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Kayaking -
Begining Kayaking
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This section is aimed at newer paddlers who might not know what to even start looking for in a paddle; much less what might make the best paddle for them. It is possible that some more experienced paddlers might even glean a useful tidbit or two here, also.
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Read more: Choosing a Kayaking Paddle
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Kayaking -
Kayaking Equipment
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What Kind of Paddle Should I Purchase New or Used?
A used paddle will be less expensive than a new one of the same brand and model. If one for sale is suitable for your use, is sized correctly, and looks to be in good shape, buy it. Sea kayak paddles seldom take much abuse, so I wouldn't worry too much about lost strength if you are contemplating a paddle for either of those disciplines. Do check the joint system on any breakdown kayak paddle (sea or white water) for wear, indicated by looseness or movement. I wouldn't dismiss such a paddle, but an excessive amount means less life is available, as joint systems are often the first to go on breakdowns. There are just too many "moving parts."
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Read more: What Kind of Paddle Should I Purchase New or Used?
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Kayaking -
Kayaking Equipment
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What Paddle Shaft is Right for Me?
Break down paddles come in many configurations. The primary purposes of a breakdown are adjustable feather angles and ease of transportation and storage when not in use. Most breakdowns are two-piece paddles, but three, and even four-piece paddles are available from some manufacturers.
I would recommend paddling with a one-piece paddle whenever possible. They are lighter, stronger, less expensive, and don't have joints that wear, get wiggly, and require maintenance. There is simply less to go wrong with them, especially out on the water when you probably can't do anything about a malfunction. The easier transportation and storability of a breakdown is a plus, but
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Read more: What Paddle Shaft is Right for Me?
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Kayaking -
Kayaking Equipment
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What are Wing Paddles?
There have been a couple of new innovations in paddle form recently. The first was wing blades for Olympic sprint style kayak racing, and that was later joined by shafts with weird bends in them for white water slalom racing. Both concepts have gone through design modifications and are now used in upper level recreational flat water and white water paddling.
Wing Blades
The "wing" blades found on kayak paddles are so named because they
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Read more: What are Wing Paddles?
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Kayaking -
Kayaking Equipment
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If you plan on primarily paddling easy flat water, small blades (junior or even kids sized) might be best, or at least okay, though "standard" sized ones will also work fine. If you paddle white water, and I include ocean rock garden play and ocean surfing here, you will usually want slightly larger blades than used for touring, depending on how strong you are, and what kind of shape you're in. Larger blades grip the water better for the repeated boat acceleration and deceleration done in white water and surfing. Flat water cruising is more efficient with smaller blades, as this allows a faster stroke rate, and you can rest even more by just slowing the pace some.
I would recommend 100 to 105 square inches of blade surface for a white water kayak paddle within its typical length range. A blade size about
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Read more: What is the Correct Blade Size For My Kayaking Paddle?
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