We take a look at the best kayak paddles for powering along during aquatic adventures from cruisy sea kayaking and estuary escapades to rowdy river runsAfter choosing the best kayak for your on-water adventures and escapades, the next biggest decision is what kayak paddle to power it with. And no matter whether you\u2019re a touring sea kayaker, a white-water paddler or perhaps a surfski racer, there are plenty of paddle designs to choose from, with shafts and blades made with various materials, all offering a different range of features.
\nWhat makes the best kayak paddle for you will depend on your paddling preferences. Sometimes kayak brands and retailers throw in a cheap paddle as part of the package when you buy an inflatable boat, but as you get more experienced on the water, it will become increasingly important that you choose the best paddle for the kind of kayaking you do.
\nThe length of the shaft and the size and shape of the blade are key decisions, but other factors to consider include whether you need a left or right or left-handed paddle, would you prefer a single-piece paddle or one that splits into two or more sections? Do you want a straight shaft or a bent one? Would you prefer the blades to be straight or feathered, and if the latter, at what angle? See below for more information about these considerations.
\nBest touring kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon 2-piece Posi-Lok carbon-shaft paddle
\nA lightweight, 2-piece, carbon paddle with an excellent locking system
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Lengths: 200cm\/205cm\/225cm\/230cm\/235cm\/240cm\/245cm\/250cm\/255cm\/260cm
\n\u2022 Blade size: 16.5 x 46cm \/ 6.5 x 18in
\n\u2022 Weight: 815g\/28.75oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: Low angle, flatwater paddle
\n\u2022 Design: 2-piece
\n\u2022 Materials: 100% carbon shaft, carbon & nylon blade
\nReasons to buy: Ovalized shaft; Lightweight; Flexible
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Expensive; Shaft length can\u2019t be altered; Carbon can be brittle
\nUpdated this year, this perennially popular kayak paddle is ideal for swift and efficient flatwater kayaking. The completely carbon shaft and composite carbon-and-nylon blades make it extremely lightweight, so you can paddle further and faster, and for longer periods of time, without your arms and shoulders getting exhausted.
\nThis is a two-piece paddle, and the collar-style Posi-Lok ferrule locking system is top class, providing a reliable and secure connection, and allowing you to adjust the angle of your blades in marked 15-degree increments (so you can quickly change the set up according to conditions). It is undeniably an investment, but this is a robust paddle that will (with a bit of care) last for many years.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Werner Camano Straight Glass Paddle
\nA highly versatile, low-angle, 2-piece touring paddle
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Lengths: 205cm to 260cm in 5cm increments
\n\u2022 Blade size: 52cm x 16.5cm
\n\u2022 Weight: 761g \/ 26.75oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: Low-angle touring paddle
\n\u2022 Shaft design: 2-piece, straight
\n\u2022 Materials: Carbon \/ carbon-blend shaft and fiberglass blades
\nReasons to buy: Lightweight; Midsize blades mean max versatility; Rigid, dihedral-shaped, fiberglass blades; Available in lots of colors
\nReasons to avoid: Expensive; Shaft length can\u2019t be altered
\nNamed after an island in Puget Sound, Washington, close to where the Werner story started, the Camano is a very popular two-piece kayak paddle from one of the most highly regarded brands in the business.
\nAvailable with a standard or small diameter shaft, the sturdy Smart View Adjustable collar-style ferrule allows the paddler to adjust the feather angle. The Camano features fiberglass blades for high-performance stiffness on the forward stroke.
\nThey are midsized blades, for maximum versatility, and dihedral shaped to improve water flow off the paddle and prevent flutter. The stats given here are for a straight paddle, but the Camano is also available with a neutral bend shaft option.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Wilderness System Origin Glass paddle
\nA two-piece paddle with high-angle blades for fast-paced paddling in surfzones
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: Adjustable from 220cm to 240cm
\n\u2022 Blade Size: 600cm2
\n\u2022 Weight: 992g\/35oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: High-angle touring paddle
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Two-piece straight
\n\u2022 Materials: Carbon blend shaft, fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade
\nReasons to buy: Adjustable length shaft; Good price; Versatile; Powerful
\nReasons to avoid: High angle blade shape won\u2019t suit everyone
\nThe Origin has high-angle blades offering a big punch of power with each stroke, making it better suited to fairly experienced and fit paddlers looking for a high level of performance on the water.
\nA highly responsive but reasonably versatile kayak paddle, it can be used for short tour or more technical paddling, such as rock hopping or surfing. Because the shaft length can be altered with a flip of a lever, people of different heights can use the same paddle. The angle of feather can also be adjusted easily in the same way.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBest high-angle touring kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Carlisle Magic Plus Paddle
\nReasonably priced touring paddle with high-angle blades
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 220cm \/ 230cm \/ 240cm
\n\u2022 Blade Size: 17.78cm x 44.45cm \/ 7 x 17.5in
\n\u2022 Weight (220cm): 1128g \/ 39.8oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: High-angle touring paddle
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Two piece, straight
\n\u2022 Materials: Fiberglass shaft, fiberglass-filled polypropylene blades
\nReasons to buy: Excellent price; Facilitates a really powerful stroke; Great back-up paddle
\nReasons to avoid: Limited lengths available; Shaft length can\u2019t be altered; Heavier than some others
\nNot only are the blades high angled on the Magic Plus, they are also asymmetrical and slightly spoon shaped, which gives you serious power in each stroke. With a bit of extra weight in the paddle, this might not be the best for long days of laid-back touring or expedition-length escapades, but for adventures in rowdier water or more technical conditions, when you need something that really packs a punch, this could be perfect.
\nWith a two-piece fibreglass shaft, it\u2019s still reasonably light, and also makes for a great back-up paddle too. It can be set up with anything from a neutral to a 60-degree feather, and suits left and right handed paddlers.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBest budget touring kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Bending Branches Whisper Paddle
\nA good paddle for beginner kayakers still working out their paddling preferences
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 210cm \/ 220cm \/ 230cm \/240cm
\n\u2022 Blade Size: 17 x 46cm \/ 6.75 x 18in
\n\u2022 Weight: 1,049g \/ 37oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: Entry level, low angle touring paddle
\n\u2022 Shaft Design: Two-piece, straight
\n\u2022 Materials: Aluminum shaft, polypropylene blade
\nReasons to buy: Good price; Ergonomic handgrips on shaft; Feathering possible; Handy back-up paddle
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Heavier than other paddles; Can only be feathered to three angle settings; Snap button connection systems can degrade over time due to saltwater exposure; Aluminum shaft and plastic blade less performance orientated; Can\u2019t adjust length
\nFeaturing an aluminum shaft and plastic blade, this is a much more affordable paddle ideal for beginners and those who are still working out what their real requirements are for the kind of kayaking they most enjoy. The blade is more low angle than high, which lends itself well to relaxed, low intensity paddling.
\nThe shaft features two hand grips, which will make paddling more comfortable, especially on bigger outings, encouraging newcomers to the activity to do it more often and to put in longer sessions, all of which will help them progress with the pursuit.
\nThe blades can be angled between 0\u00b0 to 60\u00b0 (left or right) with a three-hole snap button system, so you can get a feel for what kind of feathering (if any) suits your paddle stroke. Once kayakers progress to a more advanced paddle, the Whisper makes a great back-up paddle.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBest bent shaft kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Werner Cyprus Kayak Paddle Carbon Bent-Shaft
\nA top-end, bent-shaft premium paddle for serious kayakers
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 205cm \/ 210cm \/ 215cm \/ 220cm
\n\u2022 Blade size: 46 x 18cm \/ 18 x 7in
\n\u2022 Weight: 719g \/ 25oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: High angle, mid sized
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Two-piece, bent
\n\u2022 Materials: Carbon Dynel Reinforced
\nReasons to buy: Very light; Ergonomically comfortable (for some people); Offers top-end performance; Shaft available in standard or small diameter
\nReasons to avoid: Bent shaft not comfortable for everyone; High angle blade and other specs make this inappropriate for inexperienced paddlers; Length not adjustable; Expensive
\nFor experienced paddlers looking for absolute top-end performance levels and premium comfort, this bent shaft kayak paddle is a great \u2013 albeit large \u2013 investment, which will provide many years of on-water enjoyment.
\nAll the materials and design features are top class; you can easily and quickly choose and change the angle of feather (with the smart-view adjustable ferrule system) according to preference and conditions, and paddle for hours on end in comfort with the ergonomically designed bent shaft.
\nNot everyone gets on with a bent shaft, however, so it\u2019s worth trying one out before you fork out all that cash (the Cyprus is also available with a straight shaft). The blades are high angled, for good responsiveness, but mid-sized and designed with a dihedral and asymmetrical shape to avoid fatigue.
\nBuy it now on WernerPaddles.com
\nBest budget bent shaft kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Accent eNeRGy Hybrid Kayak Paddle
\nAn innovative paddle offering both straight and bent-shaft feel and high performance at a low price
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 210cm \/ 220cm \/ 230cm \/ 240cm
\n\u2022 Blade size: 18 x 45.7cm \/ 7.1 x 18in
\n\u2022 Weight: 957g \/ 33.25oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: Mid angle, versatile touring
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Two-piece, straight (but with grips offering bent shaft ergonomics)
\n\u2022 Materials: Carbon shaft, FR Nylon blades
\nReasons to buy: Offers straight and bent shaft performance and feel; Mid angle blade increases versatility; Great materials at an excellent price; Feathering possible
\nReasons to avoid: Length is not adjustable
\nThe great thing about this smart paddle is that, via some cleverly designed handgrips, it offers users the choice of whether to opt for a straight or a bent shaft (with some kayakers preferring the latter for ergonomic reasons).
\nAt this choice comes at a really cheap cost \u2013 most bent shaft paddles are premium products, with a large price tag. The materials used in this paddle are high end too, especially the carbon shaft, so it represents a real bargain.
\nIt is a two-piece paddle, and the ferrule has a kingpin connection that offers feathering at 0\u00b0, 30\u00b0, 60\u00b0 and 90\u00b0 angles, with right and lefthand blade settings.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nBest whitewater kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Palm Maverick G5 paddle
\nThe perfect first whitewater kayak paddle
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 194cm \/ 197cm \/ 200cm
\n\u2022 Blade size: 680cm sq
\n\u2022 Weight (197cm): 1225g \/ 43oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: High-angle for whitewater performance
\n\u2022 Shaft design: One-piece straight with 45\u00b0 right-hand feather
\n\u2022 Materials: Glass fibre shaft, reinforced nylon blades
\nReasons to buy: Good price; Ovalised shaft for comfort; Large high-angle blade for maximum responsiveness; Dihedral design on blade to shed water fast; Length and feather can be customised
\nReasons to avoid: Set length (customized versions available); Set feather angle (customized versions available); One colour blade only (lime for the G5); Designed for right-handed paddlers
\nFor those keen to start kayaking on feistier water, tackling rapids and technical runs, the Maverick G1 is an ideal paddle to start off with. It has large, high-angled blades, which facilitate quick turns, but the dihedral design also reduces shudder when you dig deep.
\nAvailable in three lengths, it has a 45\u00b0 right-hand feather, but can also be ordered in other lengths, and with other feathering angles, if you know what you need. The Palm Maverick range spans several models, with the G5 being the premium paddle \u2013 others include the 2-piece G1 and the budget-priced aluminium G1 (\u00a365).
\nThe colours might not be to everyone\u2019s taste, but they do make the paddles highly visible and easier to find if (OK, let\u2019s face it, when) you let go of it after an unintentional swim.
\nBuy it now on PalmEquipmentEurope.com<\/p>\n
Best kayak racing paddles
\nEpic Mid Wing paddle
\nA performance-orientated, big scoop wing paddle designed for racing and high-intensity training
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: Adjustable
\n\u2022 Blade size: 16.4 x 50cm \/ 6.5 x 19.7in
\n\u2022 Weight: Club Carbon 737g\/26oz; Full Carbon 680g \/ 24oz
\n\u2022 Blade style: High volume wing
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Two-piece, racing
\n\u2022 Materials: Club Carbon or Full Carbon
\nReasons to buy: Super lightweight; Adjustable length and feather; Facilitates fast paddling
\nReasons to avoid: Race-orientation not right for recreational paddlers; Expensive
\nIt\u2019s all about going forward as fast as possible with wing paddles, which are firmly focused on providing high performance to competitive people engaged in racing or fitness-orientated kayaking or surfski paddling.
\nAnd the Epic Mid Wing is one of the best in this category, available in a range of increasingly high-end set ups from the entry level (but still pricey) Club Carbon construction through to the premium ProGrip Series, which are 100% carbon and come with all the bells and whistles.
\nGetting your feathering right is extra important when you\u2019re jostling for position and looking for maximum energy return for invested effort, but Epic\u2019s trademark Length-Lock 2 adjustable ferrule technology offers complete versatility to angle the blades how you want them, as well as providing a really secure lock that won\u2019t let you down mid race.
\nBuy it now on epickayaks.com
\nBest four-piece kayak paddles<\/p>\n
Oru Kayak Paddle
\nA four-piece kayak paddle perfect for use with collapsible and inflatable kayaks
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Length: 220-230cm
\n\u2022 Blade style: Mid angle
\n\u2022 Shaft design: Four-piece, straight
\n\u2022 Materials: Fiberglass shaft, ABS plastic blades
\nReasons to buy: Very easy to pack and carry; Adjustable length and feather; Versatile blade design
\nReasons to avoid: Four-piece construction does compromise performance to some extent; Materials not high-end; Snap button connection systems can degrade over time due to saltwater exposure
\nIf you have invested in a collapsible or inflatable kayak, it may have come with a kit paddle, which probably has a metal shaft and very basic blades \u2013 these are functional enough for your first few outings, but if you\u2019re serious about using your kayak to go exploring and you want to enjoy the aquatic experiences such versatile boats open up, then it\u2019s well worth investing in a better kayak paddle.
\nWith a four-piece fiberglass shaft, this paddle from the makers of the original origami kayak offers a really decent level of performance, while still being super packable and easy to store and transport. You can adjust the feathering angle, and the blades are mid angled, for maximum versatility no matter what kind of paddling you are doing.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
How to find the best kayak paddles for you
\nBefore making a purchase, it\u2019s important to understand a few things so you can choose the best kayak paddle for you. Most importantly, you need a paddle that suits the style of kayaking you most often do, and the boat you have \u2013 you can buy the best low-angle touring paddle on the planet, or a wicked wing paddle, but neither will be much good if you intend on going whitewater kayaking.
\nThe following considerations are things to think about \u2013 all styles and designs have their pluses and minuses, and what makes the perfect kayak paddle changes according to who is holding it, where they are and what they want to do while on the water.
\nOne-piece paddles? Two-piece paddles? (or more?)
\nThe big plus to having a one-piece paddle was always the advanced performance level a single-section shaft would offer, because, with no connection area, you won\u2019t experience any movement or weakness.
\nAs connection and locking systems have improved massively over the years, this has become less of a concern, and the benefits of having a split paddle (ease of transport and storage, the ability to change the angle of feather to suit various conditions, and even the overall length of the shaft so people of different sizes can use the paddle) now vastly outweigh the drawbacks. For this reason, most products featured here are two-piece paddles.
\nCarlisle Magic Plus Paddle
\nAll that said, the quality of connecting and locking systems does vary a lot \u2013 they\u2019re not all brilliant, so check this element carefully. Also, whitewater paddles are put under much more stress than touring paddles, and one-piece paddles are best for running rapids and technical rivers.
\nIf you have a collapsible or inflatable kayak, it can be beneficial to have a four-piece paddle, which is even easier to transport (generally speaking, though, performance levels, strength and structural integrity will diminish the more sections you have in the shaft of your paddle).
\nTo feather, or not to feather?
\nWhen paddles are feathered, it means the blades are off-set from the neutral position (a paddle with neutral or 0-degree angle would lie on the floor with both blades flat on the ground, but once you start feathering the paddle, one of the blades would point up off the ground \u2013 to what extent depends on the angle you go with, but say it was 90 degrees, while one blade was completely flat on the floor, the opposite blade would be stood fully upright on its edge).<\/p>\n
Many people, especially those who have been paddling for some time, find it easier to perform repeated forward strokes with a paddle that is feathered, because it requires less repeated movement in the wrists (which can get very painful if you paddle a lot).
\nA feathered paddle also promotes a good, efficient stroke, using your core instead of your arms to power along. Most modern two-piece paddles feature a ferrule (the device that joins the sections of the shaft) that allows you to feather the paddle at, for example, + or \u2013 30, 60 or 90 degrees (the + or \u2013 bit comes into play depending on whether you\u2019re left or right handed, as determined by which hand you use as the \u2018control\u2019 when padding).
\nThe benefits of feathering are much debated and seemingly quite subjective \u2013 the best angle for you will depend partly on your preference and paddling style, but also on the conditions (feathering can really help when paddling into wind). You may prefer to have the blades angled the same way all the time, whether neutral or feathered, but it\u2019s good to be able to adjust the angle if desired.<\/p>\n
Low or high angle?
\nThe blades on kayaking paddles come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but two descriptions you will see and hear a lot are low-angle paddles and high-angle paddles. Very simply, a low angle paddle blade is longer and thinner, and such a design is perfect for people who primarily want to tour on flattish water at a fairly relaxed pace, where forward-moving efficiency is more important that making quick turns.
\nA high-angle paddle is squarer and shorter, and this shape is better for strong paddlers and those taking on more technical water, where you need the boat to be highly responsive.
\nThere are various iterations in between these two basic designs \u2013 some low angled paddles will be more concaved, with the most extreme example of this being the wing paddle, which is has a large volume scoop like a big spoon, ideal for powering straight ahead very fast, but not so good for backpaddling or making quick turns.<\/p>\n
Symmetrical or asymmetrical blades?
\nAnother consideration is whether to go for a paddle with symmetrical blades (where the shape is exactly the same on either side of the shaft) or asymmetrical blades, where the top half of the blade is longer than the bottom.
\nSymmetrical blades are better for beginners and are also used by whitewater paddlers looking for instant reaction when they put in a stroke. By contrast, with an asymmetrical design, the blade goes deeper into the water and gives you more purchase on each stroke, so these are favoured by experienced touring kayakers.
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.<\/p>\n
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The post Best kayak paddles for touring and exploring coastlines, rivers and lakes appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We take a look at the best kayak paddles for powering along during aquatic adventures from cruisy sea kayaking and estuary escapades to rowdy river runsAfter choosing the best kayak for your on-water adventures and escapades, the next biggest decision … <\/p>\n