Suggestion on paddle length

[Djohn]

i'm looking for suggestions on paddle length for my prescador pro 10 kayak. It's 32" wide and i'm 5'9". With the seat in the upper position its about 3 inches off the base of the kayak. I have a 230 now and I yhink its a bit short. I'm leaning towards a 250 but any input is appreicated.

[Angry John]

Blade shape and paddling style also has some to do with it.  There are calculators out there for making guesstimates but if you can rent one at a local shop i would try a few before buying.  I like a CF shaft so its a lot lighter but plastic blades so they dont get chipped up and broken.  I would think a 250 would be in the ball park but i am taller and like as long as i can get.  they have several models that have a slide section in them so you can change the length and change the position of the blade.  Unless you know exactly what you want i would get one of those first.  Here is an example but i am not saying get this one.

https://www.campsaver.com/nucanoe-wave-angler-adjustable-paddle.html?_iv_code=NUC-WS2-NUC0027-280253&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=CjwKCAjw7tfVBRB0EiwAiSYGM5X6ytVxraBGN6yxLdhh-A-G2q1qRHmarKpfzmYx4W2wEhyGPLXjrRoCX9gQAvD_BwE

 

I have had 2 cannon paddles and i like them a lot.  Mid price range and good product

 

[thinkingredneck]

Paddle length is a function of how tall you are, according to what I've read.  Get one with bright colored blades to help boats see you.

[Choporoz]

1 hour ago, thinkingredneck said:

 Get one with bright colored blades to help boats see you.

I agree wholeheartedly with this.  I've seen guys in neutral colored yaks with black paddle blades virtually disappear on the water.  Being able to hold up and wave a blaze orange or chartreuse paddle might be a life saver some day.  My blades are white and even that isn't nearly as good as the brighter ones.

[J Francho]

240 covers most people in boats 30-34" wide.  If you're worried about being seen, get a flag.  You're not always paddling, so the bright colored paddles is a waste of time.  I have a custom bent full carbon paddle that's black, run a bright green flag on a VisiCarbon light.

[Darren.]

When I bought my setup at Appomatox River Co here in

VA, the method used to determine proper length of a 

paddle was for me to stand straight, lift up my arm next

to a paddle and bend my fingers over it. If I could do so

at the middle finger joint, it was perfect.

 

With wider kayaks today, this doesn't always work perfectly.

You don't want to be scraping the sides, esp. if you have 

short arms. A longer paddle will help.

 

And as for bright paddles being a waste of time, that is an

entirely subjective statement. A flag is great, but if you're

standing up and not being recognized, having something 

else to flail could be useful since you're above the flag

visibility line of sight.  Pick your tool...LOL.

 

My paddles are white. I like black, too. In fact, I'm rarely

using a paddle given I motor everywhere. And those who

use pedal boats are not using paddles. So yeah, a flag first

for visibility, but if a paddle helps you feel safer there,

then go for a hi-vis color. If they're not seeing you, blow

your horn. You have one, right?

[Choporoz]

I have a blaze orange flag...and a light...and white paddle blades.  I fish in big water and some very congested waters. I still very nearly got run over by a cabin cruiser last summer.  No air horn.  But I did go to REI a couple days later and got these:https://www.rei.com/product/813508/sol-rescue-howler-whistle-package-of-2

Might actually be louder than an air horn -- my ears hurt for a day after testing...lol

[Darren.]

6 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I have a blaze orange flag...and a light...and white paddle blades.  I fish in big water and some very congested waters. I still very nearly got run over by a cabin cruiser last summer.  No air horn.  But I did go to REI a couple days later and got these:https://www.rei.com/product/813508/sol-rescue-howler-whistle-package-of-2

Might actually be louder than an air horn -- my ears hurt for a day after testing...lol

I've got those, too. My air horn needs replacing. I like to have

multiple safety items on board. Never been necessary as I fish

electric-only reservoirs, but when I'm in big water I want them

handy. I stick close to shorelines, too.

[thinkingredneck]

Even with a flag and orange paddle blades, I had a Jet Ski almost hit me.  I would rather fish with gators than Jet Skis

[J Francho]

2 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

I had a Jet Ski almost hit me.

A jet ski actually hit me in my 22' bass boat, while not under way.  It was just a scuff, but I chased him back to his cottage and had a word with his parents.  He was not allowed back on the jet ski after that.

[Djohn]

Thanks guys. I think i might go with the Bending Branches Adjustable Anglers paddle in 240-260 length. Has for paddle color it doesn't make much difference to me because I almost need fish were anything but Layaks or canoes can go. 

[Crankin4Bass]

I also have the Perception Pescador Pro 10 and use a Werner Camano 240cm. I bought both together at REI and while they recommended the 230, the 240 felt better for me. That paddle is great by the way. Expensive, but I got it on sale and it is so much lighter than any other paddles I saw.