Proper sizing of your paddle is extremely important and will certainly effect how it performs. There are a lot of variables involved. The main thing to remember is the entire blade should be immersed in the water when a stroke is taken. The critical measurement is not the overall length of the paddle, but that of the shaft. To find the proper shaft length simply sit in your canoe and measure from your chin to the surface of the water. This is the shaft length. Add to this the length of the blade and you have your overall paddle length. If you do not have access to a canoe and water, review the chart below, it will get you headed in the right direction. (NOTE: this chart is giving you overall paddle length.)
|
Torso size * |
Straight shaft |
Beavertail style |
Bent shaft |
|
20" or less |
42" |
48" |
48" |
|
22" |
48" |
54" |
48" |
|
24" |
51" |
57" |
48" |
|
26" |
51" |
57" |
48" |
|
28" |
54" |
60" |
48" |
|
30" |
57" |
63" |
50" |
|
32" |
57" |
63" |
52" |
|
34" |
63" |
63" |
54" |
|
36" |
63" |
66" |
56" |
|
38" or more |
*To determine torso size, sit on a hard surface with eyes forward, back straight: measure from surface to tip of nose. Chart lists approx. size.
Proper sizing of your paddle is extremely important and will certainly
effect how it performs. There are a lot of variables involved. The main
thing to remember is the entire blade should be immersed in the water
when a stroke is taken. The critical measurement is not the overall length
of the paddle, but that of the shaft. The chart below should get you headed
in the right direction. (NOTE: this chart is giving you overall paddle
length.)
|
Torso size* |
Boat beam |
18" - 20" blade |
24" - 26" blade |
|
26" |
23" - 27" |
210 cm |
200 cm |
|
28" |
23" - 27" |
220 cm |
210 cm |
|
30" |
23" - 27" |
230 cm |
220 cm |
|
32" |
23" - 27" |
240 cm |
230 cm |
|
34" |
23" - 27" |
250 cm |
240 cm |
|
36" |
23" - 27" |
260 cm |
250 cm |
*To determine torso size, sit on a hard surface with eyes forward, back straight: measure from surface to tip of nose. Chart lists approx. size.