How to Canoe Paddle

Navigating Through Formulas and Personal Preferences

How to choose the right canoe paddle

Finding the perfect canoe paddle size can be tricky, with various 'formulas' out there. But remember, no single method guarantees the best fit for you. Traditional sizing methods often overlook crucial details like blade lengths, which can significantly affect your paddling experience.

Think of it like adjusting gears on a bike – everyone has their preference. So, while these formulas offer helpful guidelines, it's essential to consider your personal comfort and paddling style. Take each suggestion with a grain of salt and focus on what feels right for you.

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Three Methods for Canoe Paddle Sizing and Adjustment

Method 1
The Traditional Canoeing Method

Standing straight, rest the blade of the paddle beside your feet. Does the hand grip fit under your armpit? Yep, that’s your size!

Method 2
Seated Canoeing Technique

While sitting on your canoe seat, invert the paddle and place the hand grip on the seat between your legs. The spot where the shaft meets the blade should be at your chin.

Method 3
Overhead Measurement

Hold the paddle as usual, with one hand on the shaft and one on the hand grip. Keeping your hands in that position, raise the paddle directly above your head, and look in a window or a mirror to see if both elbows are at a right angle. Choose a paddle of the proper length to allow this spacing of your hands.

Optimizing Your Canoe Paddling Experience: Choosing Between Bent and Straight-Shaft Paddles

Deciding between a bent or straight shaft can significantly impact your paddling efficiency. Bent shaft paddles, often shorter, provide a smoother stroke. Additionally, consider the material of the paddle, prioritizing weight for long-distance paddling to avoid arm fatigue from swing weight.

Ultimately, selecting the right paddle size is a personal decision. While you may be uncertain about your preferences, we're equipped to ask the necessary questions to guide you in the right direction. Your ideal paddle will enhance your paddling experience, and we're committed to helping you discover it!

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Straight or Bent? Move the slider to see the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need to have any experience?
We all have to start somewhere so of course not.

Youtube, forums, and online are great ways to get started before you hop on the water but we recommend finding others to go with at first until you feel comfortable on the water.
2What do I need to get started?
To get started we recommend having a boat of course but also a PFD (Lifejacket), and a paddle.

Some other things to consider are dry bags/boxes, water shoes (not flipflops), spare clothes, dry wear, sunhats, sponge, bilge pump, and more.

Take a look on our website to see what we carry!
3Do I need to wear my lifejacket?
We highly recommend it; in a study done by the coast guard it was found that 87% of people who drowned were NOT wearing lifejackets.

So be safe and wear your lifejackets. If you don't have one, we carry a wide variety in store and here online!

In some states you legally have to wear a PFD on the water. In Indiana you must wear it if you are in a sit-on-top but if not, it must be somewhere on the boat. Check your local and state regulations.
4What about the weather?
Only go out if you feel comfortable DO NOT go out if you feel worried or anxious about the weather.

We do not reccommend going out in conditions that have high wind speeds or in thunderstorms.

If you do go out in moderate to severe weather make sure to dress for the occasion whether its boatloads of sunscreen or water proof jackets with sprayskirts.
5How much can a kayak cost?
Your typical recreational boat can vary but are roughly in the low thousands range.

We do offer a large selection of boats the lowest starting around a few hundred dollars and our most expensive running a few thousand.
6Can I bring my furry friend?
Of course! We carry boats specifically designed to fit dogs.

Keep in mind your dogs temperament, comfort, and energy levels if you wish to take them out.

Also be mindful though that your furry friends will need their own lifejackets when on the water to stay safe.
7Do inflatable kayaks exist?
They in fact do! We currently only carry a few inflatable kayaks single person and tandem styles.

There are a lot of different options out there for inflatable boats and they can be stored a lot easier in smaller spaces than your standard kayak as well.
8Are kayaks heavy?
Depending on your material, boat length, and paddling preferences it can vary.

The most common boats you see on the water are a polyethene rotomolded which are basically thick, heavy-duty plastic and often weighing around 45-65 lbs.

We do offer ABS boats which are an acrylic material made to weigh less than your typical boat that can be roughly 25-40 lbs almost halving the weight! We also carry composite boats that weigh around what the ABS boats do just a different hybrid of materials.
9Do we rent?
We do not rent (Google says we do but dont be fooled!), but we sell a wide variety of boats for you to get your best fit and avoid any hassle with renting!

Look here on our website at a large selection then come on down to check us out!

Have more questions?

Our team of experts is ready and waiting to help you out. Reach out to us now!
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