#KAYAK PADDLES UPGRADE#

Others, across the entire Arctic region all the way to Greenland also created double bladed paddles to propel their kayaks. Many early Pacific Rim kayakers used a single bladed paddle - a more efficient design when kneeling in the cockpit straddling a bedroll as they did. As boats evolved into different craft so too did paddles. A couple of options that often have good deals are:įind more great kayaking tips and advice.The first paddle was probably created to move a raft across water so deep a push pole couldn’t reach the bottom.

However if you have only ever used a plastic or aluminum paddle you simply won’t know the difference unless you happen to pick up a lighter paddle in a kayaking store… in which case you may begin to think of upgrading.Īll kayaking stores will sell kayak paddles. They are simply too expensive for most recreational kayakers (at least in my opinion, though others may disagree).Ī good fiberglass paddle is usually the best way to go and can still be purchased for a fairly reasonable price.

If you will be going out more than a few times a year you might want to consider budgeting for a better paddle.ĭon’t go for a carbon fiber paddle unless you are REALLY serious about your kayaking experience… meaning that this is a sport that is going to become part of your daily life. Consider how often and how far you intend to kayak.

#KAYAK PADDLES UPGRADE#

Choose the one you can afford… you can always upgrade down the road.When you are choosing your kayak paddle I would suggest two things: When you are making thousands of strokes, a few ounces less can go a long way as to how you feel and how fast or far you can power your kayak. However they are very lightweight… some can even be a few ounces lighter than a similar sized fiberglass paddle. In fact they can cost two to three times more than a fiberglass paddle. Carbon FiberĬarbon fiber paddles are not as common as fiberglass paddles because they are much more expensive. Wood paddles are tough and rigid and can last for a very long time. Many people prefer the look of a wood paddle although they are much less commonly seen. Similar to fiberglass paddles, a wood paddle is lightweight as well as inexpensive. They tend to be quite strong and can withstand a fair amount of abuse. Fiberglassįiberglass is extremely popular because it is lightweight as well as inexpensive. Plastic paddles are also one of the cheapest kinds and often will come with the kayak you purchase or else can be bought for a very inexpensive price.Īlso popular with beginners, a plastic paddle will be fine for a recreational kayaker but most people will want to upgrade to a lighter paddle after a short while. Many people will start off with an aluminum paddle because they are so inexpensive, but will upgrade to a far lighter material once they become more serious about their kayaking.Īs you can imagine a heavier paddle makes for a much more exhausting experience.Īn aluminum paddle however is great for starting out and makes a good spare for down the road once you own a better paddle. The most common lightweight kayak paddle materials are: AluminumĪluminum paddles are one of the cheapest types but they also happen to be one of the heaviest. They are usually double-bladed and are typically made from lightweight materials. The most common features to look for in a kayak paddle are weight, length and ergonomics. However, as you become more experienced you may start to look into the different kinds of kayak paddles and how the different materials can affect your stroke, speed, comfort and overall experience. Second to that is the kayak paddle.Ī kayak paddle can make a big difference as to what kind of paddling experience you have.įor many of us our first kayak paddle is simply one that we can afford. The most important piece of kayaking equipment is of course the kayak itself.

Kayak paddles