If you’ve ever used any old kayak paddle when kayaking, you know how tedious it can be. They are heavy, cumbersome, don’t cut into the water, and can leave you exhausted after a long day of paddling. You can easily save your back and glide faster through the water by buying the best marine kayak paddle.
Our complete buying guide covers everything you need to know about kayaking paddles. In addition, we have reviewed ten paddles that we think could be the best marine kayak paddle in 2022 to help you make the right choice when buying one.
How to choose a Best Marine Kayak Paddle
Paddle angle
It is pertinent to consider your paddle angle, low angle, and high angle when choosing the best marine kayak paddle. Angle is the angle between the stroke and the water. Hold your paddle level in front of you with your hands tightly clasped.
When using the low-angle stroke, your top hand will be higher than your lower hand when tilt your paddle right or left. Most recreational and touring kayakers paddle at a low angle. A longer paddle is necessary for this kind of paddling. With a high-angle stroke, your upper hand will be higher than your lower hand, and paddling will be more aggressive. Furthermore, you’ll have a steeper angle into the water, which generates more power. When you want to get somewhere fast, you go high-angle. For this type of stroke, shorter paddles with a robust blade are preferred.
Kayak paddle length
It would help to consider the paddle’s angle when determining its length. Despite some of the critical factors determining paddle length being measured in inches, paddle length is measured in centimeters. Generally, paddle length depends on how wide your boat is and how tall you are. A general rule is that a wider boat will need a longer paddle.
Your height also plays a role. Taller people should use longer paddles, especially if their boats are narrow. Your paddles must be easy to submerge in water. Paddles with 230cm lengths are ideal for average heights and relaxed strokes on the water. They are ideal for leisurely days on the water with a low-angle stroke. A shorter paddle, such as 210cm to 220cm, is a wise option if you’re an aggressive paddler.
Based on my research, here is an overview of what paddle length might work for you. The following is just a guide. In addition to your stroke, your goal on the water plays a role. In between sizes, a shorter paddle is recommended. You should check the website of the brand you are interested in for more information. In addition, manufacturers have slightly different size guides.
Guides sometimes use torso height, which is the distance between the top of your hips and the bottom of your neck. Alternatively, some guides use your height, i.e., your height. If you are considering a brand, it is advisable to check its sizing guidelines.
To determine the correct paddle length, you should consider the following factors:
- Height of the user
- Width of kayak
- Angle of stroke
Blade material
A best marine kayak paddle blade plays a vital role in choosing the best one. Choosing a paddle blade that is lightweight, durable, and affordable is essential. Generally, the materials fall into the following categories. From entry-level to advanced, let’s take it one step at a time.
Shaft material
Similar to blades, shafts are made from a variety of materials. Shafts made of aluminum are pretty standard and inexpensive. Aluminum shafts are susceptible to heat and cold, depending on the weather.
During the summer, aluminum shafts get pretty hot in my warm-weather climate. The performance and price of fiberglass and carbon fiber shafts increase as you move up the price scale. Performance is improved by lightweight materials that are stiff and glide smoothly through the water.
Shaft design
The straight shaft is very common, and you probably see it a lot. Because of the angle, bent shafts don’t strain your wrist much. For storage and transportation, some shafts will break down. For example, it is possible for them to break down into two or four pieces.
Drip rings
You might not think much about the two rings on either end of a kayak paddle. The drip rings are often overlooked but crucial to keeping water out of your kayak. During paddling, drip rings prevent water from entering your kayak.
Comparison Table:
AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Kayak Paddle
The complete profile of the blade makes it an excellent paddle for anglers, high-angle paddlers, and fitness paddlers alike. Manta Ray is an excellent choice for those seeking more power out of their stroke.
As opposed to many plastic blades, the fiberglass-reinforced blade is lightweight and robust. A dihedral blade also uses less energy when paddling, so you conserve energy while Paddles such as this are ideal for kayaks weighing down with gear or that are heavy.
This shaft is made of carbon fiber and features an oval-shaped grip area. It is durable and lightweight. You won’t slip your hands when wet because it has ribbed surfaces. Paddle feathering can be adjusted in 15-degree increments.
PROS
- There are several sizes available.
- Feathers can be fine-tuned incrementally.
- Long-lasting
- The lightest possible
- Effective
CONS
- Some users prefer stiffer paddles.
OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle
Beginners will love the OCEANBROAD kayak paddle. Getting around the lake will be a breeze with this entry-level model. Kayakers just getting started will find this paddle to be excellent. Fiberglass-reinforced blades ensure durability and stiffness, making them ideal for beginner kayakers. By using the blade’s gentle curve, you will be able to gain powerful and efficient strokes.
You can push off the beach using the blade to get onto the water. This aluminum shaft snaps together nicely, is sturdy and is made of aluminum. Keeping water out of your boat will be easier with the drip edge. To feather the handle, three different adjustments can be made. The 230 cm length of this paddle may not suit short paddlers.
PROS
- High-quality paddles
- It will be a hit with beginners.
- Three angles of adjustment are available for the shaft.
- In addition, drip rings and a leash are included.
CONS
- Suitable for beginners, but not for experienced kayakers
- We only have this size available.
Pelican Poseidon Paddle
Poseidon paddles are an excellent entry-level option for beginners or just getting started kayaking. Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene makes this blade challenging and gives you solid pushes. To glide through the water quickly with minimal flutter, you should select a blade that glides nicely.
You can control and speed your boat with this blade when you’re on the water. It is sturdy and durable to use aluminum shafts that are two pieces. The push-button controls can adjust the feathering angle from 0 to 65 degrees. The hands should be in the straight shaft in a slight oval shape.
PROS
- Effortless
- The two-piece design makes it easy to transport.
- On the shaft, there is an adjustment.
- Carrying capacity: easy to transport
- Cost-effectiveness
CONS
- Black aluminum shafts can get very hot.
- Each size is only available in one size.
SeaSense X -TREME 1 Kayak Paddle
The SeaSense paddle has many uses, making it an excellent all-around paddle. As well as being lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable in hand, the Xtreme 1 paddle is also easy to use. This quality kayak paddle will also perform well.
To make the blade durable, black molded plastic is used. It is possible to reach your desired destination by asymmetrically dispersing water. There are two paddle sizes available: 84 inches and 96 inches. Blades are usually measured in centimeters.
It is made of aluminum and comes in two pieces for storage. The paddle can be tossed in your trunk once it has been taken apart. Even with foam grips, the black shaft still gets hot on hot sunny days.
PROS
- Priced affordably
- Foam padding is used to cushion the shaft.
- Plastic is used to make the blade.
- It is not weighed
- Kayak paddles at an affordable price
CONS
- The foam grips may shed.
- Drip rings have problems.
Overmont Kayak Paddle
Overmont kayak paddles are perfect for weekend warriors and recreational kayakers alike. This paddle is an excellent entry-level paddle for beginners. Kayak paddles don’t have to break the bank. The curved blade reduces resistance so that you can generate more power from every stroke. Thanks to the double serrated edge, you will have more control in the water. The polypropylene blades are reinforced with polypropylene fibers, which makes them durable.
The shaft is solid and durable due to its lightweight aluminum construction. The shaft can also be stored easily and is very portable due to its two-piece design. Drip rings will minimize water in your kayak. As soon as you drop your paddle in the water, it will float until you retrieve it.
PROS
- Lightest possible
- A reasonable price can be found here.
- There are three colors to choose from
- There are three positions for locking the shaft.
CONS
- There is only one size available.
Whisper 2-Piece Kayak Paddle.
To buy the best kayak paddle, you do not need to spend much money. Whisper kayak paddles are famous around the world. It is an excellent entry-level paddle for those looking to spend a day on a lake. This paddle is also valued for its value in addition to its durability. The polypropylene blade is durable and can withstand a beating. Because the blades are well-constructed, there is no flutter. The paddle is available in 230 cm length.
Snap-button ferrules with three holes are included with aluminum shafts. 0° and 60° feathering angles are available. The shaft can be easily broken down into two pieces for more accessible transport and storage. Besides the ovalized shaft, the grips are coated for comfort.
PROS
- Stores easily by breaking down
- Value for money
- There is no fluttering of the blades.
- A lightweight product
- Fitted
CONS
- There is only one size available.
CONCLUSION
You have many options if you’re looking for the best marine kayak paddle. A wide range of price points and features are available. Furthermore, different materials will affect the weight and performance of the paddle. Knowing your goals with a paddle is, therefore, essential. Some people want to upgrade their kayak paddle from what they have now or upgrade the paddle that came with their kayak. Paddles for kayaks are also in demand.
An occasional kayaker may not need or want a high-end paddle. Conversely, if you are a leisurely paddler, you might want a high-end paddle to enhance your experience. People should always set a budget and see the available features within that price range. You can constantly adjust your budget if you decide you want more or fewer features.
Happy paddling!
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