Paddle Sizing Guide 

There are many theories, formulas and wives' tale methods regarding the proper sizing of a paddle. Some of these are quite accurate and some border on the ridiculous. To properly understand the essential elements of fitting a paddle, think in these terms: torso height plus seat height equals shaft length. Seat height means the distance from one's bottom to the surface of the water regardless if one is sitting or kneeling. There are other factors which will sway this measurement slightly up or down, but for the most part, this simple theorem will work. This is generally so because upon beginning the paddle stroke (after entry into the water) the grip hand is typically at, or near, the eyes or nose and the blade shoulder is at or near the surface of the water. Body height is a gross measurement, and may frequently be unreliable, (unless one stands in the boat while paddling)! One would be surprised at how two people of the same body height may have considerably different torso heights.

With that said, the next question is, "How do I measure my torso?" Sit erect on a hard, flat surface. Measure from the chair surface (at the crotch) to your nose. Then plug this number into the chart.

The other additional factor would be low-angle versus high-angle paddling style. Shoulder width will indirectly dictate your grip width while holding the paddle. The angle of attack in the stroke will dictate your length of paddle also, since for any given size of high-angle paddle one typically should use the next longer size in a low-angle paddle.

To use the same chart above, measure your torso as explained above, and plug that number into the chart.

Torso Size
Low-Angle Kayak
High-Angle Kayak
20"
160cm
160cm
22"
180cm
160 or 180cm
24"
200cm
180cm
26"
210cm
200cm
28"
220cm
200cm
30"
230cm
220cm
32"
240cm
230cm
34"
250cm
240cm
36"
n/a
250cm
38"
n/a
n/a

 

Helpful Hint: If one is out in the field without access to this chart, a good rule of thumb is to hold a kayak paddle horizontally in your hands. If this paddle is the right size, each hand should be about two-thirds of the distance from the very center point of the paddle to the shoulder area of the blade. Once again, this may vary due to personal comfort or application preference, but, if one's grip is too narrow, control is lost. If one's grip is too wide, leverage is lost and one may hit their hands on the beam of the boat.