Kayak Paddles

FAQs

What type of paddle is best for kayaking?

Carbon fiber is the most expensive and highest quality material for a kayak paddle. Carbon fiber is extremely light and also super strong and stiff, making it an excellent choice for a long kayak touring trip.

What are the three golden rules to paddling in a kayak?

3 Golden Rules of Whitewater Paddling

• Separate your body movements. The best kayakers have mastered the art of letting their upper and lower bodies work independently of, yet cooperatively with, each other. …
• Use the power of your torso. …
• Maintain control with an active blade.

Are Werner kayak paddles good?

Our Verdict. Testers enjoyed paddling with the Werner Camano due to its lightweight feel and high-quality blade design, which made for smooth, effortless strokes. The fiberglass laminate blades helped this paddle stand apart from the crowd. Not only do they look good, but they also perform on par with the best

What is the easiest kayak to paddle?

The best kayaks for beginners

• Sevylor Quikpak K1.
• Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak.
• Borneo Tahe Rigid Touring Canoe-kayak.
• Ocean Duo Rigid Canoe Kayak Rotomod.
• Lifetime Beacon Tandem Kayak 12?
• Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak.
• Ocean Kayak Malibu Tandem.
• Old Town Dirigo 155 Tandem Kayak.

Best Kayak Paddles of 2022

Best Kayak Paddles of 2022 Lots of paddlers spend a good amount of time figuring out which kayak they are going to buy. A lot less time is typically spent figuring out what paddle they will purchase but a great paddle can make all the difference. So how do you evaluate your options and make a decision in 2022? To begin, you need to understand the basics of a kayak paddle and what the different characteristics will afford you. Fortunately, the kayaking community has been paddling along and sharing their experiences through kayak paddle reviews. By leveraging the reviews and experience that’s been shared by thousands of your fellow paddlers, they’ve helped narrow those dozens upon dozens of options down to the best of the best. When a 17-year-old paddleboarder was swept out to sea, his survival depended on his cell phone and the voice on the other end of the line. Factors to Consider When Buying a Kayak Paddle A kayak paddle is a critical piece of paddling equipment.. There are many things to consider when buying a kayak paddle. Especially if you plan on paddling a long distance, you’ll want to consider factors like: Basic Kayak Paddle Shapes – Make sure you understand the implications of basic kayak paddle shapes and characteristics like width, length, curve, and symmetry of a kayak paddle.Kayak Paddle Length – When buying, or even borrowing, kayak paddle length matters.Kayak Paddle Shafts – Shafts come in different materials and forms.Read kayak paddle reviews – you’ll get a sense for all of the above factors and more. You’ll probably even learn a thing or two that you hadn’t even thought to consider!Always try it before you buy it. The best advice, as always, is to try a couple of styles in a variety of conditions. Research is key, but nothing beats getting on water with a paddle. You’ll want to know how that paddle is going to feel after a good, long day of use. Talk to friends, borrow a paddle, or contact your local retailer for a demo. As kayak paddle innovations grow, so do your choices. Don’t let the options overwhelm you—you only need one (Be advised that it is smart to have an extra paddle within your group). Do some research, borrow or rent, then buy. Choosing a paddle isn’t rocket science, but it’s a very important decision. After your PFD, your paddle is the most important tool in your kit. It has to fit, and it has to suit both your boat and the kind of kayaking you want to do. You have to factor in everything from your experience, planned water types, durations, budget, and preferences. The unique combination of these factors will mean the best kayak paddle for you is not the same as the next double-blader. So use this list as a starting point. Get some ideas, read some reviews, look through the entire Kayak Paddle Gear Guide, maybe browse the message boards, talk to your local paddlesports retailer or paddling groups, and get out and try it before you buy it! And, of course, when you’re done, be sure to help the next paddler in their search by submitting a review! Best Kayak Paddles of 2022 Kalleq by Gearlab Outdoors Whiskey Fiberglass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle by Aqua Bound Akiak by Gearlab Outdoors Tango Fiberglass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle by Aqua Bound Storm by Lendal Paddles, North America…

Best Kayak Paddle of 2022 | Tested by GearLab

Best Kayak Paddle of 2022Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more   Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass Wilderness Systems Apex FG Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon Werner Kalliste Werner Camano Awards       Price $315 List$314.99 at Amazon$359.99 at BackcountryCompare at 2 sellers$179.89 at REICompare at 3 sellersCheck Price at REICompare at 2 sellers$284.05 at AmazonCompare at 3 sellers Overall Score  88 87 86 84 79 Star Rating 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Pros Reliable, lightweight, easy to adjust and extendLightweight, buoyant blades, easily adjustable on-the-flyVery sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweightFeatherweight, sleek blade design, enhanced paddling styleLightweight, secure locking mechanism, high performance blades Cons Interesting looking graphicsRequires care, expensiveIn the more expensive rangeExpensive, not for the careless userExpensive, blades prone to wear if not treated well, locking mechanism can get sticky Bottom Line A versatile, lightweight, and reliable paddle that delivered a strong performance across all metricsFor effortless strokes and maximum adjustability, this paddle will suit those looking for one high performance paddle to fit all their needs on the waterThis paddle consistently was a top performer across all metrics and it was not hard to select this paddle as a winnerA featherweight full carbon paddle engineered to provide you with an exceptionally smooth but powerful performanceThis paddle is designed for those looking for a higher performance option Rating Categories Wilderness Systems… Wilderness Systems… Aqua-Bound Sting Ra… Werner Kalliste Werner Camano Performance (40%) 9.0 9.0 8.0 9.0 7.0 Ease of adjustment (20%) 10.0 10.0 9.0 7.0 8.0 Locking Mechanism Security (15%) 10.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 9.0 Weight (15%) 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.0 Durability (10%) 8.0 7.0 9.0 7.0 8.0 Specs Wilderness Systems… Wilderness Systems… Aqua-Bound Sting Ra… Werner Kalliste Werner Camano Measured Weight 970 g 910 g 850 g 816 g 820 g Shaft Material 50% carbon/50% fiberglass 50% carbon, 50% fiberglass Carbon Carbon fiber Carbon blend Shaft Shape Round Round Round Round Round Blade Material Fiberglass composite Fiberglass, foam core with carbon reinforced edges abX Carbon reinforced nylon Carbon fiber/foam core Fiberglass laminate Blade Shape Asymmetrical Asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Adjustment Style Leverlock® ferrule system Leverlock® ferrule system Posi-Lok® ferrule system Push button Smart View Adjustable Blade Offset Settings Fully adjustable, infinity options Fully adjustable, inifinity options 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R Length Options Adjustable: 205-225 cm, 220 – 240 cm Adjustable: 205-225cm , 220-240cm 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 cm 220, 230, 240 cm 205 to 260 cm in 5 cm increments Style Low-Angle Low-Angle or High Angle Low-Angle Low-Angle Low-Angle Best Overall Kayak Paddle Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass Performance 9.0 Ease of adjustment 10.0 Locking Mechanism Security 10.0 Weight 6.0 Durability 8.0 Weight: 850 g | Construction: Carbon/fiberglass shaft, composite fiberglass blades REASONS TO BUYAdjustable lengthLight-weightSmooth performanceThe Wilderness System Pungo Glass is a quality performance paddle with the added benefit of being exceptionally easy to adjust. Utilizing a carbon blend shaft and fiberglass blades, this paddle is lightweight but still very effective. It was not too stiff on our joints but provided an effective transfer of power. The mid-sized dihedral blade suits various paddling styles and experience levels, making this paddle a popular choice among all our testers. The Pungo Glass was upstaged in pure paddling performance only by the most elite full carbon models, which also retail for considerably more. The Lever Lock connection system offers this paddle more adjustability, and this is one feature that really helps this paddle stand out from the crowd. Users can choose the length of the shaft AND the feather of…

TOP 5 Best Kayak Paddle [ 2022 Buying Guide ]

2022 Paddlesport Paddler's Guide – Kayak Session Magazine

2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide – Kayak Session Magazine MENU Home The Mag Preview of kayak session, the internatonal whitewater magazine Current Issue 2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide Back Issues Kayak Session Mediakits 2019 Kayak TV The world’s biggest collection of whitewater kayaking videos, kayak TV Beaters for All Beaters for All 2022 Beaters for All 2021 Carnage for All 2020 Carnage for All 2019 Carnage for All 2018 Carnage for All 2017 Short Film Awards Short Film 2022 Short Film 2021 Short Film 2020 Short Film 2019 Short Film 2018 Short Film 2017 Short Film 2016 Short Film 2015 Short Film 2014 Short Film 2013 Reel World Reel World Vol.6 Reel World Vol.5 Reel World Vol.4 Reel World Vol.3 Creeking River Running Event Video Report Freestyle Fun Stuff Extreme Slalom Profile Expedition Industry Video Gear Reviews Instruction WW News Events Descent Destination Freestyle Industry News Gear Review Festival Environmental Instruction Contact us Kayak Session Shop Search → Paddler’s Guide 2022 Published on février 2nd, 2022 | by Kayak Session Welcome to the 2022 The Paddlesports Show/Kayak Session Magazine Paddler’s Guide FREE Download page. You have the option to either check the 2022 Paddler’s Guide online, or download it. If you choose to download, note that you can either download the full guide, or, download it per category (in which case, click on the images of the category you wish to download below) Watch the Latest kayak TV Videos Watch the Latest Kayaking News Buy Kayak Session Subscribe to Kayak Session magazine Related Posts Boards – 2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide → Paddles – 2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide → Boats – 2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide → Equipment – 2022 Paddlesport Paddler’s Guide → Back to Top ↑ VIDEO OF THE WEEK Kayak Session Issue 83 – Fall 2022 77,420 Likes Like 34,200 Followers Follow 40,182 Subscribers Subscribe 7,990 Followers Follow

Best Kayaks For 2022 – Paddling Magazine

Best Kayaks For 2022 What kayak should I buy? It’s the first question a kayaker asks, and often the hardest to answer. You have to choose the best kayak for you, but that’s the trick—finding the boat perfectly suited to your specific needs. With dozens of companies producing hundreds of different models, there’s a kayak for every style of paddling and every type of paddler. If you can’t decide, buy two. There is no better way to grow as a kayaker than taking a friend. This kayak buying guide will take you through everything you’ll need to consider before making a purchase, from finding the right size boat to deciding whether you need a skeg to picking a place to buy from. It will also recommend some of the top kayak models, to help you begin narrowing your search. Lastly, below you’ll find links to all of our buying advice articles about more specific types and brands of kayaks. Let this be your start in finding the best kayak for your paddling dreams. Our picks: Best kayaks for 2022 This section highlights our selection of the best kayaks across all categories and brands based on user reviews and ratings. Find the best kayak for your paddling needs by comparing your aspirations to other real-life paddlers, to help you discover your perfect kayak match. Best Kayaks Perception Kayaks Outlaw 11.5 Perception Kayaks Sound 10.5 Vibe Kayaks Vibe Shearwater 125 Signature Series Hurricane Kayaks Skimmer 116 with First Class Seat Pelican Argo 100XP Angler Shop kayaks The links in this section will take you to our comprehensive Paddling Buyer’s Guide, where you’ll find all the best kayaks on the market, including reviews, ratings and where to buy. You can choose to filter kayaks by type and application, such as fishing or whitewater, or by the number of paddlers (one-person or tandem), and so much more. Then, click on specific models to see specs, prices, reviews and where to buy. We’ve also narrowed down the best kayaks at the most popular retailers including sporting goods stores, outdoors stores, and big box department and hardware stores. You simply will not find a better kayak buyer’s guide resource on the web. Shop by type Shop by body of water Shop by number of paddlers Shop by size Shop by price Shop by store Shop by material Shop by brand (A–I) Shop by brand (J–R) Shop by brand (S–Z) Best kayaks If you already know what type of kayak you are interested in buying, your next step is fairly straightforward. Below, you’ll find our buying advice articles about specific types of kayaks under the heading “Best kayaks by type.” These articles will provide you with everything you need to consider when choosing a kayak in a given category, and even provide a roundup of top models to get you started. If you’re new to kayaking, though, picking a kayak type isn’t always an intuitive choice. We also realize it can be time consuming to learn about all the different types to figure out which is best suited to you. Instead we’ve written articles…

Top 11 Best Kayak Paddles In 2022 | The Buying Guide

Kayak Paddles What to look for when buying a Paddle for Kayaking Length When looking for the best paddle, it is important to get the right length as a paddle with the wrong length will be awkward to use. The best way to get the right length is to take your height and add about 8-12 inches (20-30cm). Type There are many different types of kayak models that offer various unique features. Some paddles offer symmetrical blades that are easy to use and beginner friendly. They are best suited for white water paddling as they allow for quick displacement of water. Alternatively, many paddles have asymmetrical blades, meaning that each blade is a different size. This gives the kayaker more control over their strokes by allowing them to lower the blade when kayaking and creating a more streamlined kayaking experience. Some paddles feature feathered blades, while others feature matched blades. Feathered blades are offset at an angle to increase wind resistance when paddling. Matched blades are aligned in order to give the most powerful strokes. For many paddle shafts there is the option to adjust the angle of the blade to find what is right for you. Material Another key factor to consider is the material used to construct the paddle. Kayak paddles have blades and shafts that are constructed using different materials. As the shaft is the bigger part of the paddle, you want to make sure that it’s lightweight and durable. That said, buying a new kayak paddle built using lighter materials could completely change your kayaking experience, but some materials are more expensive. For example, aluminum alloy is functional and affordable, but not as lightweight or strong as fiberglass and carbon fiber. Additionally, aluminum shaft paddles are normally fitted with an affordable plastic blade option. Fiberglass is lightweight and stiff but not as much as carbon fiber. Fiberglass shaft paddles are usually complemented by fiberglass blades making them the middle price option. Finally, carbon fiber is the lightest and stiffest material, however, it is also the most expensive. Carbon fiber shafts come with nylon blades and are definitely the best option in terms of materials used. Blade It is important to choose the right blade for your needs. A large blade is more powerful as it displaces more water, however, a small blade is more efficient as it is easier to pull through the water. The material that the blade is composed of is also important. You can have plastic blades on the more affordable side of the spectrum, fiberglass for a competitive price and nylon blades on the more expensive end. Budget Depending on how much you use your kayak and how often you get out on the water, you might want to consider investing in a premium kayak paddle. Kayak paddles can cost anywhere between $30 on the affordable end and $300 on the expensive range. The reason for this huge jump in price is due to the different materials and design methods used to construct each paddle.

2022 Paddling Events

2022 Paddling Events – Paddling LifePaddling Life brings you a comprehensive list of upcoming paddling events. Kayak, rafting, stand up paddle boards, whitewater, angler, retail, and river stewardship events.Don’t forget to support your local paddling shop while attending the events.Support Your Local Paddling Events!Upcoming (Late Summer/Fall 2022)August2-3 The Big Gear Show; Park City, UT. Info: Click Here6 American Whitewater Deerfield River Festival; Charlemont, MA. Info: Click Here6 Ohio River Paddlefest; Cincinnati, OH. Info: Click Here.16-20 Madawaska Kanu Centre – Week of Rivers; British Columbia. Info: Click Here27 Gore Fest; Kremmling, CO. Info: Click HereSeptember16-18 American Whitewater Gauley River Festival; Summersville, WV. Info: Click Here23-25 32nd Annual Feather River Festival, Feather River, CA. Info: Click Here24-25 Moose Fest, Moose River; Old Forge, NY. Info: Click HereOctober1-11 Great Alabama 650 (World’s longest annual paddle race); Centre, AL. Info: Click here7-16 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival; Sanibel/Fort Meyers, FL. Info: Click Here22 PADDLE THE PASCAGOULA (11-mile race), Pascagoula, MS (Little River Marina). Info: Click HereNovember5 27th Annual Green River Race; Asheville, NC. Info: Click Here5-6 WKC Fall Cedar Whitewater Races; Maple Valley, WA. Info: Click HereUpcoming (and to be Updated for 2023)March12-14 Canoecopia; Madison WI. Info: Click Here 21-22 WKC Spring Cedar River Race (downriver and slalom); Maple Valley, WA. Info: Click Here26-28 East Coast Paddlesports Symposium; Charleston, SC. Info: Click Here26-29 Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival; Santa Cruz, CA. Info: Click Here  27-28 Spring Cedar River Races Cedar Rivers at Landsburg Park; King County, WA. Info: Click HereApril3-5 Downriver Equipment Rafttopia Spring Kickoff Sale and Used Boat Swap. Info: Click Here2-4 Suwannee River Paddling Festival; Suwannee, FL. Info: Click HereTBD American Whitewater’s 25th Annual French Broad River Fest; Hot Springs, NC. Info: Click HereMay1-3 Annual WMCKA Spring Confluence; Big Blue Lake, MI. Info: Click Here8-9 Reno Whitewater Festival. Info: Click Here21-23 Dominion Riverrock Two-day Festival; Richmond, VA. Info: Click Here23 Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon; Des Plaines River, Illinois. Info: Click here28-31 CKS Paddlefest and Buena Vista Pro Rodeo; Buena Vista, CO Info: Click Here29-31 46th Bigfork Whitewater Festival; Bigfork, MT. Info: Click HereTBD Lyons Outdoor Games and Burning Can Fest; Lyons, CO. Info: Click HereTBD The Golden Games; Glenwood Springs, CO. Info: www.thegoldengames.comTBD Down River Equipment Rendezvous on the Ark. Info: Click HereTBD Hell or High Water Weekend, presented by Ottawa Paddleshack; Petawawa River, Ont. Info: Click HereTBD South Platte River Clean Up (Downriver Equipment); Denver, CO. Info: Click HereTBD 27th Annual Cheat River Festival; Albright, W.Va. Info: Click HereTBD Chattahoochee Valley River Rally; Georgia. Info: Click HereTBD The Northwest Paddling Festival; Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah, WA Info: Click HereJune2-5 Animas River Days, Durango, CO. Info: Click Here3-5 Yampa River Festival, Steamboat Springs, CO. info: Click here:4 Dolores River Festival; Dolores, CO. Info: Click Here4 Oh Be Joyful Race; Crested Butte, CO Info: Click here4-5 Salmon la Sac Slalom and DR Races; Cle Elum River, Roslyn, WA. Info: Click HereTBD Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow; Denver, CO. Info: Click HereMay 30-June 3, 13-17, Sep 5-9 Madawaska Canoe Centre Week of Rivers; Ontario & Quebec. Info: Click Here10-12 Gunnison River Festival; Gunnison, CO. Info: Click Here11 35th Maine Canoe Symposium;  Info: Click here7-12 GoPro Mountain Games; Vail, CO, Info: Click Here12 Sunshine State Games Canoe & Kayak Marathon; Middleburg, FL. Info: Click here:16-19 FiBARK Festival; Salida, CO. Info: Click Here17-18 St. Albans Yak Fest/Tour De Coal Community River Float; St. Albans, WV Info: Click here18-24 22th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn; Schuylkill Haven, PA. Info: Click Here  19 40th Annual Outdoors Inc Canoe & Kayak Race; Memphis, TN. Cancelled for 2022. Info: Click Here22-25 Yukon River Quest; Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Info: Click Here24-26 Zoar Outdoor Demofest; Charlemont, MA Info: Click Here25 Ridgway River Festival; Ridgway, CO. Info: Click Here25 Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe Race; Wisc. River, WI, Info: Click Here TBD Citizens for the River; Denver, CO. Info: Click HereJuly9 Rotary of Pass…

Best Kayak Paddles of 2022 | Field & Stream

Best Kayak Paddles for Any Adventure Updated Jan 7, 2022 1:00 PM Paddling a kayak one mile requires over 1,000 paddle strokes. With an average speed of three miles per hour, that’s 3,000 strokes in 60 minutes. Do the math for a day on the water, and you’ll realize the value of the best kayak paddle. To determine the best kayak paddle, we looked at all parts of the paddle and how they will be used. Starting with the blade, moving to the shaft and testing the ferrule where the two parts of the paddle come together allowed us to pick our favorites from a long list of contenders in each category. Best Overall: Bending Branches Angler Ace PlusBest for Fishing: YakGear Backwater AssassinBest Bang for the Buck: Bending Branches WhisperBest Ultralight: Aquabound TangoBest High Performance: Werner Camano Bent Shaft Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Kayak Paddle Choosing the best kayak paddle is as important as choosing the best paddle kayak. In fact, the paddle and the kayak should be considered as one unit. A great kayak is worthless with the wrong paddle. And the best paddle will go nowhere in a poorly designed kayak.  For the greatest efficiency, power and control, look for a paddle that balances weight, stiffness, comfort and durability. At any price point, in any category, there are paddles that excel in each of these categories. Weight is the most important consideration. Every ounce and any flex in the paddle will rob performance and steal efficiency. A heavy, clunky kayak paddle will be harder to operate and cause fatigue and discomfort. Moreover, lightweight paddles are built out of better materials with a more efficient design, so the weight savings are added to durability and efficiency to make paddling easier. But, as the ounces go down, the price goes up. An ultralight paddle can cost four times as much as a heavier budget paddle. But, sacrificing a little weight for greater durability can pay off when the going gets rough. The objective is to get the best kayak paddle for the best price. And not every paddle fits every kayak. An ultralight or high-performance paddle is too light and efficient to push a heavy fishing kayak. A longer paddle with more features is a waste on a performance kayak. Some situations call for durability over lightweight materials, making a budget paddle a better choice for entry-level anglers. Finally, consider the ferrule. The ferrule is the joint where the two halves of a two-piece paddle are joined together. Fixed-shaft paddles do not have a ferrule. These paddles are lighter and stiffer for better performance. But one-piece paddles are harder to store and transport.  A two-piece paddle is more common. Most two-piece paddles have a push-button ferrule to secure the halves together and allow the blades to be feathered at an angle to easily pass through the air on the return stroke. Some ferrules allow infinite feathering and others are set at specific angles. Advanced ferrules can be angled and extended to allow the paddler to dial in the perfect paddle length. At first look, a paddle is just two blades and a shaft. But closer examination exposes many different designs and materials to satisfy paddlers with different needs. The key is to find the best paddle for your kayak to make a perfect package. Best Kayak Paddle Overall: Bending Branches Angler Ace Plus…