Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle length

From: <SNStone_at_aol.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 00:09:32 EDT
I'm buying a surprise paddle for a 5'5" novice paddler. I'm
5'8" and use a 210 cm, so I'm thinking 200 cm. Does this
sound reasonable? I'm giving the lessons, so a vertical
stroke will be learned.

There really is not an easy answer to this question. For sea kayaking a 200 
may be too short. Going below 200 would also be too short (another post). You 
want a paddle that  permits the person to get the blade fully immersed in the 
water when vertical, but avoid the need to increase the number of rpm's 
needed to propel the boat. I.E. the shorted the paddle, the more rpm's need 
to cover the same distance.

The only true way is for the person to try paddles of several lengths on 
several trips. Buy her a gift certificate.

good luck
sid

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Thu Jun 27 2002 - 21:09:52 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:53 PDT