I need to order a paddle and Im having a hard time picking a length.
I know its been covered more than once but the search function dosent work for me. I have gone back through and read some post but I still need to know before I place my order the correct length.
Im going to paddle 1 man and the paddles Ive been considering are the Kialoa Axel II and the Quick blade Hapa Hybrid.
Both maunfactures recommend a different length paddle. One list 48.5 and one list from 49 to 51.
I was thinking 50" was the way to go. So what I was wondering is 50" to long for 5'7"?
Thanks up front
Submitted by K9 on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 5:02pm
#1 Mon, 10/05/2009 - 5:26pm
Im 5'7 and I have a 50" Quick Blade and I think its great for OC6 but I think I would rather have a 49" for OC1. But since im still growing I think I'll grow right into it and it should be fine but If your not going to grow anymore I would just recomend going 49"
#2 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:43am
I recommend going longer, you can always cut it down, if get too short it's hard to add length back. Xylos size chart is good too. I have found that with OC-1, paddle sizing can make a world of difference. Alot of people use too short of paddle for OC-1, which may cause you to use too much arms instead of the larger muscle groups. Also the type of canoe you are using can sometimes factor in, on a Hurricane I use slightly longer paddle length than I would on a Polaris, where you sit in relation to the water surface is a couple of inches difference, and paddle size, I found can affect your form and stability and overall comfort level. Being in good form and comfortable on an OC-1 makes it a whole lot more fun. hope this helps you out.
#3 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 9:02am
Just remember, size matters.
#4 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:57pm
You should measure your paddle shaft vs. overall paddle length. You want your hands/arms to be in the right spot. Blade length has nothing to do with how you hold your paddle, but can affect your paddle length by 3" or 4" sometimes.
I'm 5'8" and I have a 48" Axel II, and a 50" KIALOA Tahitian double-bend paddle. The blade on the double-bend is almost 3" longer than the Axel's blade.
#5 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:58pm
Goto's more like 5' 4" in real life.
#6 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 5:44am
That's why I wear high-heels when I paddle.
#7 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 6:27am
Xylo have a really handing sizing guide on their site.
#8 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 4:22pm