The important measurement in canoe paddles in not so much the overall length, but the shaft length. We have found two methods that work well to provide a recommended shaft length measurement.

METHOD 1: Hold your arms above your head so that your upper arm is parallel to the floor, and your forearms are vertical  (it's recommended that you do this while looking in a mirror and with a friend who can spot your position for you). You should now look like a football goal post. 

Now, do this again while holding a measuring tape in your hands, and measure the distance from the outside of your right hand to the outside of your left hand. Add 4 inches to that measurement. That number represents the recommended length of the canoe paddle shaft from the end of the grip to the beginning of the blade. Enter that number in the "Design Your Paddle" section of the order form.

METHOD 2: Another option would be to actually sit in your canoe (while in the water) while holding a measuring stick in your hands as you would your new canoe paddle, and measure the ACTUAL length to the surface of the water at a point beside where you are sitting. Enter that number in the comments/ specifications area of the checkout page.

 

Shaft Diameter Sizing

Standard Shaft Diameter: The standard shaft diameter is 1 1/4 inches. If the distance from the bottom of your palm (at the wrist) to the top of your longest finger is more than 7 inches, use the standard shaft.

Smaller Shaft Diameter: The smaller shaft diameter is 1 3/16 inches. If the distance from the bottom of your palm (at the wrist) to the top of your longest finger is less than 7 inches, use the smaller shaft.

Round Shaft: The smallest round shaft size we can make is 1 1/8 inch diameter.

Oval Shaft: The oval shaft reduces the top-to-bottom measurement of the shaft diameter by approximately 1/32 to 1/8 inch. This provides an "index" for using the paddles in the "feathered" configuration.

NOTE: If you are unsure of your paddle length, shaft diameter sizing, or have specific needs, send us an email and we will be happy to assist you in selecting or designing the appropriate paddle.