Paddles
Buying kayak paddles
To choose the right paddle, it’s helpful to first take a look at the different characteristics of the materials they are made of.
Responsive, balanced, aesthetically pleasing and relatively light, wood has proven its excellence over the years as a material for making paddles, although it is now used less often than in the past. Due to its flexibility, it is particularly popular with kayakers who have tendonitis or problems with their joints. Laminated wood paddles, fabricated with strips of wood bonded together, are stronger and lighter than models crafted from a single piece of the material. In addition, they are stiffer and improve transfer of power.
Besides wood, a number of synthetic materials are used to make paddles, among them plastic (nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene). Plastic paddles are durable and low maintenance, although they are sometimes heavier than wood or carbon types.
Extremely light and stiff, carbon gets top marks from kayakers who want to get maximum power out of every stroke. However, with these advantages come some drawbacks: because of its stiffness, carbon is less shock-absorbent, which has a direct effect on a kayaker’s joints and muscles. It is also more expensive.
Another highly popular material, fibreglass, offers a good compromise in terms of effectiveness, stiffness, light weight and price. Furthermore, the composition of some fibreglass paddles includes carbon, which makes them even more stiff and light.
Finally, aluminum is often used for the shafts of inexpensive paddles that usually feature plastic blades. This type of paddle is a good choice for beginners, or for keeping as a spare in case of emergency.
Paddle shapes
The shape a paddle takes can have a great influence on its level of performance. For example, a paddle with long, slender blades facilitates controlling the craft, while at the same time offers less wind resistance. In contrast, a paddle with short, wide blades provides better performance, but requires greater skill to use.
Most kayak blades today are asymmetrical, which means they are shaped differently on either side of the tip of the shaft. As a result, most of the blade’s surface is easily submerged when it is plunged into water, which prevents the kayaker from being thrown off balance, as well as minimizes the effort needed to move ahead.
A blade can be flat (for beginners) or have a more or less pronounced curve, whether of the dihedral type (two half planes with a common centre line), which requires less exertion on the part of the kayaker, or streamlined, which gives a paddler power and precision, but also calls for excellent technique.
The surface of the blade also has a role to play in paddle performance: the wider it is, the better it will power the kayak forward. Lastly, if short blades require less effort with each draw of the paddle, they do necessitate more strokes.
Paddle length depends on the type and width of craft used, as well as the calibre and build of the paddler. Many paddlers usually consult the tables that exist to determine optimal length. Broadly speaking, the narrower the kayak, the shorter the appropriate paddle, while the taller the kayaker, the longer it should be.
The shaft
Ideally, the shaft of the paddle should be light, sturdy, comfortable and easy to handle, but also flexible enough so that arms do not absorb the full brunt of all the rough shocks paddling can involve.
The longer the shaft, the more it will maximize the power of the blades. On the other hand, it will take more effort to get the paddle back into the water. Asymmetrical shafts have therefore been designed that are both more comfortable for paddlers to use and make it possible to get the paddle back in the water without keeping an eye on the angle at which it enters.
The blades in these types of paddles are positioned at different angles, which can vary by up to 90 degrees. An increasing number of models also feature one or several adjustable ferrules (a centre joint) that can control the difference in angle, as well as enable the shaft to be separated into two or four sections to make carrying and storing the paddle easier.
Finally, although the majority of paddle shafts are straight, for a more natural grip some are curved where the hands are placed. However, models with this feature, known as an ergonomic shaft, are more expensive.
Use
In order to get a better grip and prevent blistered hands, wearing gloves is generally recommended, especially if the paddle has an aluminum shaft.
Maintenance
The majority of paddles require no special care. Only wood paddles sometimes need to be sanded and revarnished, or simply given a good oiling, to keep them in top condition.