The majority of kayak paddles have straight shafts, but some will also have sections that are slightly bent. Paddles that have ferrules can be broken down, while those without ferrules remain in one piece.Ī multi-piece paddle is great to break down and store in your kayak as a spare or to bring traveling with, but some people don’t like them as a day-to-day paddle because their structure can make them heavier and less efficient unless they are very well designed and high-end.įerrules can also wear down, become stiff from salty air and water or get stuck. | Photo: Paddling Magazine Staff One-piece or two/multi-piece paddle A kayak paddle with a ferrule on the shaft allowing feathering adjustment. If you have a paddle with ferrules, it means the paddle can be broken down into different sections with different options for feathering, allowing you more versatility based on what kind of paddling you are doing.įrom $400 carbon paddles to $70 plastic ones, many paddles on the market at the moment offer adjustable feathering. They are mid-range in terms of weight and will vary in price depending on the kind of wood used.įerrules are the joints where a paddle joins together. Compared to the above materials, wooden paddles do need a bit of upkeep, like sanding and varnishing. Those who prefer using a wooden kayak paddle love the increased flexibility, warmth and aesthetic. Check out fiberglass paddles in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
Mid-range blades often have fiberglass blades and carbon shafts, representing a compromise between weight, durability and price. They are a common choice for kayak touring and recreational paddlers. Kayak paddles made of fiberglass are light, stiff and durable. See the carbon paddle selection in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. The shaft will feel warmer on your hands than an aluminum paddle. Carbon fiber is extremely light and also super strong and stiff, making it an excellent choice for a long kayak touring trip.
Carbon fiber kayak paddlesĬarbon fiber is the most expensive and highest quality material for a kayak paddle. They are a good option for recreational paddlers, playing around at the cabin, short day trips or as a spare, in case you lose a paddle. Plastic paddles often have comparatively thick edges and more flex, which results in a less efficient stroke. They are versatile and a great choice for kayak touring. The slim wooden paddles used for centuries in Greenland are narrow and shaped like an airplane propeller. Greenland paddles look nothing like other paddles you will find on the market. The intention of this design is to minimize flutter or vibration during the stroke and allow your blade to better catch the water. If you hold a paddle straight out in front of you and look at the shape of the blade, a dihedral one will have two faces sloping slightly down from the middle of the blade, which is raised in the middle like a spine. If a kayak blade is described as dihedral, it means that the paddle actually has two power faces.
To optimize the unique design of a wing shape, you need to paddle with the blade nearly vertical as it moves through the water. This is a good kayak paddle choice for racers and may be uncomfortable for the recreational paddler who prefers more mellow, low-angle strokes. The wing blade is designed with one blade face with a shallow scooped shape intended to increase the efficiency and power of a forward stroke. If you are going for a day trip on flatwater or a multi-day kayak tour, this is a good choice for you. Blades on these low angle paddles are longer and skinnier than high angle paddles.