Noyo Pacific Kayaking

Paddles are priced from around $40 to $400. Even the inexpensive ones are plenty strong. I like paddles with a dihedral (raised ridge) face. They are very smooth stroking and don't flutter when you dig in. Less expensive paddles are usually heavier, often made of aluminum (which is cold to the touch and corrodes particularly on 2-piece jointed paddles. If you have a 2-piece paddle, store it in two pieces.)

Light paddles are really nice to use. Even at cruising speeds, a kayaker is only maintaining an average propelling force of around five pounds. Paddling a kayak forward is done using powerful muscles of the shoulders, arms and abdomen. The muscles used to hold the paddle up are less powerful. If you can shave off a few ounces, the difference is quite noticeable. After an hour of paddling, the difference is enormous! If you have a light paddle, I don't recommend trading it with any paddling partner that is using a heavy paddle to try out, unless you don't mind waiting until you get back to the beach for him to return it!

Lighter paddles may also be less rugged. If you are rough on gear, I wouldn't go very light. If you want a paddle you can use to push off of rocks get one with molded plastic blades. Surprisingly, I see tough paddles break as often than the light ones. I suspect that paddlers tend to abuse tough, heavy paddles and exercise care with premium ones.