Kayak Paddle Sizing
The Aroostook Paddle sizing information can help you select the paddle style and length that is right for you.
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The chart below is based upon the industry standard in terms of paddle length. Our shaft length is based upon this industry standard. The overall length of Aroostook Paddles will be longer due to the longer blade length. This means that your "reach" to the water is standard, but your paddle performance is optimized.
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The average "industry standard" blade length is approximately 18 inches. This is the same standard by which Aroostook Paddles determines the length of its paddle shaft. So while the blade lengths available in the Aroostook Paddles' Trakker™ Series paddles range from 20 to 24 inches, it is important to remember that the critical measurement of any paddle is your "reach distance" to the water. The shaft length gets the blade into the water - the blade length and design provides your propulsion.
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The typical paddle length for the average paddler using a more relaxed style of paddling (thus, a low angle paddling style) is 220 cm to 230 cm. More aggressive paddlers typically use a high angle paddling style (hands higher, paddle closer to side of kayak) and typically a shorter paddle 210 cm to 220 cm.
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The following sizing chart is base upon a kayaker in a "sit-in" type kayak. If you are purchasing a paddle to use on a "sit-on-top" type kayak, add approximately 10 cm to chart numbers.
The chart below offers general anatomical considerations for choosing the length of a kayak paddle. Non-Bolded numbers indicate HIGH ANGLE paddling style. Blue numbers indicate LOW ANGLE paddling style.
Paddle Sizing Chart
Paddler's Height |
Kayak Width |
Kayak Width |
Kayak Width |
5'2" or less |
200 / 210 |
210-220 / 220-230 |
210-220 / 230-240 |
5'3" to 5'6" |
210 / 220 |
220 / 220-230 |
230 / 230-240 |
5'7" to 5'10" |
210 / 220 |
220-230 / 220-230 |
230 / 230-240 |
5'11" to 6'2" |
220-230 / 230 |
230 / 230-240 |
230-240 / 230-240 |
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.
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.