Kayak paddles vary in material, shape, and size. Plastic paddles are cheap and lightweight, while carbon or Kevlar paddles are expensive but durable. Wooden paddles are heavier but aesthetically pleasing. The shape of the paddle affects its efficiency, with curved or winged paddles being more powerful. Plumage helps in windy conditions, and the shaft can vary in shape and material, affecting wrist comfort and paddle strike effectiveness.
Kayak paddles can be made from a variety of materials and the shape of the paddles can vary according to the purpose for which they will be used. Plastic pallets, for example, are generally inexpensive and lightweight; They are ideal for beginner kayakers or light kayakers. Carbon or Kevlar kayak paddles are much more expensive, much lighter, and much more durable than plastic paddles. They are typically used by the more serious paddlers racing or paddling through treacherous waters. Wooden paddles are heavier but aesthetically pleasing. They are best used by traditionalists who prefer the feel and look of wood.
The shape of the kayak paddles can also vary significantly. Flat paddles are fairly basic offerings that will push the water effectively enough for recreational paddlers. These are the least expensive types of paddles. Curved or winged paddles are more efficient at scooping up water for more power, and the shape of winged kayak paddles will encourage the paddle to move up in the water, making a person’s stroke more efficient.
One feature that makes paddling in windy conditions much easier is the plumage. The individual blades of kayak paddles are placed perpendicular to each other, or close to perpendicular, so when the non-powering blade of the boat rises into the air, it will slice through the air rather than act like a sail against it. This makes a person’s paddle stroke faster and less taxing on the arm. Some higher end blades feature pivoting shafts to allow for an adjustable boom; the rower can adapt the feather to his paddle stroke.
The shaft of the kayak paddles can vary in shape, materials and length. The most common shape for a paddle shaft is the straight shaft, although it can be hard on the wrists during longer paddling trips. Bent shafts feature strategically placed bends that make it easier to grip the shaft on the wrists, although this design can shorten a paddler’s stroke. Some designs work to counteract this shortening by carefully designing the placement of the curves, although the overall results of this design are up for debate. Shaft materials can also have an impact on both wrist comfort and paddle strike effectiveness; Carbon, for example, is exceptionally stiff, making for a strong paddle hit but increasing stress on your wrists. The plastic will flex more, which means that your paddle strike is likely to be less efficient, but your wrists may be more comfortable.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
