Got the new Yak out for first time today,, learned a few things.

[Allen Der]

bent shafts FTW!  I'd never go back to a straight shaft either.

[TnRiver46]

I’m 6 foot one with an abnormally long torso. No, my pants aren’t falling down, that’s actually where my waist is (heard that my whole life, I can wear 30 length pants ). I literally Can’t reach the water with a 230 cm paddle .

 

but if im in the pelican kayak it’s about perfect length 

 

Solo paddling in the aluminum canoe I really need a long kayak paddle to reach the water because the seat is up near the top of the gunnels

[J Francho]

Not sure what height has to do with paddle length, unless you're paddling from over your head. Not too many body types that don't allow you to form a box grip and drop it to just above your lap. If you feel like you need a longer paddle, try it. 99% of the time it isn't necessary. 

[bulldog1935]

I went back to a straight shaft, and ended up with a larger glass blade (Coryvreckan) at the same weight as my all-carbon bent-shaft touring Werner (Camano).  

The main reason for bent shaft is indexed hand position, always placing your hands in the most efficient paddling position.  I made my own indexed-position grips with closed-cell foam and shrink-tube - of course I had my bent shaft for reference.    

[TnRiver46]

37 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Not sure what height has to do with paddle length, unless you're paddling from over your head. Not too many body types that don't allow you to form a box grip and drop it to just above your lap. If you feel like you need a longer paddle, try it. 99% of the time it isn't necessary. 

Oh I’ve tried for many miles when I had the wrong paddle on a long float, nightmare days. Shorter paddle works fine in my kayak without a detached chair so height makes all the difference the way I see it. 

[J Francho]

It's your height combined with your technique. It always is. I've had a lot of students come through. The ones that don't adjust to a better technique use much longer paddles. Sometimes that technique leads to joint issues later. 

[bulldog1935]

also boat width.  Werner used to have a very good selection guide on their website, but that ended when chairs went up and SUP's were added.  

If you're paddling right, starting in core muscles, you'll probably get by with the shortest paddle for your configuration.  

The example I used above, though, my little razor Kestrel still needs the short mid-blade touring paddle (along with thigh straps), because it oversteers and tips with my big Coryvreckan paddle.  

[TnRiver46]

21 minutes ago, J Francho said:

It's your height combined with your technique. It always is. I've had a lot of students come through. The ones that don't adjust to a better technique use much longer paddles. Sometimes that technique leads to joint issues later. 

 

10 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

also boat width.  Werner used to have a very good selection guide on their website, but that ended when chairs went up and SUP's were added.  

If you're paddling right, starting in core muscles, you'll probably get by with the shortest paddle for your configuration.  

The example I used above, though, my little razor Kestrel still needs the short mid-blade touring paddle (along with thigh straps), because it oversteers and tips with my big Coryvreckan paddle.  

Yes the width is also crucial. If I paddle with a low enough angle to reach the water in the Jackson, with a 230 cm paddle, the paddle hits the sides of the boat or my legs, depending on the angle 

 

when you change to the high angle you get water dripping all into the boat. Doesn’t matter with sit on top but does with sit in or solo canoe 

[J Francho]

I'm just gonna throw my $.02 in drip rings, since dripping came up.  For over a decade I would have said they all suck.  The rings on my AT Oracle actually work, and work well.