Buying New Paddles For Your Kayak
Posted on: 25 November 2020
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A kayak can be an excellent type of watercraft for individuals that are wanting to spend time on the water. While it is easy to focus your attention on the size and fit of the kayak itself, it is also critical to be extremely mindful of the paddles that you are choosing to use with it.
Opt For A Lightweight Paddle
Individuals will often underestimate the importance of choosing a kayak paddle that is lightweight. Over the course of a kayak trip, you will need to use the paddle on a near-constant basis for potentially several hours. As a result, a heavy paddle will be able to cause significant arm fatigue. While a lightweight paddle may be more costly than a heavier option, it can be a significant upgrade for anyone who wants to kayak for more than a few minutes at a time.
Be Mindful Of The Length Of The Paddles
The length of the paddle is another important consideration to make. A paddle that is too short for your arms and the kayak can make it extremely difficult to effectively propel the kayak. Conversely, kayak paddles that are too long could be difficult to control, or they may be at a greater risk of striking the creek or river bed while you are using them. Effectively sizing yourself can be a challenge if you are not familiar with this process. Luckily, most paddle retailers will be able to assist you in choosing the paddles that will work the best for your arm length and the size of the kayak that you will be using.
Consider Whether A Paddle Is Designed For More Relaxed Or Challenging Conditions
It can be understandable for individuals to assume that kayak paddles are all the same in their functionality. However, paddles can be designed for different types of conditions. For example, those who want to use the kayak for more relaxing and leisurely trips may want to opt for a low-angle paddle. Conversely, those who want to kayak in rapids or more challenging water conditions should opt for a paddle with a high angle as those paddles will be able to provide them with a greater degree of control. If you plan on kayaking in both of these conditions, investing in both styles of paddles can help ensure that you are always prepared for the type of water conditions that you will face when you take the kayak out on the water.