Whitewater Kayak paddles > Info > Kayak Paddles

Kayak Paddles

There are many, many of kayaking, so it only makes sense that there would also be many varieties of kayak paddles. Kayak paddles come in two more major types – the winged and the un-winged – and within those two major categories, two subtypes – symmetrical and asymmetrical. Even further, the size of the paddle itself will alter the exact way in which your kayak is going to move, so it will also play an important factor. But what is the right type of kayak paddles for you?

Non-winged, or flat blade, kayak paddles are required for whitewater kayaking or anything else on rougher waters, so that the pull of the water doesn't mangle the stroke of your blade. Symmetrical blades are going to be the same on either side, which means that you don't have to be concerned with that details, and also means that fast turns and maneuvers are somewhat easier to pull off. Part of the good news is that the symmetrical flat blades are going to be fairly cheap, and work well in most situations. On the other hand, asymmetrical blades are going to give more pull and movement, but require that you use them in the way denoted by the shape of the blade itself. You can also use a loose grip with these types of kayak paddles.

Winged blades have a very specific curvature which gives you far more pull in the water, but also completely changes the way you have to do the stroke. You need to use the full pull of the rotation of your body to do this stroke correctly, and when done incorrectly, these kayak paddles can actually clip the bottom of your boat – which definitely doesn't help your speed.

For the size, the length of the journey is usually what you want to look at. Sprints require large blades, touring requires small blades, and most everything else will require mid-size blades.