The 5 Best Kayak Paddles

The 5 Best Kayak Paddles

Kayaking is a fun water activity to enjoy with your friends and family. When you have had a busy week, and you need some physical activity to relieve stress, look for your kayak and head out to the river, pond, or lake for a good time. In case you are looking for kayak paddles, you are reading the right articles. We are going to review the five best kayak paddles for your next camping trip. If you want to know what makes a given kayak worth buying, there is a buying guide after the product reviews.

Let us delve into the top 5 best kayak paddles.

5 Best Kayak Paddles to Consider Purchasing

5. Pelican Boats –PS1129 Poseidon Angler Paddle

When you settle for the Pelican Poseidon paddle, you are buying a model with an impressive shaft performance. It has an indexing feature where the shaft has both round and slightly ovalsections instead of being round only. That way, you are in a position to firmly hold the paddle in your right hand while loosely gripping it with your left. Such a configuration reduces fatigue and ensures you have a fantastic time on the water..

Besides that, Pelican also comes with an integrated hook retrieval system that makes fishing less stressful. It has larger blades and a longer shaftthat suit wide kayaks. Its polypropylene blades are impact-resistant and fiberglass reinforced for durability. The manufacturer adds a tape measure on the pole and provides 0-65° adjustments for the blade angle to ensure convenience. The product is a 2-piece paddle, meaning you can separate it into two for storage and transportation.

Pros

• Lightweight and sturdy
• Available in a sleek sand color
• Has bigger blades and an extended shaft
• Includes adjustable drip rings

Cons

• Casual kayak users do not need the indexing shaft unless they have wrist issues.

4.Aqua Bound Manta Ray Paddle

Like many other best kayak paddles, Aqua Bound’s Manta Ray is a hand-built, 2-piece model that saves storage space and makes transportation easier. That is not all it has to offer. The length options range from 210-250cm, that is 210cm, 220cm, 230cm, 240cm, and 250cm . Nonetheless, this product comes with carbon-reinforced, injection-molded nylon blades, which are much stronger than plastic ones. If you love high-angle paddling, Manta Ray is for you.

Aqua Bound took their time to design a top-notch paddle that entails a lightweight carbon shaft that reduces fatigue. The shaft is also strong and ovalized to enhance hand comfort. With the ribbed texture, you can still have a secure grip when your hands are wet.

Besides the oval shaft, Aqua Bound offers you two ferrule options posi-lok and snap button. The latter has a sturdy, corrosion-free, composite construction with infinite feathering angles. As for the posi-lok, it consists of aluminum construction with a three-hole snap button for 0° and 60° angles.

Pros

• Carbon nylon blade provides extra power per stroke
• High-quality and lightweight
• Has an innovative design
• Provides a fantastic swing
• Easily adjustable and strong
• The manufacturer includes drip rings

Cons

• It is designed for high-energy, high-angle paddlers.

3. Bending Branches 260cm Paddle

Available in orange and sage green shades, and sizes 220-260cm, features oversized, carbon-strengthened nylon blades. They provide extra efficiency and power with each stroke. Have fun as you kayak easily with Bending Branches’ paddles. Besides, this brand has rubber, fiberglass-reinforced blades that foster smooth, fatigue-free paddling, and durability.

It is a two-piece paddle with an in-built retrieval system. There is a small groove in one of the bladesthat assists you to rescue your lures, pull your catch, or get your stuck line out of trees and rocks in the river, pond, or lake. With this brand, you get to enjoy smooth paddling through water and have a memorable, quiet time.

The ferrule on Bending Branches paddle utilizes a snug, 3-hole snap button that adjusts to provide different feathering angles 0 and 60, right, and left hand control.

Pros

• Has an elegant design and colors
• Oversize blades provide powerful, efficient strokes
• Separates easily into two for storage
• High-quality, light, and durable

Cons

• The snap button construction provides limited feathering angles.

2. SeaSense Kayak Paddle

As the second-best kayak paddle in the review, SeaSense comes in five different colors white, yellow, military green, red-black combo, and orange-yellow. The manufacturer uses fiberglass filled nylon in making the blades, which makes the oar super light and long lasting as well. Enjoy the efficiency, as you cover more distance and have fun.

When it comes to the shaft, SeaSense consists of lightweight aluminum to help you preserve more bodily energy. The foam grips on the shaft enhance strength and comfort when kayaking. The paddles cuts through the water with ease, be it in a lake or river. That way, you donot have to apply much effort to paddle.

If you are an advanced kayak user, this brand might not suit you. It features blade stiffness and a no flex shaft, which affects adjustability.

Pros

• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Great for recreational kayaking
• High-quality and durable
• Breaks into two pieces for storage

Cons

• The shaft does not flex in any way; it limits comfort for severe and long-distance paddling

1. Best Marine & Outdoors Paddle

Best Marine & Outdoors Paddle is the leading product in the review for several reasons. For starters, it is a premium carbon fiber oar with 243cm (92inches) of length. Note that carbon fiber paddles are better than the cheaper, heavy aluminum fiberglass paddles. It features a two-piece design like the other best paddles n the review. Have fun kayaking using oars that do not hurt your shoulders doe to their weight.

However, the product comes with an extra accessory that the other products do not have. Besides having two drip rings, this product has a 2-foot leash to ensure secure paddle attachment on your kayak. It has fiberglass-reinforced blades for additional functionality and user-friendliness.

Pros

• Affordable and durable
• Highly sturdy
• The manufacturer utilizes top-notch shaft and blades material
• Adjustable and lightweight

Cons

• Some brands are lighter than Best Marine’s paddles.

Buying Guide

You should not buy kayak paddles blindly. There are factors to keep in mind when purchasing kayak paddles, and they include the following.

1. Type of kayaking

Before buying a kayak paddle, you should already know for which purpose you are going to use it.Therefore, paddles differ depending on their intended use. The market offers a variety of them, including touring, white water, and fishing oars. Do not use a white water kayaking paddle for touring. Touringpaddles are longer than whitewater oars. The shorter and narrower your boat is, the shorter the paddle should be.

If you are going paddling on a calm river, pond, or lake, a touring kayak paddle is the right one to carry. Do you like kayak fishing? Go for paddles that come with angling accessories, such as hooked blades, to assist you in retrieving a line or those with measurement markers on the shaft. However, a regular touring paddle is still good for fishing.

1. Your height and physical strength

Paddling is for not only touring, fishing, and having fun, but it is also a proper workout for your arms. Therefore, if you want to exercise a little as you steer your kayak on waters, consider installing a long paddle on your boat. It challenges you to make more powerful strokes, which are fantastic for burning calories and strengthening your arms. Besides, if you have a long torso, buy a longer paddle for stress-free paddling.

1. Low angle vs. high angle

Low angle paddles are more comfortable and relaxing. Thus, if you are not in for flexing your body, go for this category of oars. As you paddle, your writs will not go above your head, which makes kayaking gentle on your body. Enjoy the slow speeds, and have a refreshing paddling day with no hurry. Low angle paddles enable you to cover more distance through the increased endurance you gain as you row.

If you want to be more physically involved in paddling (or example as a workout), choose a high angle paddle. It is a design that enables you to execute powerful strokes. The blade hits the water at a more perpendicular angle. Besides, your wrists will be above your shoulders. The angle is suitable if you want to paddle at high speeds, but requires you to be more physically aggressive.

1. Feather angle adjustability

Feathering has to do with the paddle blade. Many paddles allow you to change the blade angle when kayaking. If you are a novice, try out different angles to find one with which you feel comfortable. Blade adjustability gives your wrists a break and lets you find a suitable angle to set the blade for efficient paddling. However, some paddle brands do not offer just a few angles but an infinite range, which makes them perfect for advanced paddlers who want to experiment with various paddle blade positions.

1. Material

The material a manufacturer uses in making a kayak paddle is crucial. You will notice that some products have different shaft and blade materials. Paddle shafts come in aluminum, carbon fiber,and fiberglass materials.

Aluminum is more affordable and durable, but it can be uncomfortable to hold in cold and hot weather; it becomes cold or hot depending on water conditions. Besides, it is heavier. Some manufacturers incorporate PVC sleeves or PU coating to give aluminum shafts a more comfortable feeling.

Fiberglass insulates your palms against harsh water temperature, be it hot or cold. However, it is lighter and more efficient than aluminum shafts but will cost you more, which is worth it. As for carbon fiber shafts, it is the lightest material. The carbon is rigid, thus providing enhanced strokes.

Paddle blades, on the other hand, are valuable in plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber materials. We have already talked about carbon fiber and fiberglass. Nevertheless, note that fiberglass is heavier than carbon fiber, though. Plastic blades are durable and available at a lower cost. However, they are prone to damage when exposed to weather elements, such as the hot sun. If you are paddling for relaxation on a river with trees, consider kayaking in the shade.

1. Design

While some paddles are one-piece models, other brands take a two-piece design. With the latter category, the oars separate into two for easier storage and carrying. However, with a one-piece paddle, it can be challengingto fit it in your car or carry bag.

1. Comfort

Comfort is an essential aspect of kayak paddles, just like the other factors we have talked about. What is the point of buying a paddle of the right size, material, and adjustability, yet it is not comfortable? Comfort starts with the shaft.  A rubberized shaft feels great in your palms. Therefore, if you buy a paddle with an aluminum shaft, make sure the manufacturer has coated it for comfort or provides a PVC layer. Besides, the paddle angle is also a comfort issue. You can choose a low or high angle depending on which one of them is comfortable for you.

FAQs

What is the best kayak paddle?

There is no one paddle considered the best among the many brands on the market. What matters is you using the factors we have discussed in the buying guide to find the right paddle for you. Consider things such as what kind of kayaking you will be engaging in, how adjustable you need the paddle angles to be, comfort, shaft and blade materials, and low vs high angle.

What material is the best for kayak paddles?

Carbon fiber is the best material considering it is lighter and more efficient. Fiberglass follows closely as being lightweight and efficient.

What is the cost of kayak paddles?

The cost of kayak paddles differs depending on the material manufacturers use in making the products. Carbon fiber-reinforced oars are more expensive than their fiberglass-strengthened counterparts are, but their performance is worth the price. It is possible to find high quality paddles at an affordable price that fits in your budget.

Conclusion

The secret to having a smooth paddling experience is ensuring you have the right tools for the occasion, including kayak paddles. We have reviewed the five best brands to consider buying, and the market has more to offer. With the buying guide above, you stand a better chance of purchasing the right oar for your paddling endeavors.