Best Kayak Paddles in 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Best Kayak Paddle is designed to make the experience of paddling easier and enjoyable for individuals. Best Kayak Paddles. Choosing the right Best Kayak Paddle is highly important in order to have a good paddling experience.

Kayak paddles are designed in a strategic manner so that individuals can work their way through paddling even when they are doing it for the first time. Kayak paddles are bought by individuals of all ages because they all enjoy the activity of paddling. If you are looking for fun and healthy outdoor activities, you should try paddling.

These paddles are designed to be efficient for all kinds of individuals whether they are beginners or they are professionals. For beginners it is difficult most of the time to get a hold of the activity, however with a good paddling kit, the experience can be made fun, easy and enjoyable.

The Best Kayak Paddle have certain qualities that make it more optimal than other kayak paddles. Kayak paddles are made of different kinds of materials and the kind of material they are made of matters a great deal.

The different parts of kayak paddles and the accuracy of their structure also matters in determining whether they are suitable or not.

There are certain tactics that can help an individual decide on what kind of Best Kayak Paddle they should be looking for. These tactics are such that depend upon the following features of the kayak paddles.

The Best Kayak Paddles

Find below the best kayak paddles:

1. SeaSense X-Treme Kayak Paddles

SeaSense X-Treme Kayak Paddles

Seasense kayak paddles have a premium quality and look. These black kayak paddles are made up of molded plastic blades so they are extremely lightweight as compared to other kayak paddles.

This kayak paddle can also be broken down into two to ensure portability. This breaking down reduces the size of the kayak paddles, so it can easily be stored.

These kayak paddles also come with a drip guard and ensures a dry grip. The grip is also very smooth because of the foam rubber.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • User friendly
  • Smooth grip
  • Drip guard
  • Affordable
  • Looks great

Cons

  • No mention of refund and return

2. Overmont Kayak Paddles – Sup

Overmont Kayak Paddles - Sup

These paddles look cool and funky. They have an option to breakdown into two pieces and reduce their size so they take up less storage space in your store or shed. Their blades are feather shaped and have a double serrated edge design.

These kayak paddles have a locking option, and it comes with a paddle leash that help secure your paddles, in case you leave them unattended or go away to relax. This feature helps if the rower wants to take a break.

These paddles are made up of aluminum and are hollow which essentially helps them float on the water; this leaves you with one less thing to worry about. You do not have to buy this leash separately as it is included in the price of these paddles.

Pros:

  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Float on the water
  • Affordable
  • Come with a leash

Cons

  • Refund policy is not essentially mentioned

3. Aqua Bound Manta Ray Kayak Paddle

Aqua Bound Manta Ray Kayak Paddle

What puts these paddles on the list of best kayak paddles is that these are carefully handmade by paddling enthusiasts.

It breaks into the following two:

  • Posi-Lok
  • Snap button ferrule

These breakdown options allow the size of the paddle to reduce and thus they take a relatively smaller space in the storage.

Their blades are made up of carbon abX resin, instead of fiberglass reinforced blades. Comparatively, these blades weigh less than the fiberglass blades and ensure a better rowing experience. These blades are stiff and stronger than usual kayak paddles.

The paddle shaft can be ovalized to give a better and a smoother grip and provides much convenience for the rower.

These paddles also come with drip rings, and they work as a guard to water flow and keep the hands of the rower dry.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Convenient
  • Storage-friendly
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No refund and return policy is mentioned as compared to other kayak paddles

4. Bending Branches Recreational Kayak Paddle

Bending Branches Recreational Kayak Paddle

These kayak paddles provide a flutter free stroke, which essentially allows the rower to row smoothly along the water. These paddles can be broken down into two pieces and that helps make it travel friendly, they reduce the size of the paddles and thus, they can be stored easily.

These shaft is ovalized and coated to ensure a smoother grip. The reinforced blade help to paddle with ease. The shaft is made up of aluminum and keeps afloat, so the rower does not have to worry about the paddles to drown. This lightweight shaft is a 3M versafit, and gives a very comfortable experience.

These kayak paddles by bending branches made it to the list of best kayak paddles, because they are handmade by enthusiasts, are of a higher quality, and are extremely affordable.

Bending branches are experts in manufacturing kayak paddles since 1982, and they are a US based company that has been providing kayakers with an amazing kayaking experience.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Best quality material is used
  • Convenient
  • Portable
  • User-friendly
  • Comfortable and smooth grip
  • Travel-friendly

Cons

  • They do not have drip rings

5. Sense X-Treme 1 Kayak Paddles

Sense X-Treme 1 Kayak Paddles

These are the best looking kayaking paddles. These paddles are of two piece construction, which means that they can be broken down into two pieces. This makes them very attractive ass it reduces their size and they become travel-friendly. This way, they also take up less space.

These kayak paddles are made up of aluminum, which is a heavy material. The blades are made up of molded plastic. Plastic material is inexpensive and lightweight, so anyone can handle it easily.

These kayak paddles give a very smooth grip as the shaft is coated with foam rubber. At both ends, there are drip rings attached, that work as a guard. The role of the drip rings is to prevent water from reaching and keeping the hands of the rower dry.

Another important feature to note is that these paddles can float so the paddler does not have to worry about handling them as well.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Convenient
  • Travel friendly
  • Good for recreational paddling
  • Smooth grip, no blisters
  • Floats

Cons

  • If the quality is not up to the mark, the customer may not be able to do much about it since no refund policy is mentioned.

Types Of Paddles:

The variations in the kind of paddles is due to the reason that there are different kinds of Paddling. These different kinds of paddling and the paddles that can be used for the respective types of paddling are:

1. Recreational Kayak Paddles:

These are designed for individuals who don’t kayak for longer periods of time. The design is relatively heavier, however it is durable. These are often opted by individuals that go on kayaking trips or fishing trips.

2. Touring Kayak Paddles:

These are relatively more light weight and do not tend to increase fatigue. These are comfortable and easy to use even after prolonged use. These are ergonomic and durable for use, due to their lightweight structure.

If the waters are calm, these types of paddles are the best option. These paddles also vary in the shapes and sizes of the blade and the structure of the shaft, so that they can suit to every individual in a customized manner according to their paddling style.

3. Performance Kayak Paddles:

These paddles are optimal for performance purposes which requires high speed and high power. For this purpose they are made extra durable and lightweight, so they can endure the pressure of the water against them.

During performance the paddler has to deal with wind resistance and these paddles are optimal for reducing wind resistance due to its shape and structure. These also consider the comfort of the paddler as these are used often in prolonged paddling performances.

These Best Kayak Paddle can be used for professional kayaking races as they provide high speed and easy maneuvering. The movements are made slightly easier even if the water movement is high.

4. WhiteWater Kayak Paddles:

These are designed with wider blades and thicker shafts because they are used for paddling in uneasy conditions. The shape and structure of these paddles is efficient for facing strong currents. It is also easier to deal with underwater obstacles such as bumps and rocks when you use these paddles. These are optimal for dealing with harsh whitewater conditions.

Picking the correct category of Best Kayak Paddle might seem like a confusing task, but it is quite easy when one has insight on the variations in the features of the paddles. The Kayak Paddles vary in a number of features such as;

  • The length of the paddle
  • The shape and structure of the shaft
  • The style of the blade
  • The extension of the Paddle
  • The materials used to construct the shaft, blades, and paddle.

5. The Length Of The Paddle:

There are certain factors that need to be taken under consideration in order to pick the most suitable Kayak Paddle for one’s self.

These factors are, your height, the length of the Best Kayak Paddle and most importantly the length of your torso. The measurements of your height and your torso should suit the respective type of Paddle. This is important since the paddling experience might get hindered if the suitable paddle is not selected.

For instance, if you end up choosing a paddle that does not suit your height and the length of your torso, then you might face trouble reaching the water or you might end up knocking your knees with the paddle shift.

In order to avoid these hindrances, specific guidelines could be used to get guidance on how to choose the perfect paddle.

For instance if your height is around 5’5 and the Kayak you want to use is 23 inches wide, then the best length you can go for is 210 centimeters.

It is also the type of Kayak that matters a great deal when you want to choose the suitable paddle for yourself. For instance, Kayak’s may vary in types such as sit-on-tops and sit-inside.

The difference in both categories is how easy or difficult it is for you to reach the water. If the paddler is over 5’5 then the length of the paddle should increase by another 10 centimeters.

Moreover if the paddler is 6 feet tall than the length should increase by another 10 centimeters along with a 36 inch wide Kayak for them.

The length of the torso also matters a great deal in determining what kind of paddle one must choose for themselves. The length of the torso and the length of the paddle could be matched in the following manner

  • For a 22 inch torso there should be a 180 centimeters paddle
  • For a 24 inch torso there should be a 180-200 centimeters paddle
  • For a 26 inch torso there should be a 190-210 centimeters paddle

So with every 2 inches increase in the torso, there should be a 10 centimeters increase in the size of the paddle. Hence the size of the torso can be taken into consideration in order to find the suitable paddle for oneself. However, it is not always the measurements that help in deciding the type of paddle you should buy, but at times it also depends on your paddling style.

You might want to use longer or shorter paddles regardless of the size of your torso, therefore it is best to test out paddling a few times before investing in paddles.

The length of the paddles of Kayak paddling is only one of the things that need to be considered before buying a paddle, because there are other features that need to be considered as well.

6. The Material Of The Paddles:

There are various kinds of Best Kayak Paddle depending on the material they are made up of. It might be confusing when you look for a kayak paddle for the first time, considering they vary in a number of features. The different materials make it easy for individuals to pick Paddles that suit their paddling style better.

Considering material of paddles is necessary is because the weight of the kayak paddles matter a lot. Some kayak paddles are made up of aluminum, some are made up of carbon fiber, and some are made up of molded plastic. It is said that some people may find aluminum kayak paddles to be heavy.

For a good kayaking experience, it is important that the paddle is not so heavy and can be handled easily by all types of users. People who prefer lightweight kayak paddles should go with the ones made up of carbon fiber and plastic.

While choosing the best kayak paddle for yourself, knowing the usefulness of the shape of the blade of the paddle, is just as important as the weight of the paddle itself. Here are some types of paddle blades

  • Dihedral blade – these are essentially flat in shape, that is to say, that they have two flat surfaces. These are considered more efficient because the flow of the water is directed towards the edges of the blade and so one can row smoothly.
  • Wing Blades – used mainly in professional kayaking or in racing events. This is because these blades ensure faster kayaking experience. For good performance, they need a high angle paddling force.
  • Asymmetric blade – allows for a maximized flutter-free stroke, these are more convenient as both sides are equally in the water.

7. Blade Material

Blade shape is essential, but to provide the rower with convenience, blade material is also necessary. The blades are usually made up of the following material

  • Fiberglass

The best choice of recreational kayaking, these paddle blades are lightweight and extremely affordable. You can find these blades in different attractive colors.

  • Carbon Fiber

This is the most lightweight option, for rowers planning to take a longer kayaking tour, they should go with carbon fiber material. However, these blades are relatively pricey.

  • Plastic or Aluminum

This material is the heaviest and not everyone may be able to handle it. These prove to be the least expensive amongst all other options. These are usually used by beginners or individuals that go for a leisure kayaking adventure and do not stay in water for long so the fatigue is less.

8. Shaft Material

Traditionally, shafts were made up of wood because it provides strength and reliability. These woods are usually coated to increase the resistance of kayak paddles in strong waters.

Aluminum is also a popular constructing material for a shaft; however, shafts that are made up of aluminum are heavier. Even though they ensure durability, their heaviness can be a fatigue for the paddlers. However, if you are a beginner and going for a very casual kayaking experience, aluminum shafts should not be a problem.

  • Kayak paddling extension

It is very much possible for kayaking paddles to be extended. This means that you can adjust their length to suit your needs.

These extensions are only possible if the shaft is two or four piece, even in our list of best kayak paddles, we have included many such kayak paddles that allow the rower to extend the length of the paddle.

  • Paddling style

If it is clear as to the type of kayaking adventure you are going on, you can easily identify your paddling style. Here are two distinct paddling styles

  • Low-angle Paddling

For causal kayaking in calm waters, low angled paddles are the best option. Since these horizontal paddles are thin and longer, they allow a better paddling experience, and a more productive one.

  • High – Angle Paddling

When the waters are not as calm and have a heavy flow, high angled paddles are the best. They provide a forceful paddling in heavy flows and allow the paddler to move through the water swiftly. People who prefer adventurous kayaking and are inclined towards fitness, should go with these paddles.

9. Paddle Shafts

These totally depend on the types of kayaker. There are two types of shafts, namely

  • Straight shaft

These are better for adventurous kayaking. They give easy maneuvering of the kayak and are a flexible option

  • Bent shaft

For beginners, this paddle shaft is the most ideal, especially if they are on a casual kayaking journey


FAQs

We have answered some FAQs to help clear any further confusions and help you choose the best kayak paddle

🛶 Q: What should I consider while deciding the length of the kayak paddle?

While choosing the perfect length, the most important factor to consider is how wide the kayak is, then comes your own height.

🛶 Q: Why are there adjustable shafts?

The shafts can often be adjusted to serve the needs of the rower and their rowing style.

🛶 Q: How are kayak paddles handled?

Hold the kayak paddles with your arms wide open. Put the paddle as far forward as you can and then pull it backwards with force, then do the same with the opposite side.

Best Kayak Paddles – Verdict

Choosing the best kayak paddles is not a piece of cake, and we totally understand that. This is why we have combined everything in this piece for you to choose the best kayak paddle for your kayaking adventures.

Remember the factors such as the width of the kayak, the height of your torso, the type of kayaking, and your paddling style before making a decision.

The kayak paddles that can be adjusted are very beneficial, as you can share them and pass them around within your circle and relatives. If you want to save up on cost, then go for the ones that provide more than one function. Moreover, the ones with adjustable shafts are the best as they can be used by many people according to the height of their torso.

You should also keep this in mind while opting for the cheaper options – they should provide durability as well as a refund option. These refund options are a very attractive offer, because in case you buy the wrong kayak paddle that is not comfortable enough, you still have the option to return it or exchange it for a more suitable one.

Even if you are someone new to kayaking, this will be a helpful piece for you to gather all the information regarding the best kayak paddles. It is advisable that if you want to go for a kayaking experience for a longer time, do not opt for a heavier paddle, as it may cause fatigue for the beginners. Please remember before any kayaking adventure to take full safety measures to ensure a safe and sound tour.