Picture yourself having a day of canoeing – calm waters, no engine noise, and a stress-free time. Who wouldn’t want that? Well, you can get closer to that dream by finding the right gear for your canoe trip. All you need is a canoe, wetsuit and canoe paddles.
We compared 30 canoe paddles we found on the market and included ten in this article. We chose the Bending Branches Special Performance Canoe Paddle to be our favorite. Due to its length, light wood and handle, it offers an ideal grip for the best possible canoeing experience, whether you are in a group or solo. If you want to see something else, we’ve also reviewed nine other popular canoe paddles to help you make the right choice.
Before you make your decision, we’d like to point out a few things we’ve considered in our review to make it even easier for you. First, let’s talk about length: most canoeists prefer paddles between 52 and 60 inches, or 48 and 54 inches in the case of angled handle paddles. Remember, the wider your boat, the longer the paddle should be. Next, we looked at the material of the blades and their total weight. Lightweight blades perform better and are less tiring, although they tend to be more expensive. Finally, the choice of blades and the type of shaft can affect the overall efficiency of a paddle. After going through various catalog magazines and sports sites, our team gathered all the information. Keep reading…
Top 10 Canoe Paddles- Comparison Table
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Canoe Paddles- Comparison Table
- 2 Top 10 Best Canoe Paddles Reviews To Buy In 2022
- 2.1 Canoe paddle 160 cm
- 2.2 Dauphin Soleil canoe paddles
- 2.3 ZJ Sport Hybrid Carbon Paddle
- 2.4 The Stork Paddle wood 90-180 cm
- 2.5 Kayak Paddle Lightweight Carbon Fiber Paddles
- 2.6 ZJ Sport Tahiti Type Lightweight Canoe Paddle
- 2.7 Attwood Aluminum Canoe Paddle
- 2.8 Navyline Aluminum Single Paddle with Plastic Blade for Kayaking
- 2.9 Carlisle Scout Canoe Paddle
- 2.10 Caviness CavPro BS14
- 2.11 Canoe vs Kayak: What’s the Difference?
- 2.12 Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Canoe Paddle
- 2.13 How do you take care of a canoe paddle?
- 2.14 When to use dish soap
- 2.15 Removing Paddle Marks
- 2.16 How to protect your paddle from UV rays
- 2.17 How to store your paddle for a long time
- 2.18 Frequently Asked Questions
And, after looking at loads of distinct canoe paddles, we’ve recognized the best on the market for many enjoyable canoe types. In researching these canoe paddles, we considered variables such as fabric durability, blade shape, and spinning styles to choose our top picks, then provided a list of top 10 canoe paddles and highlighted their characteristics.
Canoe paddles | Grip | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Carbon Fiber Paddles | T-shaped | 17.6-20oz. | Check price |
ZJ Sport Hybrid | T-shaped | 17.6oz. | Check price |
Attwood Aluminum | Ergonomic Grip | 22.4oz. | Check price |
Caviness CavPro BS14 | 24oz. | Check price |
Top 10 Best Canoe Paddles Reviews To Buy In 2022
For canoeing enthusiasts who are currently looking for the best canoe paddles, we have no doubt that these are going to get you excited. We’ve rounded up the best of the best and they’re going to make your paddling experience truly enjoyable. They are well built and come equipped with great features.
Canoe paddle 160 cm

Features
Length: 48, 50, 52, 54 in.
Blade material: red alder, basswood, maple
Tree: 11° bend, linden with 18 slats
Weight” 22oz.
More Features: classic handle, partial Rockgard protection
Ideal for paddlers of all skill levels, this lightweight paddle allows for an easy and comfortable canoeing experience thanks to its durable multi-wood base. It also offers unbeatable quality thanks to its Rockgard technology on the tips of the blades and a protective varnish coating for the whole body, which prevents the paddle from excessive wear.
Perhaps the best feature of this paddle is its beautiful design, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also practical. Its 11-degree curved shaft, combined with the teardrop blade shape, helps paddlers position the blade with precision and cut through the water with ease.
In other words, you’ll spend less time working your muscles and more time relaxing. Plus, it comes in a range of lengths, from 48 to 56 inches, so you don’t have to worry about finding the best fit for your height.
Although you may be faced with a possible split in the wood with little more than regular use, this paddle offers excellent value for money, even if you buy one every 2 or 3 years.
Dauphin Soleil canoe paddles

Features
Length: 54 in.
Blade material: plastic
Tree: aluminum straight rod
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
More Features: set of two paddles, durable, T-handle
Available in pairs, these paddles are very popular and have durable aluminum construction and a T-grip on the shafts for precise control, making them one of the most incredible whitewater canoe paddles. An ideal length for most people, they can even be cut in half with the push of a button release. This feature makes it easy to store and transport, and it is quite difficult to find this feature in most paddles.
Although extremely lightweight and easily transportable, Sun Dolphin paddles are not without their drawbacks. First, some users have reported that water tends to seep into the bottom and can’t be drained easily after a few canoeing sessions, making paddling at times arduous.
Second, the metal shafts can get a little rusty if you paddle in brackish water. However, for the price paid, we think these slight inconveniences are quite fair and bearable.
ZJ Sport Hybrid Carbon Paddle

Features
Length: 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 in.
Blade material: carbon fiber, PMI foam, epoxy resin: Tree 12° elbow, handcrafted wood
Weight: 17.6oz.
Sports enthusiasts can finally rejoice because the Z&J Sports Hybrid Paddle has entered the charts. Balanced, comfortable and with a large blade surface, the Z&J Hybrid Paddle has all the typical characteristics of top sport paddles. Its curved wooden handle, handcrafted, is a real work of art and allows fast and powerful blows.
Now for the most spectacular part: it has a carbon fiber blade, reinforced with additional PMI foam. Simply put, you’re paying for an ultra-light carbon tool that’s really tough and reliable. However, care must be taken with the rough edges of the blade.
Some people have used sandpaper to fix this little problem. The overall quality of the product is really good, and you will love your canoe trip with this paddle as it will surprise you with its wonderful and clean bites.
The Stork Paddle wood 90-180 cm

Features
Length: 54, 57, 60, 63 in.
Blade material: red alder, basswood
Tree: straight and solid basswood
Weight: 22oz.
Not really a canoe pro? We have prepared a fantastic solo canoe paddle for deep lakes for you. The Stork Branches Canoe Paddle features a straight shaft and freestyle palm grip, which is perfect for entry-level canoeists. It has a longer and narrower blade, which allows users to move smoothly on deep lakes. Plus, like its sister model (BB Special Performance Canoe), it features The Stork partial blade protection and wood varnish for added durability.
Available in various lengths, and ideal for maneuvering around tight turns, this beautifully designed paddle will be your recreational partner. Unfortunately, it is a bit thick and might seem bulky to a more experienced paddler.
Get Stork Paddle wood at Amazon
Nonetheless, it’s a great tool, with a solid construction for lakes and rivers. It will perform very well and you will enjoy your solo paddle.
Kayak Paddle Lightweight Carbon Fiber Paddles

Features
Length: 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 in.
Blade material: carbon fiber
Tree: carbon fiber
Weight: 17.6-20oz.
Looking for the canoe paddle that won’t strain your muscles? Well, with this Z&J SPORT paddle, your search is officially over! Let’s start with its premium look and feel. It’s made of black carbon fiber with a glossy, clear finish, and it’s lighter than a wooden paddle of the same size.
The best part is that there is no chance of water seeping inside the blade body, thanks to its one-piece construction. This means that there is no joint between the blade and the shaft.
Next, let’s talk about its parts. The shaft is curved, double curved and T-shaped. It provides exceptional grip. The blade is round bottomed and dihedral allowing for easier cuts with a large surface area providing greater thrusts through the water.
Get Lightweight Carbon at Amazon
The price is justified by the high quality of the product. So you get a very reliable tool for your canoe trips.
ZJ Sport Tahiti Type Lightweight Canoe Paddle
Features
Length: 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 in.
Blade material: carbon fiber, PMI foam, epoxy resin
Tree: 12° elbow, carbon
Weight: 15.9oz.
Another candidate on our list is the Z&J Sports Tahiti type Paddle, a solid combination of strength, lightness and durability. Its blade is made of carbon fiber, which makes it easier to use, and its curved oval handle with a T-shaped grip ensures less hassle and more comfort.
Perhaps the best part about this paddle is the wide range of options it offers its users, from different blade sizes to different paddle lengths. A little advice from us: be more careful when buying. Some users have reported the issue of the gap between the black tape and the blade gasket allowing water to get inside.
Although this problem can be solved by shaking the paddle, upside down, we recommend checking the product carefully. On the other hand, many users like this paddle and note that it is very practical.
Attwood Aluminum Canoe Paddle
Features
Length: 60 in.
Blade material: plastic
Tree: straight, heavy aluminum, poly-protected for the lower hand
Weight: 22.4oz.
Sleek and lightweight, this paddle is one of the best aluminum canoe paddles out there. The reason for that is simple: it’s well-built, looks super chic, and is sturdy, yet lightweight. We also liked its low price. So if you don’t want to invest a lot but still want stylish canoeing gear, this paddle might be your best friend.
Considering its low price, you’d be surprised how long it lasts, thanks to its durable design. Plus, the aluminum shaft allows you to literally glide your canoe through the water effortlessly, directing all of your strength into every stroke.
So despite its fixed size (which might be a cause for hesitation among tall people), this paddle works well enough for most people.
Features
Length: 54, 57, 60, 63 in.
Blade material: high impact polypropylene
Tree: straight, vinyl coated tempered aluminum with high impact polypropylene handle
Weight: 34oz.
This paddle is sturdy, lightweight, and it gets the job done. What more? With its high impact blade and T-handle, this Carlisle paddle is an exceptional option for your long trips. The handle is made of molded synthetic material which provides excellent UV protection.
This also means that it is durable, which can be particularly attractive if you are looking for reliable equipment. Besides, it always gives you a good feeling, since the handle is neither hot nor cold to the touch.
A potential downside could be that the blades could bend over time due to the vinyl wrap. The paddle might also feel a bit heavier since its shaft is made of aluminum. However, this feature is not a problem in most cases.
In fact, the excellent paddle quality and striking power more than make up for these minor drawbacks, making it a good choice for recreational paddlers and professionals alike.
Carlisle Scout Canoe Paddle
Features
Length: 60 in.
Blade material: laminated basswood, polyurethane coating
Tree: laminated basswood
Weight: 23oz.
The Carlisle Scout Canoe Paddle is a wonderful wooden canoe paddle for multiple reasons. For starters, it’s made of durable basswood, which is laminated and absorbs shock with the slight flex in its body. In addition, it has a urethane tip guard at the end of the blade, which protects the paddle against sharp and resistant obstacles, such as rocks.
Although not as durable as other wooden paddles (basswood being a soft wood), the paddle comes with a one-year warranty, which many other brands on the market do not offer.
In addition, comfort is guaranteed, especially on long rides, thanks to its unique handle, which follows the contours of the hand.
Overall the paddle feels nice and smooth, it has a very comfortable grip and it gives you enough control.
Caviness CavPro BS14
Features
Length: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 in.
Blade material: hardwood
Tree: Laminated hardwood, plywood, 14 bent
Weight: 24oz.
As it is designed for expert paddlers, its curved shaft has an optimal angle, which ensures both comfort and powerful strokes. Plus, its resin-coated hardwood material provides extra protection, making it less prone to breakage. With all it has to offer, the CavPro definitely deserves to be on our list. You won’t get tired very quickly with this paddle, and you will always have the situation under control. It will last you a long time, and you probably won’t regret this purchase.
The only downside to this paddle is its slight bulk on the blade portion, which makes it feel a bit heavier than it should be.
But if you’re an expert level paddler, this paddle is a great investment, and a breeze. Plus, it’s affordable, durable, and offers all-day comfort – not a bad deal, one might add.
Canoe vs Kayak: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a canoe and a kayak ? If the answer is yes, then continue reading this article, where you will find all the differences between these two types of watercraft explained and that’s fine.
We, too, sometimes use these words interchangeably. But when you have to choose a boat , often confusing canoe and kayak can play tricks on you. You may be looking for a boat to paddle with a single paddle, but after buying it you realize that you have received a different product. With two paddles, a low seat, and very light. You were looking for a canoe, and instead you found a kayak!
Of course, at first glance, kayaks and canoes may seem very similar, but if we take a closer look at these two types of watercraft, we notice five differences.
Difference Between Canoe and Kayak: Boat Structure
Not all boats are the same: an ocean liner is not a raft, and a dinghy is not a motor boat. This also applies to canoes and kayaks.
The canoe has a pointed bow and stern , and usually has an open deck. When you get on this boat, you don’t have to wear the classic kayakers’ “skirt”. Of course, the open deck has its pros and cons.
While paddling in a canoe is more comfortable, especially on a hot summer day, beginners will easily take on water.
The kayak has a different structure. It has a closed deck, and only the bow is pointed . So driving the kayak would be a necessity.
We say it would be because there are also kayakers who prefer not to wear a skirt. Taking to the water with a kayak is possible, but much more difficult, as the kayaker sits inside a cockpit, which is much narrower than the inside of a canoe.
Everything clear so far? Good ! You are already able to correctly distinguish the kayak from the canoe. But besides that, there are four other differences
The shape of the paddles
Kayak paddles have a double, usually curved blade. Paddles used for canoeing have a single, flat blade .
The second difference between canoeing and kayaking is found here. But this is not a small difference. The best way to understand how double or single paddle can make a difference in paddle handling is to try both kayaking and canoeing.
Although the posture inside the canoe and the kayak may seem similar, in reality the movement for paddling is completely different. In fact, one of the first exercises for those learning to use a kayak is to roll over and bring the kayak to the surface with a very vigorous paddle stroke. This is also possible with canoeing, but it is a different type of dynamic.
You have now discovered a second difference between canoe and kayak. So if you find someone offering kayaks with a single blade paddle, you know they are offering a type of paddle that is not suitable for the boat you have chosen.
Difference between kayak and canoe: The weight of the boat
In principle, the kayak is lighter than the canoe, not least because of its thinner design. We say in principle because different kayak models can achieve different weights. The discussion becomes more complicated if we compare inflatable kayaks with rigid kayaks , and rigid canoes.
The canoe is therefore heavier. The difference in weight is evident in the way these two types of craft float. A good kayak always floats on the surface of the water.
While the canoe, which is wider and heavier, generally sinks a bit more. If you live near a river, where you are used to seeing kayakers or canoeists practicing in the morning in all seasons and in all weathers, you can easily observe the difference in buoyancy.
Boat speed
In the water, the same rules as on land do not apply, except one: lightness rhymes with speed. Kayaks, thanks to their tapered structure and lightweight hull, are boats designed to be faster than canoes.
The canoe is a craft designed for more stable navigation. In fact, both types of craft were not created for sports competitions, but for moving along waterways and for fishing. The competitive use of kayaks and canoes is fairly recent.
Then – we add – a lot depends on the level of fitness and technique of the user of the kayak or canoe. A good kayaker can achieve good speeds even with a canoe, and vice versa, compared to a beginner, or someone using a kayak for fun rather than competition.
Headquarters
We’ve saved this difference between a canoe and a kayak for last, as it is by far the best known and most frequently cited. The different shape of the canoe and the kayak requires two very different types of seats.
Canoe users can kneel on the hull, or even paddle in a semi-kneeling position, as well as in a seated position with their legs slightly bent. This type of seat is not suitable for kayaking, mainly due to the much narrower hull. The only possible position in a kayak is to sit with your legs stretched forward.
Is it better to buy a canoe or a kayak?
The differences between a canoe and a kayak are very important for paddling, as well as the speed, stability and weight of the boat.
Often, the choice of the kayak rather than the canoe is made by chance, or also because the athlete experiences a particular “feeling” for one of these two craft. Both canoeing and kayaking have their advantages and disadvantages, but we prefer not to comment on the latter, leaving our readers free to choose the craft that suits them best.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Canoe Paddle
The best canoe paddle will get you through the water efficiently, with minimal muscle strain. However, canoe paddles come in a multitude of styles, lengths, and sizes. Therefore, finding one that suits your needs can be quite a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner.
In general, a canoe paddle should be durable, lightweight and simple to use for maneuvering, but that’s not all. In order to make the buying process easier for you, we have compiled a list of features that a high quality canoe paddle should have. Let’s go deeper and learn more about canoe paddles!
It may seem like you need some kind of math to figure out your ideal paddle length, but believe us, it’s ridiculously simple: the bigger your canoe, the longer your paddle should be. Of course, your height also plays a role in determining the ideal length. For example, tall people need longer paddles and vice versa.
The design and construction of your blade determines its effectiveness in pushing you forward. Narrower, longer blades, like the one on the BB Beavertail Recreational Canoe, are ideal for flat water surfaces, like lakes, while shorter, wider blades, like the ZJ Sport Hybrid, are better for rivers and oceans where a more technical approach is needed.
Another important factor to consider is the shape of the blade. Rounded-tip blades are less likely to be damaged than those with sharp corners, and help you get in and out of the water cleanly.
Finally, consider the material of the blade. Plastic and nylon blades are cheaper and more flexible than fiberglass or carbon fiber blades. However, they are not as effective as the latter.
The shaft is an essential part of your paddle since it is where most of your strength lies. A straight shaft, like the one on the Attwood aluminum paddle, is better suited to choppy waters because it’s easier to maneuver.
A curved shaft, on the other hand, is best used in flat water due to its design, which allows for maximum stroke efficiency. For this purpose, the Caviness CavPro paddle has a 14 degree bend.
When buying a paddle, you also need to consider the material of the handle. Aluminum shafts are quite common, as they are cheap and durable, while carbon and fiberglass shafts are light and strong, resulting in better output.
Let’s get to the basics of gripping a paddle: it should be smooth, comfortable, and fit your hand like a glove. There are two types of handles, the T-shaped handle and the palm handle. The first, as the name suggests, has a T-shape at the top of the handle, for example the Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles have one, and is used by most whitewater canoeists, thanks to a longer grip firmer and easier navigation without having to look at the blade.
Palm grips are most useful for paddlers traversing a wide range of bodies of water, allowing easy transition from a firm grip in tougher conditions to a looser grip in more relaxed conditions, such as the palm grip. the Carlisle Scout canoe-kayak paddle. Whichever grip you choose, always test it out first to see what works best for your hand.
A lightweight paddle is by far the best paddle for canoeing because you can keep paddling for hours without getting tired. The weight of your paddle essentially depends on the material it is made of. Wooden paddles can give a sense of tradition and authenticity.
However, they tend to be heavier and difficult to control for beginners. Plastic and aluminum paddles are lighter. These materials can even be mixed for different parts of the paddle, as is the case with the Sun Dolphin Paddles, which have plastic blades and aluminum shafts. Carbon paddles, on the other hand, are the lightest and most efficient. For example, the ZJ Sport Tahiti canoe paddle weighs only 15.9 oz.
Your paddle will have a fin to allow you to maneuver the canoe. Just like the shaft, the fin design also depends on the type of canoe you choose. For example, a straight fin, like the one on the Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles, is ideal for occasional lake cruising.
Feathered fins, on the other hand, are short and chunky, making them ideal for fast or athletic paddlers. A good example of this type of activity is the Bending Branches Special Performance Canoe Paddle, which allows you to easily perform tight turns in rivers and streams.
Now it’s time to move on to the last and most important factor: price. Most canoe paddle prices start at $90 and go all the way up to $190, unless you’re buying a used canoe, which might drive the price down.
The design and materials mainly determine the price of a paddle. Aluminum paddles are the most affordable, thanks to their lightness. For example, consider the Sun Dolphin canoe paddles which come in twos, making them the best choice for the price.
Next, carbon fiber and fiberglass are the most expensive types. That’s because they’re ultra-light, deliver high-quality performance, and require manufacturing expertise to shape the carbon. This results in greater punching power and less muscle fatigue, which increases overall efficiency. It is for these reasons that you might want to get the CISIBOOK Bend Shaft Outrigger Carbon Fiber Canoe Paddle.
You can find surprisingly cheap second-hand bargains on various sites, ranging up to $19. However, be warned – these products may have a few scratches here and there or worn blades. So if you don’t mind these little issues, you can get a used paddle, especially if you only need it once or twice a year.
How do you take care of a canoe paddle?
Paddle boards, both rigid and inflatable, are like any water sports equipment: they age better if they are well maintained. It is important to set up a cleaning and maintenance routine.
A quick cleaning after each ride ensures you keep a paddle in good condition, not only for your next ride but also for years to come.
Most of the time, cleaning your paddle can be done with a simple garden hose. From time to time, a deeper cleaning is necessary with a soft brush and soapy water.
To get rid of stubborn marks, you can use baking soda or other non-abrasive products. There are various techniques that can be used without risk. Each type of mark requires a different cleaning technique.
Step 1: Clean the underside of the paddle
Nothing prevents you from starting with the bridge. But I advise you to clean the underside of the paddle first because it is less likely to get dirty quickly: its smooth surface catches dirt less than the other surfaces of the paddle.
Some say that an inflatable paddle is easier to clean than a rigid paddle but for months both are equal. It is necessary whatever happens to put a little hand in the dough. For cleaning, use a garden hose with a nozzle allowing you to have a high enough pressure to dislodge the dirt.
Direct the jet well, not only on the board but also on the rails, that is to say the sides of the paddle.
Step 2: Clean the paddle deck
Flip the paddle over so you can now clean the deck, that is, the top side of the board.
Water the board again with the garden hose. If you don’t have one, go the old-fashioned way with a water jump. You can now use a soft brush to loosen up the grime.
Step 3: Let the paddle dry
As a rule of thumb, if you leave the board in the sun for 10-20 minutes, that should be enough to get it back dry.
If there are still wet areas, such as the rails, you can wipe with a towel to finish drying. Leave the paddle as it is for 5 to 10 more minutes. It is important to dry your paddle properly before folding it and storing it in a cover. Otherwise, mold may form on the board and the cover.
When to use dish soap
It is sometimes necessary to use dishwashing liquid diluted in lukewarm water to dissolve the grime that resists in certain places on the paddle.
I recommend more dishwashing liquid than soap (except Marseille soap), because soap is generally quite abrasive. So dilute a few drops of dishwashing liquid in half a bucket of lukewarm water. Then use the brush to clean more precisely where the dirt is stubborn.
You will see that you will get your paddle out of more or less dirty water depending on the environment in which you are paddling. It’s up to you to judge that you have to go with the washing-up liquid. In any case, don’t let the visible grime set in.
Removing Paddle Marks
You will inevitably make marks on your paddle: paddle strokes, rocks, etc. If you decide to tackle it, I advise you to do it with baking soda.
Sprinkle the mark, add white vinegar and salt, then rub with a soft brush or a toothbrush for more precision. It should disappear quite easily. Rinse the board well.
You can also use a special non-abrasive PVC product, which may be more effective on a well-encrusted mark, but the solution is less ecological.
How to protect your paddle from UV rays
On the water, the sun’s rays are reflected, especially when you paddle in the sea. The first thing to do is obviously to protect yourself from UV with long clothes and/or sunscreen.
When it comes to paddle boarding, there is unfortunately not much to do against the sun’s rays. Colors will fade over time.
The good thing is that the marks that you didn’t manage to remove will also disappear thanks to the sun’s rays. But whatever happens, do not use an abrasive product to remove them, it is better to leave them as they are. I am thinking in particular of tree sap if you have left your paddle under a tree. It is particularly difficult to remove, sometimes impossible if you have not been quick enough to clean it.
How to store your paddle for a long time
As I told you above, it is important to make sure that your paddle is perfectly dry before putting it in its cover, especially if you have an inflatable paddle.
It is essential to avoid the formation of mold. So let it dry properly, and give it a towel if the breeze isn’t enough. If you can’t because it’s raining, dry it when you get home. Do not skip this step.
Then, put in the cover bags of moisture absorber as can be found in some packaging, in shoe boxes in particular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a canoe paddle and how can it work?
Canoe paddles are used to propel and guide a kayak by people seated inside. All canoe paddles feature high traction, long shaft and paddle blade. These paddles are usually created from wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, and vinyl. Many canoe paddles are developed for a set reach and also have solid bottoms, but a few canoe paddles have telescoping shafts that could adjust the distance of the paddle to better match its current user.
There are two blade shaft shapes to choose from: straight and curved. Straight bottoms will be the traditional style and are the most common type. They shine like river and whitewater paddles, as their layout allows for tight maneuvers and withstands sudden impacts. Twisted shafts are best used for relaxed cruising on a pond or lake. A bent shank paddle is intended to promote proper positioning of the paddle blade in addition to a comfortable grip that does not fatigue its own user.
What size canoe paddle do I want?
The answer actually depends on your personal taste, but we could offer some general advice so that you can dictate the appropriate canoe paddle size on the internet. Most of the paddles on our list have helpful size guides on their product pages, but we could help you find the right size paddle on your own in your home. This is how it is possible to measure to determine the ideal paddle size for you.
To start, you need to simulate sitting in a kayak by laying out a pile of books in your flooring that equals the elevation of your kayak seat. Second, sit on these books and assess the distance between the chin and the floor. Third, take that dimension and subtract your kayak’s draft (use three inches if you don’t know that specific amount). The end result is what the shaft length of the straight canoe paddle should be. People who need a curved canoe paddle should reevaluate another 2 inches.
What kind of canoe paddle do I want?
Choose a curved canoe paddle if you want to say a lot of kayaking on calm waters, such as those in ponds and lakes, in which you are able to leisurely spend a day traveling from shore to shore. Choose a straight canoe paddle for trips in rougher waters such as rivers and bays where more specialized maneuvers need to be performed. Thin paddles are best for control and steering, while large beavertail blades are best for thrust.
How to size a bent shaft canoe paddle?
Use the procedure described above in the previous sizing query. Normally, bent-shaft canoe paddles should be about a few inches shorter than a straight-up paddle could for the same individual.
Final Verdict
To help you in your decision process, we have selected the three best canoe paddles from our review for you.
Our favorite was the Editors’ Choice, the Bending Branches Special Performance Canoe Paddle. We love it for its 11-degree bent shaft, three-ply wood construction, and laminated Rockgard tip, which means there’s no compromise on efficiency or durability.
Then we have the Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles, which are light on your pocket and light in your hands, thanks to their plastic and aluminum construction and ability to cut through the path with ease.
Finally, we have our sport winner, the ZJ Sport Hybrid Carbon Paddle. It is a light and comfortable paddle with a carbon blade that delivers balanced and powerful strokes.
With this information we are sure you are in a much better position to choose the best canoe paddle for yourself. Happy canoeing!
Aiden is a freelance journalist and content writer who writes about the outdoors, the environment, and travel. He is a Survival and Preparedness enthusiast who loves everything outdoors. Aiden has always enjoyed pushing people to step outside their comfort zones. His mission is to help others get out of their homes to have fun and stay active in nature.
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