How to Measure Canoe Paddles

A canoe paddle consists of several parts. Running from the top of the paddle to the bottom, the parts are: a grip, a neck, a shaft, a throat, blade, and a tip. At the neck and throat the paddle transitions from the grip to the shaft and the shaft to the blade, respectively. Typically, paddle manufacturers give measurements for the overall length of the paddle and the blade length. The shaft length helps paddlers decide what overall size of a paddle to use on the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Paddle
  • Tape measure
  • Chair
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the overall length of the paddle by measuring from the tip of the blade to the top of the grip. When buying a paddle, this is the length that the paddle marked. Most manufacturers provide this measurement in inches.

    • 2

      Measure the blade length by running a tape from the tip of the blade to the paddle's throat. Measure the blades width at the widest point. These measurements provide a ratio of comparison for how the blade performs. High aspect ratio blades are easier to keep near the canoe and dive deeper into the water to the more stable sub-surface water for better purchase. Low aspect ratio blades are more efficient, better for shallow water, and are easier to handle.

    • 3

      Measure the shaft length by measuring from the top of the grip to the throat of the paddle. The shaft length including the grip is the most important length to help you decide the proper paddle length to use on the water.

    • 4

      Take a measurement of your body to determine the shaft length you need. Sit on a chair and measure from the chair to your nose. This length is the size of shaft you need for a bent shaft paddle. Measuring from the chair to the top of your forehead provides the shaft length for a straight shaft paddle.