How to Select a Good Whitewater Kayak Paddle

Decide how much money you have to spend. Paddles run from around $75 to $500. Knowing your budget helps eliminate some of the confusion of selecting a paddle.

Honestly assess your paddling ability. If you don't know how to roll your kayak--getting it back upright without having to leave the boat--you are probably going to be swimming a bit. At this stage of experience, a paddle is the piece of gear most often lost by beginner paddlers. If you don't know how to roll or are just starting out, stick to an inexpensive paddle.

Decide what kind of paddling you are going to be doing the most of. Do you do lots of tricks? Play boaters want paddles that are shorter and release from the water quickly. Do you like steep, rocky runs or big water? Creek boaters very often prefer larger, bladed paddles that provide more power. If you're not sure or like to do a little of everything, an all-around paddle shape will suit you well.

Try both ergonomic and straight-shafted paddles. Straight-shaft paddles are usually a little less expensive and provide a traditional feel that many people are comfortable with. Ergonomic paddle shafts have a bend in them where your hands grab the shaft. This bend puts your wrists at a natural angle, which is more comfortable, and reduces fatigue.

Decide on the material you want. Fiberglass is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. Carbon fiber is lightweight, stiff and durable. Many top-end paddles are made from carbon fiber, a fact reflected in their price tag. Aluminum paddles are often inexpensive but lack durability. Wood is an option rarely found in current whitewater paddling. It is heavy, relatively durable and is warmer than any synthetic.

Decide on the angle of offset you want for your paddle. Offset refers to the difference in angle between the blades. Traditionally, paddles were offset at 90 degrees. This allowed one blade to cut through an oncoming wind while the other provided power in the water. Nowadays, a common offset is 30 to 45 degrees. Many play paddles have no offset at all.

Less offset means less twisting of the wrist, which helps prevent tendinitis. A paddle with less offset also doesn't have to be twisted, which makes it faster for play boating tricks.

Find what length of paddle you want with this simple test: Place the paddle so that the center of the shaft rests on top of your head. Grip the paddle so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. This puts you at the position you should be at when you are paddling and lets you see how the paddle will fit you.

On a bent-shaft paddle, your hands should fall onto a comfortable position on the ergonomic part of the shaft. On straight-shaft paddles, you should have a few inches of clearance from the blades.

Sit in a kayak similar to what you are paddling and see how the paddle fits. If you can, try to test a few paddles before you buy one.