Finding the right paddle for canoeing can greatly enhance your experience on the water. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine the best one for you. To ensure a comfortable and efficient paddling experience, it is important to measure yourself and find a paddle that fits your specific needs. In this article, we've done the research and have found the top 5 best canoe paddle options on the market. We'll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure yourself to get the right paddle size, so you can be confident in your choice and enjoy your time on the water.
Step-by-step guide to get the right paddle size
Getting the right paddle size for canoeing is important for maximizing your comfort and efficiency on the water. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you measure yourself and find the right paddle size:
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides and measure your height from the floor to the top of your head.
- Measure the distance from your wrist to the top of your shoulder. This measurement will give you an idea of your torso length.
- Take note of your arm span, which is the distance from the tip of your middle finger on one hand to the other.
- Consider the type of canoeing you'll be doing. If you plan on doing long-distance paddling, a longer paddle might be more suitable, while a shorter paddle will be easier to maneuver in tighter spaces.
- Use the information you've gathered to determine the right paddle length. A general rule of thumb is to subtract your height from your arm span to get the ideal paddle length. For example, if your height is 6 feet (72 inches) and your arm span is 80 inches, the ideal paddle length for you would be 80 - 72 = 8 feet (96 inches).
- Finally, keep in mind that paddle manufacturers may have different size recommendations, so make sure to double-check their guidelines before making a purchase.
By following these steps, you'll be able to find the right paddle size that fits your specific needs and will give you the best paddling experience possible.
After checking out the canoe paddles below, if you're an outdoorsman looking for other canoe gear we have you covered with the best canoe racks - steps to transport your canoe, best outrigger canoe paddles, best canoe and kayak storage rack, and best life jackets and life vests.
