| Kayak Paddles |
| Kayak paddles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two most common are European style and Greenland style. |
| European style kayak paddles tend to have bigger blades and the better paddles come with an adjustable ferrule that allows the user to feather the paddle left or right. Feathering reduces windage and hence energy expendd on those long legs into the wind. It also reduces the overall tendency of the blade to catch the wind. Blade sizes vary with larger blades for racing and smaller blades for more relaxed touring. Different materials and material combinations are available. |
| For both styles of kayak paddles, the general rule of thumb is lighter is better and more expensive. Aluminum and plastic paddles are usually the least expensive, but they are considerably heavier. Fiberglass and carbon fiber materials lighten the load but increase the cost. Wood falls in the middle, lighter than some heavier thans others. Cost is usually in the middle as well. |
| Greenland style kayak paddles (also known in some circles are traditional) features wooden paddles, usually one piece, but break aparts are available. The blades are smaller and the base of the blade serves as the grip. Greenland blades do not feather since there is no need. The blades are small enough not to be severely affected by the wind. There are several differences in the strokes used. Some claim Greenland style paddles put less stress on the joints and muscles. |
| DON"T OVERLOOK THIS! |
| Buying a good kayak paddle is as important as buying a good boat and many of the same rules apply. Try before you buy. Consider this: The incremental difference in weight between a hgih end carbon fiber paddle and the plastic version becomes significant when you consider how many strokes are taken and thus weight lifted over a day's paddle. Some claim that a day's paddle will generate 30,000 strokes. Having a good paddle can be the difference between a great trip and a rotten one. |
| Kayak paddles are also easier transported than boats. Invest in a good paddle and take it with you when you rent. In most cases you'll be glad you did. This way you can be assured of a good fit and a quality paddle. Most kayak rentals unless they are specialty paddle shops such as Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company are going to give you a base aluminum paddle as a part of the rental. If you use their paddles and want to paddle feathered, make sure you set the feather before you leave the launch. If a rental shop does not take the time to break apart their paddles periodically, you might be stuck with one that's stuck! |
| Kayak paddles should fit the paddler and the boat. Taller paddlers and wider boats require a longer paddle. Paddlers using a more vertical stroke will find that they can use a shorter paddle, but usually will find they are wet as well. . |
| Located in Crystal River, The Florida Kayak Company is positioned to serve the west central Florida paddling community with tours, rentals and accessory sales. |
| If kayak paddles are your need, come talk to us. |
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