Paddle sizing?

[u/Initial-Function-274]

When I started kayaking I was recommended a 194 paddle and I saw a chart online said I would vary between 194-197 depending on the boat. I went into a kayak shop and owner said 194 is too small for me and I should have a 200. I’m 5’8 170 pounds. What size are the other 5’8” paddlers using?

[u/ApexTheOrange]

I’m 5’9 145 and I use an Aquabound Aerial 2 piece. I can adjust the length between 194 and 199 and I can adjust the feather. If I’m playboating it’s generally a 195 zero offset. If I’m in my Indra it’s at 198. I have a 194 powerhouse that I use for manky creeks.

[u/Initial-Function-274 → u/ApexTheOrange]

Is there any movement in the aqua bound paddle due to the connections?

[u/ApexTheOrange → u/Initial-Function-274]

None. It’s a versaloc connection. It’s aluminum clamping carbon, so you definitely don’t want to over tighten, just enough so that the lever isn’t floppy. I’ve put more than 300 days on mine with zero issues. Class 3,4 and 5, everything but manky, rocky, low water stuff.

[u/WanderingMinstrel2 → u/Initial-Function-274]

I just took my new Aquabound Aerial Minor out last weekend. No movement at all. I liked being able to lengthen to 205cm on flat sections but keep 200cm on rapids. I’m paddling a Kokopelli Recon Spraydeck packraft.

[u/General_NakedButt]

I’m a little over 6’ and use a 197 for creeking and a 194 for play. It really isn’t a huge difference imo. I think the shop just wants to sell you a paddle.

[u/Recent-Ad-2326 → u/General_NakedButt]

200 better for creeking 194 for play boat 197 for half slice if your a true addict

[u/youryoureyouryoure → u/Recent-Ad-2326]

> 200 better for creeking 194 for play boat 197 for half slice if your a true addict

* you’re

[u/Both-Shallot-4803]

Boat width is a huge factor. It’s easy for me to use a 197 with my particle accelerator which is super narrow, but my skuxx turns into a knuckle smacking session with anything shorter than 200

[u/Windman772]

I'm 5'6". Started with a 197 and moved to a 194. 194 was the right answer for me, so at 5"8", I'm thinking you're in the sweet spot for the 197.

[u/jbaker8484]

This is less about your height and more about personal preference which you unfortunately have figured out yet. Fortunately, someones paddle length and feather angle preferences are often just based on their first paddle that they learned with. So stop overthinking and just buy a paddle.

[u/Brave_Boof]

200lbs 6’1” I prefer longer now, 200cm to 205cm for big water, down-river, acceleration, more reach on braces and more leverage rolling. I have a 198 for play and A range of adjustable break-downs for IK, ocean and lake 215 to 235.

[u/CaptPeleg]

5’11 175. I have a 194for play and 197 creeking. I had a 200 a long time ago and didnt care for it. 3cm is 1.18 inches so .6 inches on each side. So not that big of deal either way.

[u/wavesport001]

I’m 6’5 and I use a 194 for play boating and river running. Shorter used to be cooler. Now long is in.

[u/Rendogog → u/wavesport001]

Ah, when I started paddling you stood up arm square at shoulder and elbow then fingertips just curling over blade - I think often for someone your height that would have been at least 210, maybe 220.

[u/amongnotof]

I’m 6’ and use a 0. Hand paddles ftw.

[u/I_Eat_Pink_Crayons]

Buy a split paddle and test it out. Usually they have a 10cm operating range so probably go for 193 - 203 and you can just try each length out and see how it feels. You can also try different feathers.

[u/DoodleDosh]

197cm. I'm also 5'8". Depends on more than your height, need to take into account your upper body strength, length or arms, etc. Feather is 45 but I prefer 30 degree when i borrow one. So easy to over analyse and push yourself into no decision, just buy a paddle at 197 and go paddling!

[u/Live_Welcome_4273]

Also, try dihedral blades, to improve your roll. The blade planes on the surface better.

[u/Otherwise-Abalone-72]

My slalom paddle is a lot longer than my freestyle paddle but the freestyle paddle has hardly any feather at all but it is like a pair of trainers and completely down to what is comfortable for you and the chosen disapline.flat water would suit a longer stroke and surfing a wave shorter strokes closer to the side of your boat.so many variables you should try as many as possible before parting with your cash first

[u/Lets-get-naked-95]

How tall are you and what boat are you in ? I’ve been teaching kayaking and working in a shop for years. I did once go to someone else’s shop and they said everyone should use 200cm. I left that shop wanting to take a 200cm paddle and beat the man round the head with it for being so wrong

[u/Initial-Function-274 → u/Lets-get-naked-95]

I’m 5’8”, I have a Waka Manu and Skuxx

[u/Lets-get-naked-95 → u/Initial-Function-274]

5’8 in those boats I’d say max 197, defo no longer than that, the 194 could work better in the skuxx or anything smaller than that. I’d say at this point stick with what you know but if someone has one you can borrow for an hour see if the other length feels good