choosing the right paddle?

[slick2526]

Have never owned a canoe before and I am looking for some tips on choosing the right paddle. Its a 2 man and when being used it will most likely be with 2 people and me being in the back. As I stated its a cranberry creek canoe that I had purchased.

So how do you choose the right paddle? when being in the back do i want one that is wider or narrower? and what about length? i heard that you want the handle of the paddle to be no more that chin high when the blade is touching the ground. Is that about right or should i go shorter? when i will be paddling will be on the river mostly if that makes a difference. I will be using my motor on lakes.

any info appreciated

[Powerstroke]

The general rule for choosing a straight paddle would be to stand up straight, place the blade of the paddle on your toe. The handle should be between your chin and nose.

A new way that seems to really focus on choosing your paddle based on how you use it is to take a measurement while you are sitting in your boat. This will tell you how high or low in the water you are sitting and you can customize your paddle length based on that.

There are straight and bent shaft paddles. A straight blade paddle is the best for all around use, especially if you're not paddling long distances straight ahead. A bent shaft is made for power and straight tracking, but they aren't as good for turns and working in small movements.

I would say find a lightweight, straight paddle with a wider blade. Wood is fine to start with until you find out more about how you plan on using your boat.

[mrfish1991]

i prefer a bent shaft paddle myself

im around 5'8" and i use a 52" paddle...if that is any help

[Powerstroke]

I do prefer a bent shaft also. I think for a beginner, and someone probably not looking to spend a ton of money on paddles, a bent shaft should not be your first paddle.

[Gas Man]

I used to fit people in canoe paddles relative to their torso length rather than height. The feeling is that seated or kneeling in a canoe, your legs have little to do with the length of the thing. For a straight shaft, sit in a chair, with the paddle grip between your thighs, and touching the chair. Sitting tall, the throat of the paddle, where it goes from shaft to blade should be at about the hypothetical hair line. This is a starting point. If your seats are low slung, you might want a shorter stick and vice versa. Bent shaft is measured the same only the throat should fall somewhere on the paddlers nose. My two cents.

Gas Man