How to Select the Right Canoe Paddle

23 Jun 2016

Knowing which type of canoe paddles you should use requires a bit of thought. There are options aplenty from which to choose, but in order to make the right choice, you need to weigh many things including your body type and strength, the kind of canoeing you will do, and your level of experience on the water.

The paddle you select is incredibly important. After all, it’s what connects you and the water beneath you, and it’s the instrument you will channel all of your energy and strength through. What type of canoeing will you do? Will you be taking leisurely voyages over still lakes? Or are you more of a thrill-seeker who plans to navigate demanding, fast-moving whitewater rivers?

Regardless, and before you paddle away from shore, be mindful of canoe safety and be prepared to help yourself and others if they get in over their heads.

The Paddle: Your Most Important Blade

There are arguably five different kinds of canoe paddles: recreational paddles, wilderness paddles, river or whitewater paddles, racing paddles, and paddles for youth. Most are made from different types of wood, but some paddles are made of aluminium, plastic, or carbon fibre. Each has its unique properties and purpose:

Recreational paddles 

You’ve likely held one of these in your hands before without knowing it. Recreational paddles are among the most common. They feature a wide, short blade shaped like a beaver’s tail, and have rigid shafts.

Wilderness paddles

If you’re experienced taking elongated canoe trips out into the bush or are about to embark on such a journey with an experienced canoeist, the wilderness paddle’s elegant, long, narrow blade is ideal. It’s designed for long distances and repetitious strokes. A lightweight paddle based on the shape of an otter’s tail, it has a short shaft and an oval grip.

River or whitewater paddles 

Unless you’re an experienced canoeist who is in good physical shape, chances are you won’t need a whitewater paddle though they are often used by recreational canoeists too. Nevertheless, these paddles are square tipped, or have short, square blades, and are lightweight and durable. 

Racing paddles 

Similar to whitewater paddles, racing paddles also feature a bent shaft to assist with fast, powerful strokes, but the shaft is noticeably longer than its whitewater counterpart. The blades can be either flat-faced or ribbed. If you ever find yourself aboard an outrigger, you won’t be out of place with a racing paddle in your grip. 

Paddles for youth

Smaller versions of adult-designed paddles, paddles for youth and children typically feature short shafts, small, wide blades, and are lightweight, durable, and flexible. Additionally, the paddle grip is smaller as is the diameter of the shaft, so it’s comfortable for kids to hold and use.

Choosing the Correct Paddle Length

When it comes to picking a canoe paddle, size matters. But it doesn’t have to be a complicated decision. 

Have you ever played hockey? Before you stepped out onto the ice for the first time, chances are your mom or dad tried to determine the right length of a hockey stick for you by standing the stick in front of you while you were wearing your skates. Essentially, the same principle applies: in a seated position in a canoe (or kneel down as if in a canoe), the paddle's shaft ought to be an equal distance from your shoulder to the water.