Canoe paddles are devices that you simply can’t do without. You would not be able to boat without a pair of good paddles, that’s for sure. The thing is, you can’t just select any paddle you see at the store, because each paddle has its own special feature for different special purposes.
For you to know what type of paddle you should use and for what canoeing activity, here are the different paddle types and a short overview of each. At the end of this article, you should be able to know more about canoe paddles.
1. The recreational paddles: These paddles are usually made of aluminum or plastic. Some rather cheap wood materials are also used to make this paddle type. Boaters usually use it for common sailing purposes like normal trips around the campsite or nearby lakes. This is referred to as the general-purpose paddles.
2. The whitewater paddles: These are paddles that are typically short and have square-shaped blades. These are used when quick and powerful strokes are required. It is mostly used in aerated, shallow water. They are also designed to endure rocks. The common paddles that you see with T-shaped grips are mostly whitewater paddles.
3. The lakewater paddles: These paddles are used mostly in traveling on lakes and similar bodies of water. It is designed for repetitious strokes to up to several thousand. These are usually made of wood like walnut, maple, mahogany, cherry, and ash. And because these are wood paddles, it is more prone to dents and scrapes. To maintain a lakewater paddle, it should be sanded, varnished, or oiled regularly.
4. The performance paddles: These types of paddle are the ones used when racing. These are the most expensive types as well. Sports enthusiasts also use these paddles for fitness paddling purposes. The paddles come in different varieties, blade sizes, and forms. It gives the user powerful, efficient strokes for optimum performance.
The type of paddle is not the only thing you should consider when buying one. You should also choose the right size of the paddle to achieve the best possible water routine. Paddle size is one more thing that you should mull over.
But how long should your canoe paddle be? What are the things you should consider to help you decide how long or short your paddle should be. Read on and check the following guidelines.
1. Consider your torso and arm size: The paddle should be just right, meaning not too long or too short for its user. It is also important that the paddle size be convenient enough for you to maneuver over the waters. Also, the length could add up to the weight of the paddle. So you should make sure that you could control the paddle accordingly.
2. Consider the paddle blade size: As stated earlier, the blade of your paddle should be wide enough to serve its purpose. The blade can affect a lot to the performance of the canoe. It could also affect the speed of your boat.
3. Consider your canoe type, height, and size: The height and the style of the seat of your canoe should also be considered to determine the proper the size of your paddle. Compute these variables accordingly. Your paddle should reach a good depth in the water as you position yourself on the center seat.
4. Consider your paddling activity type: The way you use the paddles also determines the size of it. If you go straight most of the time, a shorter paddle is advisable. If you do a lot of turning, a longer paddle is required.
Canoeing will be more fun and exciting if less stress is produced as you maneuver the boat. If you do less work and more enjoying on the water, you will be looking forward to your canoeing weekend more often.
These information should be able to guide you accordingly as to what type and how long your paddle should be. But at the end of the day, it would all end down to the very paddle best works for you. These are good suggestions right here, but you can freely choose the one that you feel comfortable using the most.

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