Kayak Paddle Sizing Guide

The primary factors to consider when determining your kayak paddle length is your height as well as the width of your kayak.

Using the chart below, take the width of your kayak on the top horizontal axis, and then take your height on the left vertical axis, where they meet is your recommended paddle size.

Under 23" 23" - 28" 28" - 32" Over 32"
Under 5' 210 cm 210 cm 220 cm 230 cm
5' - 5'6" 210 cm 220 cm 230 cm 240 cm
5'6" - 6' 220 cm 220 cm 230 cm 240 cm
Over 6' 220 cm 230 cm 240 cm 250 cm

Consider sizing 5-10 cm or more longer for:

  • A more relaxed, casual paddling pace
  • A true low-angle forward paddling stroke
  • Higher seat position like sit-on-tops and frame seats
  • Flared, flat-bottomed, pontoon and fish-form (wider ahead of cockpit) hull shapes

Consider sizing 5-10 cm shorter for:

  • A more aggressive, active, or endurance focused paddling pace
  • Dynamic, coastal play boating, lumpy waters and rock gardening
  • A true high-angle forward paddling stroke
  • Tumblehome (narrower above the waterline) and swede-form (wider behind the cockpit) hull shapes