If you have been out at a lake or a river than you have no doubt seen some people kayaking. And if you have seen people kayaking then you have no doubt thought about trying it out for yourself. I’m with you. It is a fun and unique way to get out and enjoy the open water.
But when you finally decide to purchase a kayak for yourself you will want to make sure you get the correct paddles to go along with it.
Now, there is no such thing as a wrong paddle perse. But you will want to ensure that you get the best kayak paddles that fits your needs. When narrowing down the paddle, you want to get we have to first take a few things into consideration.
Best Kayak Paddles
Your Height
How tall you are will determine what size paddle you should get. Also, the width of the kayak you purchase plays a role in what length of paddle you need as well.
What kind of paddle style do you have?
Do you have a high-angle or a low-angle paddle style?
What type of Kayaking will you be doing?
If you are moving in slower waters, you will want a different kind of paddle than you would in a faster flowing body of water.
Blade Material
Of course the lighter a paddle is, the easier it will be to maneuver. However, a good paddle is not merely a light paddle. The best paddles on the market have the exact right balance of paddle strength and weight.
There are several different materials that you can get in a kayak paddle, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aluminum. Each one offers its own benefits, and each one has its own drawbacks.
Anyway, I think we should go ahead and get into a few products I feel will meet the needs of any kayaker.
Bending Branches Angler Ace Carbon Fishing Kayak Paddle
Just like the name alludes to, this is a paddle that is great for fishing. It is lightweight with Carbon-reinforced nylon blades, a built-in fishing hook retrieval and the shaft is 100 percent carbon.
This paddle allows you to adjust your control from left to right, or vice versa, and also give you the ability to feather your paddles anywhere from zero to 60 degrees. To top it off, it comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Should you get this one?
If you are using paddles for fishing, then yes. If you are looking for paddles that will cut through the water and get you at high speeds, then no. While this paddle has a lightweight design to it, it is not meant to be used for sport.
Werner Skagit FG IM Paddle
This paddle is an excellent one for those who are beginning kayakers, it has an easier price point than most paddles and gives you a feel for how a proper paddle should work in the water.
It gives you the ability to paddle for endurance with its carbon blended shaft material. Additionally, you can adjust the paddle angle at 15-degree increments, making it easier for the top end of the paddle to cut through the air.
The mid-sized blades on this paddle make it perfect for those who are traveling in flat water.
Should you purchase this paddle?
Again, this is a flat water blade so if you are in relatively calm water this one will do the job you need it to. But if you are looking for a white water paddle, then steer clear of this, it will not give you the control you need.
If you tend to go on multiple day kayak adventures, then this is a perfect buy for you. The weight and comfort of the paddle will surprise you.
Werner Powerhouse Fiberglass Paddle
This paddle is an absolute beast, easily one of the best paddles you can get for fast moving waters.
It is the perfect balance of a lightweight paddle with maximum stroking power. The dihedral blade of these allows for more fluid stroke minimizing paddle flutter when it cuts through the water.
The complete fiberglass body of this gem (paddle and shaft are 100 percent fiberglass) allow it to weigh in at a ridiculously light 2 lbs and 3 ounces, while still maintaining the strength you need in a whitewater paddle.
Of course, as with most products on the market today, this Werner paddle will come to you with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Should you get this paddle?
If you are going to run great rivers, the answer is an unequivocal yes. This paddle is just fantastic when it comes to the combination of brute strength and control.
That said it is a rather pricey paddle, but you won’t be sorry you spend the extra few dollars once you put this thing to use.
Wrap – Up
There you have it. These are three different types of paddles for three different types of kayakers. Do keep in mind, that you want to get the best kayak paddles for your height and the width of your boat as well. In my estimation, the paddle that will fit the needs of most people who read this is the Werner Skagit. But the choice is yours.
Choose wisely.
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