Posted by: Zak
Just as folks come in a bountiful array of sizes and paddles come in assorted lengths there are countless varieties of techniques and tricks for sizing someone to a paddle.
I rate a good sizing system on two criteria.
#1: Does it measure someone to the shaft length?
Too often a paddle sizing technique will size someone based on height and say that you should have a “x” length bent shaft paddle. Okay let’s say this length is 50” for you - you buy two bent shafts at 50” - one has a 18” blade and the other a 28” blade. That would mean the shaft on the first one would be 10” longer than the other. Not good! You’re hands would probably be too close together on one and too far apart on the other - making neither paddle the correct length! So that’s why in evaluating a good paddle sizing technique I always look for one that measures shaft length and then it’s as simple as adding the blade length to that measurement.
#2: Is it simple? I get plenty of calls from folks wondering how to pick the correct paddle size. And it is plain to me that a simple sizing technique that is easy to understand is best. Believe me if you’re measuring your nostril circumference or factoring in your favorite sock color when someone is fitting you to a paddle size it’s not gonna work. And unless you are a professional dragon boar racer or marathon paddling champ just a simple paddle sizing technique will do just fine.
So with those two criteria in mind here is what I use to size a paddle ~
Directions:
1. Sit on a chair with your back straight.
2. Measure from the seat to the middle of your eyeballs.
3. For 10-14 degree bent shaft: Add the length of the blade.
For 5-10 degree bent shaft: Add length of blade plus 2-4”
For straight shaft: Add length of blade plus 4-6”
That’s it!
Note: No idea where this information originated, but a shout out to the folks up at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. Picked up this great paddle sizing technique when we were delivering some paddles to them last year.
Just as folks come in a bountiful array of sizes and paddles come in assorted lengths there are countless varieties of techniques and tricks for sizing someone to a paddle.
I rate a good sizing system on two criteria.
#1: Does it measure someone to the shaft length?
Too often a paddle sizing technique will size someone based on height and say that you should have a “x” length bent shaft paddle. Okay let’s say this length is 50” for you - you buy two bent shafts at 50” - one has a 18” blade and the other a 28” blade. That would mean the shaft on the first one would be 10” longer than the other. Not good! You’re hands would probably be too close together on one and too far apart on the other - making neither paddle the correct length! So that’s why in evaluating a good paddle sizing technique I always look for one that measures shaft length and then it’s as simple as adding the blade length to that measurement.
#2: Is it simple? I get plenty of calls from folks wondering how to pick the correct paddle size. And it is plain to me that a simple sizing technique that is easy to understand is best. Believe me if you’re measuring your nostril circumference or factoring in your favorite sock color when someone is fitting you to a paddle size it’s not gonna work. And unless you are a professional dragon boar racer or marathon paddling champ just a simple paddle sizing technique will do just fine.
So with those two criteria in mind here is what I use to size a paddle ~
Directions:
1. Sit on a chair with your back straight.
2. Measure from the seat to the middle of your eyeballs.
3. For 10-14 degree bent shaft: Add the length of the blade.
For 5-10 degree bent shaft: Add length of blade plus 2-4”
For straight shaft: Add length of blade plus 4-6”
That’s it!
Note: No idea where this information originated, but a shout out to the folks up at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. Picked up this great paddle sizing technique when we were delivering some paddles to them last year.
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