paddle size?

hello all

Is paddle size a science such as if the person is 5'8 then this size of paddle works or is it just try it until you find the right one?

Carl

There are a few fitting guides on the web such as http://www.wernerpaddles.com/chooseapaddle.php.  But these don't always work for the SOT's we paddle.  In fact, this guide will put me in a 220 cm, when in fact I prefer a longer paddle.

But everyone has their own personal favorites that match up with the yaks they paddle.  With the wider SOT's we paddle, a 230 cm is a good place to start.  I find I paddle shorter with bent shafts though and I prefer a 225cm.

Most paddlers should use a standard blade and avoid the larger blades unless they are really strong paddlers and know it.  I consider myself a strong paddler, and even then, I don't alway like the larger blades.  You can really feel them working you, especially on longer paddles.  It'll wear you out.

I probably should have advised you to try a few different lengths/styles at WKSKS.

-Allen

Allen,

I was to busy paddleing ever kayak you guys brought.  And I should have thought about the paddle size too but I had kayak on the brain.  I have the go ahead to get 2 kayaks so I am trying to figure out where to start with a paddle.  So I think I will track down a sprite for the daughter some 200 +  but I am not sure where to start for me!

Carl