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How to Choose a Kayak Paddle (Because Your Arms Will Thank You)
Most people spend a lot of time choosing their kayak — and then grab whatever paddle happens to be nearby. We get it. The kayak is the exciting part. But here is something we have learned after years of paddling and helping customers on the water: a bad paddle will ruin a great kayak day faster than almost anything else.
The right paddle makes every stroke feel effortless. The wrong one leaves your shoulders aching by noon. So let us talk about how to choose a kayak paddle that actually fits you, your boat, and how you like to paddle.
It's not just a stick
A kayak paddle has four main components: the blades, the shaft, the ferrule (the connector in the middle), and the grips. Each one affects how the paddle performs, how it feels in your hands, and how tired you will be at the end of the day. Even small differences in blade shape or shaft material can have a surprisingly big impact over the course of a few hours on the water.
The five things to get right
Get the length right
Paddle length is the first thing to nail down, and it depends on two things: your height and the width of your kayak. Wider kayaks require a longer paddle so you can reach the water comfortably without banging your knuckles on the hull. Narrower touring kayaks let you use a shorter paddle, which is more efficient and less tiring over long distances.
As a rough guide:
- Under 5'5" in a kayak under 23" wide: 210 to 220 cm
- Between 5'5" and 6' in a mid-width kayak (23 to 28"): 220 to 230 cm
- Taller paddlers or those in wider boats: 230 to 240 cm
These are starting points. If you are ever unsure, come try a few at our Demo Centre at McLean Beach — there is no substitute for actually holding a paddle over a kayak and seeing how it feels.
A couple of specific situations worth noting: if you are paddling with kids, the Perception Hi Five Kids' Paddle at 190 cm ($59.99) is sized right for smaller paddlers and keeps strokes comfortable rather than awkward. For fishing kayaks — which tend to be wide and often have elevated seats — you will likely need something in the 240 to 260 cm range. We carry a full selection of fishing-specific paddles built for that purpose:
Think about blade shape
Kayak paddle blades come in two main profiles. Neither is wrong — it is really about how you paddle naturally.
Longer and narrower blades for a relaxed, horizontal stroke. Great for recreational and touring paddlers out for a leisurely few hours.
Shorter and wider blades for a more aggressive, vertical stroke. More power per stroke — useful in headwinds, moving fast, or covering serious distance.
If you are not sure which style is yours, watch yourself on the water and notice whether your paddle shaft runs closer to horizontal or more upright. That will tell you a lot.
Choose your shaft material
This is where price starts to vary — and where the difference is very much felt in your hands after a few hours on the water.
Aluminium
Affordable and durable. Heavier, and can get cold on cool mornings. Great for beginners and casual paddlers. Our entry-level picks:
Fibreglass
Noticeably lighter with a bit of flex that reduces fatigue on longer paddles. A solid mid-range choice. Our fibreglass picks:
Carbon fibre
Lightest and stiffest. The weight saving adds up meaningfully over serious kilometres. Paddlers who switch rarely want to go back. Our carbon picks:
Consider blade material, too
Blade material matters almost as much as shaft material — it affects stiffness, weight, and how efficiently each stroke moves the boat.
Plastic or nylon
Tough and budget-friendly. Flex a bit under load but hold up well to bumps and rocky launches.
Fibreglass
Stiffer and lighter — more of your stroke energy moves the boat rather than flexing away.
Carbon fibre
Minimal flex, maximum efficiency. If you are in a performance touring kayak and care about every stroke, this is where you end up.
Most paddle blades come in more than one size, and the right choice depends on your body type and fitness level. A larger blade moves more water per stroke but requires more effort — which adds up over a long day. Smaller and less experienced paddlers often find a small or medium blade more comfortable and efficient, with less strain on the shoulders and arms. When in doubt, go with the smaller option recommended by the brand. Good technique with a smaller blade will always outperform a sloppy stroke with a big one.
Feathered or unfeathered?
Most modern paddles are two-piece with an adjustable ferrule, which lets you change the feather angle — the offset between the two blades.
Unfeathered (0°)
Both blades aligned. Simple, intuitive, and great for beginners. Many whitewater paddlers also prefer zero or low feather for dynamic strokes and rolling, where less offset feels more natural.
Blades rotated so the upper blade cuts through wind rather than catching it. Touring paddlers crossing open water often prefer a higher feather angle — sometimes up to 45° or more — to reduce wind resistance on long crossings.
If you are just starting out, do not overthink this. Paddle unfeathered for a while, develop your stroke, and experiment with feathering later if you feel drawn to it.
A few more things worth knowing
One-piece or two-piece?
Most paddles you will encounter are two-piece, joining at the centre with a locking ferrule. The main advantage is adjustability — you can dial in your feather angle, and the paddle breaks down for easy transport and storage. This makes two-piece paddles a natural choice for anyone with a portable kayak or limited storage space.
One-piece paddles are a single solid construction with no moving parts, which some paddlers prefer for the feeling of a completely rigid, wobble-free shaft. The trade-off is that whatever length and feather angle you buy it at is what you have permanently. Four-piece paddles are also available and pack down even smaller — a popular choice as a spare or for travelling with folding kayaks.
Straight shaft or bent shaft?
The vast majority of paddles have a straight shaft, but bent shaft paddles are worth knowing about. The slight bends in the shaft are designed to keep your wrists in a more neutral, natural position through each stroke, which reduces strain over time. If you paddle for long distances, have a history of wrist issues, or simply find straight shaft paddles uncomfortable after a few hours, a bent shaft can make a meaningful difference. They tend to cost more, but for the right paddler, they are absolutely worth it.
Most paddle shafts come in a standard diameter, but some brands offer a smaller diameter option for paddlers with smaller hands. A shaft that is too thick to grip comfortably causes unnecessary fatigue — if you have smaller hands, it is worth asking about this when choosing your paddle.
What we carry at OVAP
We stock a range of paddles to suit every level — from solid entry-level options to packable paddles designed to travel with portable kayaks.
If you are paddling an Oru Kayak, the Oru paddle range is a natural match. All three are two-piece designs that pack down small without sacrificing performance, built to the same travel-friendly philosophy as the kayaks themselves. Choose the level that fits your budget and how seriously you paddle:
For touring and recreational paddlers, we carry options across the material range so you can step up as your paddling progresses. And if you already have a kayak but are not sure your paddle is right for it, bring both in and we will take a look.
Our McLean Beach Demo Centre is open Thursday through Sunday. There is no better way to find the right paddle than getting out on the water with a few options. Book your demo at ovap.ca/demo
The bottom line
A kayak paddle is something you will use every single time you are on the water. It is worth getting right.
- Match your paddle length to your height and kayak width.
- Choose low-angle for relaxed paddling, high-angle for power.
- Go as light as your budget allows — you will feel it after hour two.
- Two-piece paddles offer adjustability and packability; one-piece offers pure rigidity.
- Adjustable ferrules give you flexibility while you figure out your preferred feather angle.
- If your wrists give you trouble on longer paddles, consider a bent shaft.
And if you are ever standing in the shop holding two paddles and not sure which to choose — just ask! We paddle too. And we can definitely help you make the right choice.
Ready to find your perfect paddle?
Browse our kayak paddles at ovap.ca, or come see us at 67 Madawaska Street in Arnprior. Our McLean Beach Demo Centre is open for the season — bring your kayak, or try one of ours.
Shop paddles at OVAP
