Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle length

I found the following of particular interest in this discussion:

1. The formula Ken Cooperstein posted.
2. The Pacific Wave site discussion of paddle length.
3. Double vs single paddle length (Dave Kruger).

The Pacific Wave site defines the "high angle" and "low angle" paddling
styles, and suggests that seat height may also influence paddle length.

For exercise I paddle a 23 inch wide single (while Joyce is at work), and
for trips together we paddle a 35 inch wide double. I use a 220cm paddle for
both, Joyce a 218cm one.

Using the formula for the single gave me a value of 223cm, and during a
paddle this morning I noted that my style was fairly high angle.

The double has a centre "hold", with 5 feet between the front of the stern
cockpit and the back of the bow one. This means that the width tapers
considerably at both cockpits. Where I dip my paddle in ahead of the rear
cockpit the width is 33.5 inches, where I sit 23.5 inches. For Joyce in the
bow the values are 22 inches ahead and 31 inches at the cockpit.

These values in the formula gave 226 & 223cm for me and 210 & 214cm for
Joyce.

There is the possible influence of seat height, however. The single has a
low seat, 1 to 1.5 inches above the bottom, say 2 inches below water level
when I am in it. The double seats are 5 to 6 inches above the bottom, and we
probably sit 2 inches above water level. To allow for this I arbitrarily
altered the spine length values in the formula to water level to top of
shoulder rather than seat to top of shoulder.

This reduced paddle length for the single by 7cm, increased my double values
by 8cm, and increased Joyce's by 7cm.

Conclusions?

1. The formula seems to give reasonable results, although the spine length
probably should allow somehow for water level in relation to seat height.
2. Joyce's paddle is probably the right length, and mine a reasonable
compromise for the two uses.

And to finish, I am definitely envious of the light weight (22 oz) of Ken's
new paddle!


Allan Singleton
Hamilton NZ

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