What lenght paddle do people usd with a Folding single?

[weimar]

I currently paddle a hardshell with a 55.5cm (22.5 inch) beach and use a 220cm paddle which is probably
a little long.

I realize there is no hard and fast rule but I was just wondering what length people use in the wider,
fullsized single folders such as AE-I, E65, Nautiraid Greenlander or460 and Pouch E65.

Additionaly do most people go with fixed length or adjustable paddles.

Tim W

[maryinoxford]

I use a fixed 215cm paddle with my 23" beam Wisper, and also previously my (about) 25" beam Puffin Swift. I also use it in my inflatable, which is wider (around 28" I think) but it's okay in that boat because I'm sitting higher up - it's really a sit-on-top.

Paddler height can affect the ideal length as well as boat width, but I'd have thought your 220cm would be a good length to try in a wide folder.

Mary

[weimar]

Hello Mary, thanks for the feed back.

There is a tendency for paddlers (hardshell) around here to go for
the shorter length (<215cm) paddles at the moment. I was hoping
to try a shorter length paddle but I did not want something to short for a
folder at some time in the future.

Tim

[gregn]

I shortened my paddles from 240 to 220cm for both K-I (25" beam) and Klondike (31" beam) and felt comfortable in both kayaks. Now I'm using 230 Werner Kaliste, but I wish that this paddle was available in 225 cm length. It would be perfect for me and both of my kayaks. By the way, I'm 6'4".

[tsunamichuck]

Between 191 and 218cm, usually a 210.

[Alm]

AE1 is 28" wide - correct me if I'm wrong. So I agree with Mary - in a folder that wide and with a high wooden coaming (a.k.a washboard) around the cockpit a paddle 220 cm will not be too long for a person of average height. Don't know about other boats - it depends on their width. Short people need somewhat longer paddle to clear the boards. K1 is 27" wide, btw (not 25"), but it doesn't have a high coaming like AE1, so the same person can use a shorter paddle in K1 than in AE1.

[Marcos989]

Boat paid for, build underway, LH Ute....
Making a list of items to be purchased in the states as I expect to find nothing in Brazil for decent price if even available.
First item is a paddle (then paddle floatation device, PFD, gear bags, sleeping bag bug cover...?)
Paddle:
Greenland style or European?
Maybe two different types?
Regardless it\they need to break in half at least.
I am 5'6", any suggestions on length, I really have no idea.
Once I get the hang of it the boat will normally be weighted down with gear and I am a bit concerned about it riding high and hitting my hands on the wooden cowling so can paddle length minimize this issue?

Ebay has a Werner Kalliste, 220cm for US$295.00.
Should I be buying quality right off the bat or go cheap and delay the expensive gear for a more informed level later?

Thanx.....

[Jake]

With a shorter boat like the Ute a shorter paddle will encourage a high angle stroke which will help keep the boat tracking straighter than if you used a longer paddle with a low angle stroke. Also with a shorter paddle you will tend to increase your stroke rate and that might be more efficient for a shorter boat. So far as cost goes, price inceases as weight decreases. An all carbon paddle is the most expensive and also the most fragile. Good quality carbon/fiberglass hybrids are much less expensive and still quite light weight. But, whatever, don't buy a heavy, cheap, clunker; it will prove to be a frustration and you'll soon want to replace it.

[Marcos989]

Thanks for that.
Any numbers to guide me?

[Jake]

Probably nothing longer than 220cm, maybe a bit shorter. I use both Epic and Werner paddles. The Werner Premium paddles are reasonably light, very tough and not too expensive. Both Epic and Werner have paddle length guides on their websites.

[Marcos989]

Thanx Jake.
Couple more questions...a straight handle or these handles that look like bicep barbels...sorry don't have the jargon down yet. I imagine straight to begin with.
Going through the Epic paddle wizard they ask about the seat height...I've no idea...anybody out there for a Ute moderately loaded, I am 175 sliding down to 160 lb's.

[Jake]

Straight shaft vs bent shaft is personal preference as with so-called European vs Greenland paddles. It mostly provides stuff to argue about on paddling forums. Most paddlers seem to prefer straight shaft

[mje]

Get a light, stiff paddle. Avoid very heavy ones, ones with aluminum shafts, with heavy metal couplings, and ones with PVC blades. There are some nice wooden paddles that are a lot cheaper than the carbon fiber ones, like the Bending Branches paddles.

I favor long, narrow paddles myself, but if you like the European style, go for that.