With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s a fantastic time to consider what fun activities to do outdoors. Water sports like kayaking are a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. Whether you are looking to go on solo trips or spend time with family or friends, kayaking can be a part of your next new adventure!
Don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Besides getting the actual kayak boat, it is important to select the right paddle for your journeys. Our top 10 list begins with the Bending Branches bounce paddle because it was designed with beginner kayakers in mind and has important features like a non-slip grip and heavy-duty drip rings. Read on to see more great selections, along with our comprehensive buying guide to help you select the paddle that’s right for you.
We want to help you find the right kayak paddle for your future journeys on the water! Check out our top 10 recommendations of kayak paddles for beginners, along with our handy buying guide.
$79.95
Weight | 2 lbs. 5 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 230, 240cm |
Blade material | Polypropylene |
Shaft material | Aluminum |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$285.00
Weight | 1 lb. 11 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 220, 230, 240cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass |
Shaft material | Carbon/fiberglass blend |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$99.99
Weight | 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 220, 230, 240cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene |
Shaft material | Fiberglass |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$165.00
Weight | 2 lbs. 7 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 220, 230, 240cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass |
Shaft material | Carbon |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 4-piece |
$399.95
Weight | 1 lb. 10 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 230, 240, 245cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass |
Shaft material | Carbon |
Shaft shape | Bent |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$39.95
Weight | 2 lbs. 6 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 230cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene |
Shaft material | Aluminum alloy |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$139.95
Weight | 2 lbs. 3 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 230, 240, 250, 260cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass-reinforced nylon |
Shaft material | Fiberglass |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$49.99
Weight | 2 lbs. 5 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 220, 230, 240cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene |
Shaft material | Aluminum |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$44.89
Weight | 2 lbs. 2 oz. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 213, 244cm |
Blade material | Plastic |
Shaft material | Aluminum |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece |
$54.99
Weight | 2 lbs. |
---|---|
Available lengths | 216, 226, 236cm |
Blade material | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene |
Shaft material | Aluminum |
Shaft shape | Straight |
Shaft type | 1-piece |
Image | 1 ![]() Bending Branches | 2 ![]() Werner | 3 ![]() Carlisle | 4 ![]() Werner | 5 ![]() Aqua-Bound | 6 ![]() Oceanbroad | 7 ![]() Bending Branches | 8 ![]() Carlisle | 9 ![]() SeaSense | 10 ![]() Harmony |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Bounce Paddle | Camano Paddle | Magic Plus Fiberglass Paddle | Skagit Kayak Paddle | Tango Fiberglass Posi-Lok Paddle | Kayak Paddle With Leash | Angler Classic Kayak Paddle | Day Tripper Paddle | Kayak Paddle | Sea Passage Kayak Paddle |
Features | Solid, Simple, Straightforward Style | Lightweight Design Ideal for Longer Trips | Stylish and Powerful Design | Portable Paddle Excellent for Saving Space | Bent Shaft Allows for Ergonomic Grip | Perfect for Casual Paddlers | A Strong Paddle for Kayak Fishing | Convenient Paddle for Day Trips | Comfortable Paddle for Recreational Use | Versatile Recreational Paddle |
Price | $79.95 | $285.00 | $99.99 | $165.00 | $399.95 | $39.95 | $139.95 | $49.99 | $44.89 | $54.99 |
Weight | 2 lbs. 5 oz. | 1 lb. 11 oz. | 2 lbs. 8 oz. | 2 lbs. 7 oz. | 1 lb. 10 oz. | 2 lbs. 6 oz. | 2 lbs. 3 oz. | 2 lbs. 5 oz. | 2 lbs. 2 oz. | 2 lbs. |
Available lengths | 230, 240cm | 220, 230, 240cm | 220, 230, 240cm | 220, 230, 240cm | 230, 240, 245cm | 230cm | 230, 240, 250, 260cm | 220, 230, 240cm | 213, 244cm | 216, 226, 236cm |
Blade material | Polypropylene | Fiberglass | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene | Fiberglass | Fiberglass | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene | Fiberglass-reinforced nylon | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene | Plastic | Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene |
Shaft material | Aluminum | Carbon/fiberglass blend | Fiberglass | Carbon | Carbon | Aluminum alloy | Fiberglass | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Shaft shape | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Bent | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight |
Shaft type | 2-piece | 2-piece | 2-piece | 4-piece | 2-piece | 2-piece | 2-piece | 2-piece | 2-piece | 1-piece |
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Here are some handy tips to consider when looking for the right kayak paddle for your future adventures.
In order to choose the right paddle for you, you will need to take the size and weight of the paddle into consideration.
There are size charts that compare different paddler heights and boat widths in order to provide suggestions as to what paddle size to get. For example, a chart could say that if you are a paddler over six feet tall with a boat width over 32 inches, then they may suggest a paddle that is 250 centimeters long.
Weight is another important factor to consider. You might see a 27-ounce paddle and a 37-ounce paddle but not think that 10 ounces make much of a difference.
However, using a heavier paddle can ultimately lead to faster fatigue. Definitely consider a paddle that weighs less, especially if you plan on taking longer kayaking trips.
Instead, there are often aluminum shafts, which are quite durable. However, this material can get really cold or hot, so it is wise to keep that in mind when considering weather conditions and storage solutions.
As for blade materials, there are variations of plastic blades, including blends with nylon and fiberglass, and these are often selected by recreational paddlers because they are more budget-friendly. However, if left out in the sun, plastic can crack and degrade over time.
Fiberglass blades are more lightweight than plastic, which can be beneficial in terms of helping prevent fatigue. They may chip but usually won’t crack. These blades are quite durable and efficient.
If you are seeking blades for top performance, go with carbon fiber. They are ultralight and the stiffness allows for extremely efficient energy transfer with every stroke.
Bent shafts can help reduce discomfort and fatigue because of the ergonomic angle they have. However, it can be hard to get used to paddling with a bent shaft if you are just starting out kayaking because they require more technical stroke techniques. When switching from one style to another, give yourself time to adjust your stroke technique.
Paddles nowadays usually use an asymmetrical dihedral shape, which is a blade that is at an angle and has a rib running down the center.
Narrower blades are lighter, so they tend to be more comfortable for longer kayaking trips. Wider blades are great for powerful strokes that allow you to move more quickly.
Kayak paddle blades are either matched or feathered. Matched means that both blades face the water at the same angle. Feathered means that each blade faces the water at a different angle.
Beginner kayakers generally start off with flatwater kayaking because it's calm and easier to paddle in. When you eventually start kayaking in more challenging areas, you will want to use features like feathered blades because they can cut through the air and water faster.
Most paddles allow you to change the angles of the blades so that you can change the angles as you gain experience and want more of a challenge.
If you want to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors, here are additional sports equipment suggestions to add more fun into your outings!
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