Paddle Sizing

Understanding Measurement Terminology

Each paddle has several distinct measurement considerations - overall length, loom width, blade length and blade width. Also you have a choice of the type of shoulders (shouldered, soft-shoulders, no shoulders) and blade tips (rounded, squared). See below for guidelines in determining the perfect paddle fit for you.

Overall Length - Full-size Paddles

There are several methods for determining paddle length. A lot depends on the size of your upper torso rather than solely focusing on your overall height. Most kayakers are sitting down while paddling so the length of the legs has little impact on sizing.

Method #1 - Measure the distance from your elbow bone to the tip of your middle finger. Then extend both hands out horizontally (making a "T" with your body) and measure from tip to tip of each middle finger. Add the two measurements together to obtain your ideal overall length.

Method #2 - Stand flat-footed and extend one arm above your head as if you were holding a paddle vertically. Measure from the floor to the middle of your middle finger - where your fingers would curl over the top of the paddle.

For full-size Greenland paddles, if your measurement results in less than 82", consider adding 2” to 4" to the overall length. For measurements greater than 92", consider subtracting a few inches. Try both methods but it's suggested to not go shorter than 82" or longer than 92”.

See below for Storm Paddle measurements.

Loom Width

Grab a broom or measuring stick with both hands. Drop your arms loosely at your sides with your hands outside your hips. Bend at the elbows so your forearms are parallel to the floor with your palms down. Your hands and elbows should be comfortable and not tight at your sides. Measure the space between both hands, starting and ending where your index finger touches your middle finger. Typical is between 18” and 22"

Blade Width

Make a loose "C" with your thumb and index finger and measure the space between your fingers. Your want to be able to grip the blade comfortably and securely with one hand, at the widest part of the blade. This is especially useful while rolling and bracing. Too wide a blade will make it difficult to hold. For most folks, this measurement falls somewhere between 3.0” and 3.5”.

Shoulder Style

Paddles can be crafted with distinct shoulders, soft shoulders, or no shoulders. If you’re new to using a Greenland paddle, perhaps start with a shouldered or soft shouldered version. The shoulders help position your hands properly just by feel and are also very useful when executing the canted stroke, as the pressure from your fingers wrapped around the shoulders naturally cants the paddle to the correct position. Shoulderless paddles are very comfortable to hold and make for seamless slide strokes. If you're undecided, soft shoulders help balance best of both styles. Also, it's fairly simple to sand your shouldered paddle to either a soft or unshouldered style (keep in mind this only works one way - it's much more difficult to recreate shoulders from an unshouldered paddle without impacting loom length). Modifying shoulders after purchase may require sanding and reapplication of paddle finish.

Tips

This is purely a personal preference choice. There are some who feel that rounded tips are quieter. Rounded tips are also less likely to chip, since there are no corners. Not to worry, it's fairly easy to sand your tips to a different shape after-the-fact (of course you may sacrifice a small amount of overall length doing so). Modifying tips after purchase may require sanding and reapplication of paddle finish.

Storm Paddles

A Greenland storm paddle is a shorter, narrower version of a full-size Greenland paddle. Typically, they are used as a spare paddle or in strong winds in conjunction with the sliding stroke to reduce wind resistance. Storm paddles basically have a similar blade length as a full-size paddle but have a much shorter loom. Generally, Storm Paddles are 72" (or less) overall and have a 6" loom. The blade width is also slightly smaller at 3" wide. I personally prefer soft or no shoulders to facilitate sliding stroke hand movements.

To verify your measurement for a storm paddle, follow the instructions above regarding a full-size paddle (specifically Overall Length & Loom Width sections). Subtract the Loom Width from the Overall Length to determine your Total Blade Length. Next, make a fist and measure side-to-side and multiply the result by 1.5. Add the result to the Total Blade Length.