| Choosing the right paddle for your kind of canoeing is | | | | for those that have trouble with their rhythm with |
| very important. You don't want to be stuck with a | | | | larger blades. |
| paddle that does not fit your needs. But then again | | | | Blade length is also reliant on the paddler's size and |
| what do you need? Here is a guide to finding the right | | | | strength. Strong paddlers should stick to longer length |
| paddle for your water needs. This is especially true if | | | | paddles as they facilitate greater power transfer. The |
| you are looking to race with your canoe. | | | | longer paddles measure in at 24 inches, for those who |
| What are Your Needs? | | | | feel that this is too long for them 21 inch variants are |
| First of all you have to know what your paddling | | | | available. |
| needs are. Are you a family paddler? The type that | | | | Blade Shape |
| uses the canoe for family trips and outings? Are you a | | | | Good blades should be shaped in a way to make |
| speed paddler, needing the best paddle for racing? Or | | | | paddling easier and more efficient. Look for blades that |
| are you one that does white water rapid canoeing? | | | | have sloped shoulders. These shoulders allow the |
| You will first have to consider your needs before going | | | | paddle to pass cleanly under the canoe during the |
| to the store to find a paddle that is just right for you. | | | | forward stroke. The bottom should be slightly rounded, |
| Remember that paddles are an essential part of your | | | | with a radius of around 7 inches. |
| canoeing experience. You do not want to get stuck | | | | Blade tips should allow quiet entry into the water. This |
| with inefficient and insufficient paddling equipment when | | | | increases the efficiency of the blade as it makes sure |
| you go for the waters on your canoeing trips. | | | | the blade's energy is not dissipated on the entry to the |
| Paddle Blade Shape | | | | water. If your blades do not have such smooth an |
| Your choice here is between power and rhythm. Wide | | | | entry into the water, you will find yourself expending |
| blades transmit more power to the water but they are | | | | extra energy to gel less results. |
| harder to use and force the paddler further over the | | | | Straight and Bent Paddles |
| canoe rail. The paddles with less width, however, catch | | | | If you are a solo canoe enthusiast a straight paddle |
| less water and this translates into less push. | | | | may be the best choice for you as straight paddles |
| The paddle you choose should match your strength, | | | | transmit more power. However, sometimes solo |
| size, conditioning and rhythm. You may want to try | | | | cadence and tandem cadence make the use of bent |
| your friends' paddles a while before deciding on a | | | | paddles more efficient in a canoe situation. Try both to |
| paddle width and shape. Aside from greater | | | | see which fits your style of canoeing. |
| acceleration, larger paddles result in faster turns, and | | | | Test and Purchase |
| better braces. | | | | If possible try the paddles out before purchasing them. |
| However, large paddles are not for everyone. Some | | | | The unique shapes and sizes of paddles are there for |
| paddles, although in awe of the larger ones, feel more | | | | a reason. And just like baseball bats, they all hit with |
| comfortable with the smaller paddles, which are better | | | | different results. |