon fiber shaft that is bent, giving a more ergonomic design, which is more comfortable to use during long hours on the water.

It has lightweight carbon blades with an asymmetric dihedral design and benefits from Dynel blade edges , giving it extra resistance. This paddle also benefits from an adjustable ferrule system so you can feather the angle to suit your paddling style and comes in a length of 220 cm.

The carbon shaft is also available in 230 and 240 cm lengths, as well as being available in two different sizes of shaft diameter – small and standard. This can make it a great choice if you’re a smaller framed paddler , as the small diameter shaft can be more comfortable to hold and can be easier to grip.

It benefits from having a Smart View locking mechanism which can allow you to set the feathering angle of the blades in 15 degree increments from 0 to 75 degrees. This system is also crafted so that the shaft has the strong feel of a one piece paddle and is designed to prevent your gear from getting snagged .

Additionally, the full carbon blades are built to float.

The Kalliste is engineered for high performance using low angle strokes. The medium sized blades are designed to suit a variety of paddlers, with the smooth back face helping to improve your paddling efficiency by creating a cleaner entry to and exit from the water.

• Full carbon blades
• Great for touring

7: Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle

• Length: 231 cm
• Weight: 43.2 ounces
• List Pieces: 4

Featuring a nylon construction, the Advanced Elements Compact is durable and lightweight but the best part about it is that it can be taken apart. It breaks down into 4 parts so it can be easily packed into your yak as a spare or can be taken with you when traveling.

When taken apart it measures just 25.5 inches in length and features asymmetrical dihedral blades and a round shaft. It can be a good choice for touring on either lakes or the sea.

The blades are made from fiber glass filled nylon and are of a medium size, making this ideal for powering through the water quickly. The blades are unfeathered and are set at a 60 degree angle.

The round shaft is crafted from aluminum alloy , which can make it a little heavier compared to carbon fiber or fiberglass shafts but this can also help to make it more affordable. The aluminum shaft material can also be strong and durable. To help keep water from dripping into your boat, the shaft also features rubber rings near the blades.

The main feature of this paddle is that it can be easily stored and transported, making it more suitable as a second paddle. However, this feature can also make it a great choice as a main paddle to use with an inflatable or folding kayak , where you may want more compact accessories for the convenience of carrying in your car, for example.

• Dihedral blades
• Ideal as a spare
• Good for open water paddling
• Great for inflatable or folding yaks
• Can’t adjust blade angle

8: Seattle Sports 060295 SeaWhisper Carbon Kayak Paddle

• Length: 230 to 240 cm
• Weight: 41 ounces

With a carbon fiber shaft, the Seattle Sports SeaWhisper is a lightweight, strong option that is ideal for touring, recreation or fishing. It even has DorsalBlades built into each blade so you can grab your fishing line or even hook onto gear in your yak or anything that’s fallen overboard.

The asymmetric dihedral blades are fiberglass reinforced nylon, so they’re not as lightweight as full carbon fiber blades. You can adjust the length of the shaft between 230 and 240 centimeters and you can also adjust the feather angle.

The SeaWhisper also has the added feature of having reflectors built into the blades , for higher visibility if you’re out in lower light conditions.

Another great feature that can help to increase your visibility during your nighttime paddling expeditions is the addition of the oversized drip rings that are designed to glow in the dark. These large rings are also built to effectively reduce the amount of water that runs off your blade and into your yak, helping to keep you and your boat dry. This can be useful in both sit-on-tops and sit-insides.

The SeaWhisper comes in two pieces for convenience and easy storage and even benefits from having a built-in leash loop to make it easier to attach a tether to prevent it from floating away.

This can be an ideal option for a low angle stroke .

An affordable carbon fiber paddle with a handy adjustable shaft.

• Adjustable shaft length
• Reflectors for increased low-light visibility
• Molded hooks for grabbing items or docks
• Great for low angle recreational paddling
• Not full carbon
• Limited lengths available

9: SeaSense X-TREME1 Kayak Paddle (best budget paddle)

• Length: 213 cm
• Weight: 48 ounces

The SeaSense XTREME-1 paddle can offer good value for anyone who’s looking to get started or just looking for a spare one. It features a durable aluminum shaft and symmetrical dihedral blades . The blades are constructed with molded plastic, so they’re strong and can be a wise choice for recreational kayaking.

The symmetrical blades means it can be good for high angle strokes but it may get a little heavy after a while, due to its aluminum construction. However, there are foam hand grips for your hands to give you a little extra comfort while you’re out on the water.

The Xtreme 1 has a relatively short shaft at just 213 cm , which can make it better suited to smaller paddlers or children. It can also be a good option for using on smaller kayaks. However, it is available in a 244 cm model if you’d prefer a longer length.

The drip rings are adjustable so that you can position them at the optimum points for your style of paddling, to prevent water dripping into your vessel.

The shaft also benefits from having an adjustable ferrule system so that you can set the blade angle to suit many paddling techniques. There are three locking positions.

Another useful feature is that it floats, making it easier to retrieve if you lose it overboard. It also comes in two pieces to make storage and transportation a little easier.

This is a budget paddle that’s great for those just starting out on their kayaking adventures. Even if you’re more experienced, it’s also a good paddle to have as a spare. Just in case.

• Ideal entry-level paddle for beginners
• Adjustable rings
• Adjustable feathering system
• Short shaft length

10: Werner Skagit 4-Piece Paddle

• Length: 220 to 250 cm
• Weight: 39 ounces

The Skagit paddle can be a great paddle for inflatable kayaks and for use as a spare paddle, as it comes in four pieces for easy storage.

It features mid-size, low-angle blades with dihedral shapes for comfortable forward-paddling. But it’s not the lightest.

It’s durable, with fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades and a carbon shaft. Its fiberglass ferrule system also means it paddles like a one-piece paddle.

• Great for inflatable kayaks
• Not lightweight

11: Wilderness Systems Pungo Carbon Paddle

• Weight: 25 ounces

The Wilderness Systems Pungo paddle is a lightweight two-piece carbon paddle. It was built for the Pungo family of kayaks but can be a great option for other recreational and touring kayaks as well.

This has carbon fiber composite curved blades for lightweight power and efficient performance. However, the blades are less flexible than some others and may be too stiff for some paddlers. The shaft features full carbon construction to minimize fatigue.

• Lightweight
• Great for recreational paddling
• Full carbon construction
• Less flexible blades

12: Perception Universal Kayak Paddle

• Length: 230 cm

The Perception Universal is an affordable kayak paddle that we think is a great option for beginners. While it has a durable aluminum shaft it’s not the heaviest on our list.

It has large dihedral blades made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic for extra strength. This is made primarily for sit-on-top kayaks.

A downside is that it’s only available in one length which may limit its use for some paddlers, despite being “universal”.

• Great for beginners
• Recreational paddle
• Only one length

How To Choose A Kayak Paddle

Types of paddle.

For different types of paddling there are different types of paddles. We’ll take a look at the four main ones to help you choose which one might be the better one for you.

Recreational Kayak Paddle: Designed for recreational use, they tend to be heavier but also less expensive. They are durable and most often used for shorter trips or by people who don’t kayak for long periods of time, due to their tendency to increase fatigue. They are also commonly used with fishing kayaks .

Touring Kayak Paddle: These are designed to be comfortable even after a day of paddling. They are ergonomic, lightweight and durable and are ideal for lakes, slow moving rivers or the sea.

They come in a range of different styles, with various blade shapes and shaft styles to suit your personal style of paddling.

The Carlisle Expedition paddle is our favorite for touring.

Performance Kayak Paddle: Like their name suggests, they are built for performance. They are usually ultra light and extra durable, often with advanced features. These ones are ideal for when you want speed and power.

They are often designed to make it more comfortable and more efficient for you out on the water, with less wind resistance and restrictions that may hinder your paddling.

Whitewater Kayak Paddle: These ones are designed with durability in mind. Because of the strong whitewater conditions they are often able to withstand occasional underwater hazards, such as rocks.

They are also built to allow for efficient maneuvering in the strong currents, often with wider blades and a thicker shaft.

We also has an entire article dedicated to fishing kayak paddles .

Paddle Length

The length of paddle you will need will depend on a number of factors. The two most important factors in choosing the right length are the width of your kayak and your height , or more specifically, the length of your torso .

With recreational yaks being wider, you may still need quite a long paddle, even if you’re not very tall. This is to account for the width of the yak, so that you don’t hit your knuckles off of the gunwales as you paddle.

Sit-on-tops may also require a longer paddle than sit-insides because you’re higher above the water and will therefore need the extra length in order to reach and stroke through the water easily.

Kayak Paddle Length Chart

As a guide, if you’re under 5’5” and your kayak is under 23 inches wide, an ideal paddle length would be 210 centimeters; if it’s between 24 and 28 inches, go for a 220 centimeter paddle; 29 to 33 inches, a 230 centimeter one would be ideal and for over 34 inches, a 240 centimeter one would be good.

For paddlers over 5’5”, the length should increase by around 10 centimeters compared to the paddles for the shorter paddlers, and again by another 10 centimeters for those over 6 feet tall. So a 6 foot paddler may choose a 260 centimeter paddle to use with a yak that’s over 34 inches wide.

However, your torso length will determine what size of paddle you will need, as people with a longer torso will sit higher in the yak.

It’s not just about the paddler height. If your torso is 22 inches long, a 180 centimeter youth paddle would be ideal. If your torso is 24 inches, a youth paddle of between 180 and 200 centimeters may be comfortable.

For torsos of 26 inches, 190 to 210 centimeters could be recommended; 28 inch torsos would be 200 to 220 centimeters, with the length range of the paddle increasing by 10 centimeters as the torso increases by 2 inches.

Torso Length Chart

A quick way of working out which length of paddle will work best for you is to stand with the paddle vertically, with one blade on the ground. You should be able to reach up and your fingers will curl just over the opposite blade.

You can also hold the shaft out, in paddling position. Your hands should be around two thirds of the way between the center of the shaft and the start of the blade.

However, it’s always a good idea to test out a paddle on the water before you go ahead and purchase , as your style of paddling will also affect the length you’ll need. Many retailers will offer demo days where you can try out the paddles as well as having experts on hand to offer advice on which will be the best one for you.

Materials (Blade & Shaft)

Kayak paddles come in a range of different materials, each of them with their own benefits. The material you choose will depend on your personal preference, budget and your style of paddling.

Starter paddles tend to have an aluminum shaft with a plastic blade construction. This makes them durable but also heavy. However, the advantage is that they are often less expensive than some other materials. You may find that some recreational kayaks will come with an aluminum and plastic paddle included.

The least expensive paddle blades are often made from plastic, aluminum or even nylon. They can be ideal blade materials for beginners or if you’re looking to get a spare.

Fiberglass is a popular material for blades , as it offers good durability as well as being lightweight and can be a good option for both recreational and touring kayaking.

Carbon fiber paddle blades are even lighter than fiberglass but are also a lot more expensive. They are usually found on performance paddles, as they will let you move efficiently through the water and reduce fatigue.

Many shafts are still made out of wood, due to its strength and durability. You may find that the wood has been coated with a protective layer to give it more resistance, but they can be used even without a coating.

Aluminum is a popular shaft material because of its high durability and strength. Aluminum shafts tend to be heavier, which is fine if you’re not spending a lot of time on the water but they may cause fatigue if you’re out on a multi-day trip.

Aluminum shafts are relatively inexpensive compared to fiberglass and particularly carbon fiber shafts. Both fiberglass and carbon fiber shafts are lightweight and strong, designed for frequent use that makes them a good choice for the more serious kayakers.

Paddle Shaft Shapes And Pieces

As well as materials, there are other things about the shaft that you need to consider when choosing a paddle. First of all, the shafts can either be round or oval shaped. The round one, which is the more traditional, may not be quite as comfortable as the oval one.

Bent Vs. Straight Paddle Shafts

An oval shaft will be easier to hold, giving you better grip areas and therefore more efficient paddling. You can also get shafts that are mostly round, with designated oval sections for your hands.

Shafts can also come as a one-piece, two-piece or more. The two-piece can be taken apart. This is usually to allow for feathering of the blades, which will give you a more personalized paddle for your paddling style, with the aim of making each stroke easier and faster. With some two-piece shafts you are able to put them together so that the blades are at different angles, to suit many paddling styles.

You will also find that you can get either straight shafts or bent ones. The bent , or cranked ones, are designed to make it more comfortable and easier to paddle, minimizing the strain on your wrists .

Blade Shape

Choosing the style of blade design can be difficult, with there being so many to choose from . You’ll probably find that most paddles are dihedral as opposed to flat, meaning they have two power faces, which can help direct the flow of water towards the end of the blades, making it more efficient.

You may also discover that most blades are asymmetric, so their surface area in the water is equal along both sides of the blade, meaning you don’t have to use as much energy to paddle the stroke and it also reduces flutter in the water. The way in which the asymmetric blades are designed means that the angle that the blade hits the water allows you to maximize your stroke .

When looking at the blade design, the sides are not the same but because you don’t paddle completely vertically or completely horizontally, the asymmetric angle on the blade gives you that maximum surface area in the water.

Wing blades are generally used for speed and in racing sports. Using a wing blade requires a high angle paddling stroke and can increase your speed and efficiency quite dramatically. However, for recreational kayaking and low angle paddling, it would not produce the same effect.

How you paddle will also affect the style of blade you’ll need. For high angle paddling , for example if you paddle with the shaft more vertical than horizontal, then you may be better with a wider blade design. The shafts tend to be shorter for high angle paddling.

For low angle paddling , where you keep the shaft more parallel to the water, you may find your paddling is more efficient with a narrower blade and, in turn, a longer shaft .

Video: How To Choose A Kayak Paddle

What About Kayak Paddle Extensions?

When have a paddle you love it can be hard to let go, even when you’re in a situation that could really use a longer paddle. But that’s where a paddle extension might just be able to help.

Can You Extend A Kayak Paddle?

Depending on the type of paddle you have, yes, you can. There are various products on the market that can allow you to extend the length of your paddle by adding an extension section to the middle portion of your paddle.

If your paddle features a single shaft that cannot be taken apart then you may struggle to add an extension. If, however, you have a 2-piece or 4-piece paddle, you may find adding an extension easier, as the extension is designed to fit in between shaft pieces .

It may also be possible, depending on the type of paddle you have, to manufacture your own paddle extension by using the shaft from another paddle.

In order to do this you could take apart your “spare” paddle and cut the shaft down to the extension length you require. You may also need to drill holes in the piece you’ve cut in order for it to lock into the other sections of your paddle.

However, you might find that some of the diameters may clash, which could require additional items and skills.

Kayak Paddle Frequently Asked Quentsions

What length paddle do i need.

This will depend on your height or torso length and the width of your kayak. For most recreational kayaks, most paddlers will find a paddle length of around 230-240cm suitable.

What Size Kayak Paddle For A Child?

Kids need a shorter, lighter paddle with a thinner shaft for small hands and smaller blades so that they don’t become overwhelmed. This page on kid kayak paddle size has some decent tables available to help you.

Where To Hold A Kayak Paddle?

The “power face” is the concave side of a curved blade and the smooth side of a ribbed blade. Make sure the power faces of the paddle blades are facing you.

Then, holding your paddle, lift it above your head and rest the shaft on top of your head, so that your arms form a right angle at your elbows. This is where your grip (loose) should be.

What Are Some Reputable Brands For Kayak Paddles?

Werner, Aqua-Bound, Carlisle, and Bending Branches are some of the top brands in kayak paddles.

How Do I Take Care Of My Kayak Paddle To Ensure It Lasts Longer?

Separate the pieces and rinse each part with clean, fresh water. Make sure you clean the ferrules, as sand and grit can gather in there. Allow the pieces to dry and store them indoors.

How Does The Weight Of The Paddle Impact Kayaking Performance?

Heavier paddles take more effort with each stroke.

This can cause muscle fatigue. A lightweight paddle can be more efficient, as you can move it more quickly (and with less effort) for each stroke.

Kayak Paddles: Conclusion

While choosing the best kayak paddle for your needs can be a difficult task, we hope we’ve been able to provide you with some helpful information that will boost your understanding of what you need to look out for when you go to purchase your next one.

We like the Carlisle Magic Plus paddle the best, closely followed by the Werner Camano . The Werner Kalliste is a good bent shaft choice.

First and foremost, you should factor in the width of your kayak. But you also should have your height and torso measurements to hand. In addition to this, you will need to factor in what type of kayaking you’re planning to do and what your needs are.

As long as you have a basic idea of your requirements you’ll be able to take that first step towards buying a new paddle. Take one out on a test drive. Get a feel for it. You need to make sure it’s comfortable and suitable for you so you can really maximize your time out on the water.

6 thoughts on “Best Kayak Paddle – Reviews and Guide for Buyers”

Paddles at WalMart are 220 cm long; cost $25; and are pretty good. It’s a good way to see what’s too short or long for you. I tried one for a while and then cut it down to 215 cm. If it would have been too short, I would have saved it for a spare and gone to an outdoor shop to get a longer one. Pelican paddles are 227 cm and cost only $10 more. They have a kind of hook on the bottom edge near the handle and works as a rather effective drip stop

Thanks for commenting…

Yes, going into an actual store is a great way to get a feel for what’s right for you

I bought a load of the Carlisle Expedition Fiberglass paddles for our Alaska Photo Tour company. Clients rent them from us and paddles do a great job, very durable too.

Excellent article. Superb even. Thank you very much for that. Learned a lot. Even tried to order a paddle through your affiliated links, to pay my dues, but shipping costs killed it for me. So hoping my thanks and comment will do.

Thanks Gary. Shipping fees can be a a tough pill to swallow sadly :/

Thank you so much!! Very grateful to you for an excellent source of the information I needed!

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5 Different types of Paddle Boats You should know

Paddle boats have been around for centuries and are a popular way to enjoy the water. There are many different types of paddle boats, from the small, single person kayaks to the large, family-sized canoes. Some paddle boats are designed for racing and others for leisurely cruising. No matter what your preference, there is a paddle boat perfect for you. Paddle boats are also becoming popular on lakes and reservoirs, primarily as a commercial enterprise because it’s much less expensive than motor one . Paddle boats are typically propelled by way of a paddle, which is gripped in the hand.

The paddles are used to propel the boat forward or back, and can be used to steer as well. Paddle boats are available in a variety of sizes and styles, from the small sit on top kayaks to the large inflatable rafts. They can be used for various activities including fishing, hunting, family fun and recreational boating.

Different types of paddle boats name and its advantages are given below:

Canoe paddle boats are a unique type of boat that use a canoe paddle to propel them. This design allows for a much more efficient use of the paddle and results in a faster, smoother ride. These boats are also incredibly stable, making them perfect for beginners or those who are looking for a relaxing ride.

Why Canoe are good for beginners?

• Canoe paddle boats are a great way to get around on the water.
• They are easy to use and you can go pretty fast in them.
• You can use them for fishing, hunting, or just for fun.
• They are also a great way to get some exercise.
• You can buy them at most sporting goods stores.

A kayak paddle boat is a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds – the convenience of a motorboat and the manoeuvrability of a kayak. Kayaks are known for their agility and this paddle boat is no different. With a kayak paddle boat, you can glide through narrow waterways that would be impossible to navigate with a regular motorboat.

A kayak paddle boat is a hybrid of a kayak and a paddle boat. It is propelled by a double-bladed paddle, which is used like a kayak paddle, but the boat also has a rowing seat and oars like a paddle boat. This makes it easy to get started rowing and easy to switch to paddling if you need to cover more distance.

Advantages of kayak boat

• A kayak paddle boat is a great way to get out and enjoy the water.
• It is easy to use and can be paddled in any direction.
• The boat is stable and perfect for a relaxing day on the water.
• It is also great for fishing or bird watching.
• Kayak paddle boats are a fun way to spend time with family and friends.

A rowboat is a small, lightweight boat that is propelled by oars. Rowboats are often used for fishing, recreational boating, and transportation in areas where larger boats cannot travel. They are also popular among hobbyists because they can be built relatively easily and cheaply from materials such as plywood and fiberglass. Many rowboats are also designed for racing, and can be used in rowing events. In the United States, the most popular rowing event is Head of the Charles Regatta, named after a river that runs through Boston.

Why rowboat are good?

• A rowboat is a relatively small boat that is propelled by oars.
• It is a popular choice for fishing, as it is easy to maneuver and can get close to the water’s edge.
• Rowboats also make good ATVs, as they are easy to transport and can go just about anywhere.
• They are generally made of lightweight materials, such as aluminum or plastic, which makes them easy to carry and store.

Rafting is an outdoor activity that involves floating down a river in a raft. It can be a fun family activity or a more challenging adventure sport. Rafting is popular in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. There are different types of rafts for different purposes, such as whitewater rafts, fishing rafts, and luxury rafts. Rafting is an enjoyable way to travel through the wilderness, but it is not recommended for beginners. It requires a lot of skill and physical strength as well as knowledge of how to use the raft properly and safely.

Advantages of rafts paddle boats

• Rafts are sturdy
• Rafts are easy to maneuver
• Rafts are great for fishing
• Rafts are perfect for camping trips
• Rafts provide shelter from the sun and rain
• Rafts are a great way to explore

5. The Dory

The dory boat is a small, lightweight boat that is easy to row and navigate. It is perfect for fishing or for exploring shallow water areas. Dory boats are often made of wood or fiberglass, and they come in a variety of sizes. They are popular with both recreational boaters and commercial fishermen. The dory is named after the Greek mythological figure Diodorus. In this story, Diodorus and his men landed on the coast of Libya where they built a ship from wood. They then sailed to South Italy where they cut down trees for their ship.

Dory boat advantages

• Dory boats are lightweight and easy to transport
• Dory boats are stable and tracks well in the water
• It is fast and efficient rowing vessels
• This boat is great for fishing and hunting
• These are perfect for shallow water navigation
• Very affordable and easy to build

Is paddle boating good exercise?

In a world where people are looking for new and innovative ways to get in shape, paddle boating has begun to gain popularity as an excellent form of exercise. paddle boating is a great workout because it engages so many muscle groups at once. It also provides a good cardio workout, which can help improve heart health.

Additionally, paddle boating is a low-impact exercise, which makes it a good choice for people who are looking for an option that is gentle on their bodies.

Paddle boating is a great form of exercise for people of any age. However, it is important to remember that this form of exercise can be dangerous if misused.

How do I choose a paddle boat?

When looking for a paddle boat, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before making your purchase. The first thing you need to ask yourself is how you will be using the paddle boat. If you plan on using it strictly for recreational purposes, then you have a wider range of options to choose from.

However, if you plan on using the boat for fishing or other activities, you will want to make sure the boat is designed for that specific purpose. One of the first things you will want to ask yourself is what kind of shape you want your boat in. The most common shape for a paddle boat is the “V” shape.

How much does a paddle boat cost?

A paddle boat can be a fun and affordable way to spend a summer day on the water. Prices for paddle boats vary depending on the size and features of the boat and materials it uses , but they typically cost between $200 and $1,000. Some things to consider when purchasing a paddle boat are how many people the boat can hold, how fast the boat can go, and how easy it is to transport.

Pedal boat vs. paddle boat

Paddle boats and pedal boats are both types of small boats that people can use to travel on water. They are both very popular summertime activities, and many people have a hard time deciding which one is better.

Paddle boats are propelled through the water by paddles that are attached to the side of the boat. Paddle boats are usually much faster than pedal boats, but they can also be quite a bit more expensive.

On the other hand, Pedal boats are propelled by foot pedals that lie on the floor of the boat. It is a popular means of transportation on lakes and rivers. Pedal boats are often used for fishing, sightseeing, and swimming. They are also a great way to get some exercise.

Related: 15 Types of Boats for Fishing You Should Know

In conclusion, paddle boats are a great way to spend a day on the water. They are easy to use and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or a more adventurous experience, paddle boats have something to offer everyone.

So grab your friends and family and head to the nearest body of water for some fun in the sun!

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2 thoughts on “5 different types of paddle boats you should know”.

I am no longer positive the place you are getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for fantastic information I was searching for this information for my mission.

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Kayak Paddle Length - How to Pick the Right Size

Besides knowing what to look for in a kayak, a beginner is also challenged with knowing what is the best paddle length to choose. Opinions vary slightly as to what is the most efficient length for a particular paddler although the range of methods is fairly narrow and commonplace throughout the paddling community. Determining the proper kayaking paddle length to use is based on several factors, from body stature to boat dimensions to paddle stroke preference. Before getting into those dynamics, a few comments on how lengths are expressed.

The industry standard is to use metric units to measure and describe paddle lengths. Tell a fellow kayaker you use a 72.22" paddle and you'll probably get a blank stare. Say you need a 220cm, however, and most everyone will immediately know – and picture – what length you are talking about.

If you are still a little rusty on your innate metric conversion abilities, know this: 2.54 centimeters (cm) = 1". Keep this in mind when you are comparing the difference in length between a 220cm and a 230cm paddle. We are talking 3.9"; that's slightly less than a 2" difference on each end - out to the blade tip from the center of the shaft.

Although slight, it can make a modest but accumulative difference when you consider the effects that could result from using a paddle of less (or more) than an optimum length: compromised form, banged knuckles, inefficient paddle angle or power face contact and others. Multiply any of these by a thousand strokes and imagine the potential you are losing each time you execute a stroke using a paddle that's the "wrong" length.

Important factors in determining proper paddle length

Here are the major factors that will ultimately suggest the proper paddle length to initially consider:

Body Stature

A good friend of mine is exactly my same height, 6'7" tall. We often turned each other on to new kayaks on the market we could comfortably lower our tall frames down into. Despite our equal height, most of the time a super fine fit for one was an uncomfortable contortion for the other. What's going on? My height is in my legs; his is in his torso.

The length of your torso becomes one of the elements when using your height to determine which paddle length will work best for you. Most tables chart list just your height against various paddle lengths. Taking your torso height into account as well can help reaffirm what the height charts suggest for a proper paddle length.

Kayak Design

Simply put, the wider the kayak paddled, the longer the paddle needed. In order to keep proper blade placement in the water, you need to be able to reach beyond the gunwales of your craft while maintaining proper paddling form. You don't want to be banging your knuckles on the deck, nor do you want too much or too little of the power face of the blade in the water.

Here again, there are many variables that come into play. A shorter person in a wider boat may need the same length of paddle as does a taller person in a narrower kayak. Paddles in tandem kayaks generally are longer than those used in solo kayaks and so on.

Another factor is the height of the seat surface in relation to the gunwales. Two kayakers of the same torso/height in the same kayak may need different paddles if the seat height was different in each boat.

Stroke Angle Preference

Do you prefer a high stroke that brings the power face closer to the side of the boat in a less acute angle of entry to the water? Or, do you like the lower stroking angle often used for casual touring that puts the shaft at a more acute angle to the surface? The same paddler, in the same kayak, would use a slightly shorter paddle for the former style, slightly longer for the latter.

You can see that finding the ideal or optimal paddle length depends of a variety of factors relating to the physical shape of the paddler, one's individual paddling style and the type of boat with which the paddle will be used. These are all gray areas that limit any black & white statement about which paddle length you should choose.

Always Dress for Immersion (We're All Between Swims)

No matter how calm the water looks, conditions can change in a moment. So If you’re going to be on the water, you need to be prepared to be in the water.

Methods for choosing paddle length

On-water method.

By far, the best and ultimate method for determining that ideal length is to get out on the water and paddle using proper techniques in a kayak you will be using with your paddle. Demo days are a great way to help you test paddle a kayak. Most reps will be able to suggest a starting length of paddle for you to try. Once you find a boat you like, you may want to try a few different lengths of paddles as well.

Testing a paddle will mean using proper form (torso twist, upright posture, proper hand positioning, good forward and sweeping stroke styles, etc.). You don't want to choose a paddle based on poor paddling form. Of course the beginner's form you've acquired could be the result of using an improper length of paddle from the start.

As you can see, it's a matter of trial and error and seeking – and following - good advice from those more experienced.

Quick-Pick Method

There are two quick and fairly accurate on-shore methods for determining a proper length of paddle to use:

1. The first method involves holding your arms out, elbows bent at about right angles in normal paddling posture and grasping the paddle as you would normally. Your hands should be about 2/3 of the way from the center of the shaft to the shoulder of the blade.

2. Select a paddle you think is about the right length and stand it upright (vertically) alongside you. Reach up with your arm fully extended, hooking your first finger joints over the top edge (tip) of the paddle. If you can reach further/completely around the top edge or, conversely, if your fingers don’t even reach the top, choose a different length accordingly.

By the Numbers

Here is a compilation of measurements from several paddle manufactures that cross reference height and boat widths to suggest the proper range of paddle lengths to consider:

Choosing the right paddle length you should use depends on many factors that are determined by your size, paddling style and type/size of boat. The more you develop and fine tune your paddling and experiment with different paddles, the easier it will be for you to determine what’s the best length for your paddle. And if you are like most avid paddlers, you will soon have several in your arsenal from which to choose.

Now, deciding upon the shape of the blade, feathered/unfeathered and paddle weight and material is a whole other related matter…

Be safe; Have fun!

Read Reviews and Shop Paddles

Find the complete list of Kayak Paddles and read Kayak Paddle Reviews from top brands like Werner, Aqua-Bound, Sawyer, and more!

Tom Watson is an avid sea kayaker and freelance writer. He has written 2 books, "Kids Gone Paddlin" and "How to Think Like A Survivor" that are available on Amazon.com.

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