How important is choosing the right a Kayak Paddle? Well consider the obvious aside from “You” your paddle is the engine that actually makes the boat go. Need we say more? Purchasing the best paddle(s) you can afford is a wise investment for both your on water efficiency and your health. Confused by the sizes, shapes, materials and jargon. “Don’t be”, remember Frontenac Outfitters makes choosing paddle(s) easy we invite you to have fun and test paddle and compare heck we’ll even supply the boats! Until then we hope this article helps.

Basic types

There are four basic types of kayak paddles, choose the basic type which best fits your needs;

General Recreation Paddles

Quality recreational paddles will generally have a metal shaft and some type of plastic blade. Price point will determine if the paddle is one or two piece, if drip rings are included and if the blades are cupped. Recreational kayak paddles are shorter, heavier and of course less expensive than other Flatwater paddles.

Sea / Touring Paddles

Are longer than other kayak paddles and are designed for steady, rhythmic strokes over longer periods of time. Quality sea / touring paddles can be made from a variety of materials, anything from laminated hardwoods with epoxy tips to a combination of fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon. Basically the stronger and lighter the paddle, the more expensive. Considering you will swing the paddle thousands of times during a paddling day, weight is extremely important. Quality blades have a cupped power face and asymmetrical leading edge for greater efficiency.

Racing Paddles

These paddles look like Sea / Touring paddles except for dramatically cupped blades, ultra lightweights and ultra high prices.

Whitewater Paddles

Whitewater kayak paddles have big wide blades to pull lots of water. Blade tips are reinforced to withstand bashing on rocks. Single shafts and shorter lengths are more common with whitewater paddles. Materials vary radically from hardwood laminates with epoxy tips, to plastic, aluminum, Kevlar, carbon or a combination of the above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Size a Kayak Paddle?

Kayak paddles are sized in centimeters (common sizes are: 220, 230 and 240-cm). Paddle length varies with the beam of your kayak, your height, your arm length, the depth of your kayak and the type of paddling you chose to do. At Frontenac Outfitters we suggest you select a few different models and “Then Paddle with them”.

What’s the Collar around the Paddle Shaft?

It’s called a drip ring. They’re designed to stop most of the water from running down the shaft and onto your hands and down your sleeve.

One Piece or two?

Two-piece paddles enable the paddler to set the paddle blades at different angles – Called “feathering the blades”. Off setting or feathering the blades when paddling up wind enables the top blade to carve through the wind more efficiently. When paddling down wind the paddle blades can be set parallel to take advantage of the wind like a sail. One piece paddles although less versatile have a more solid feel, as they have fewer moving parts.

What About Price?

Prices vary drastically from less than $100 to over $600 each. Which paddle is best for you? It depends on your skills and the type of paddling you want to do. We invite you to paddle and make your decisions on the water!

IS THERE A PERFECT CANOE OR KAYAK PADDLE?

Of course not, every paddle purchase is a compromise of three factors: Weight, durability, and price! At Frontenac Outfitters we can promise you one thing “YOU” will have fun trying.

“We offer one of the best selections of flat- water kayak paddles anywhere!”

You can purchase your Kayak Paddle by visiting our on-water showroom or you can purchase it online at our Kayak and Canoe Gear web store.