Length of Paddle

[Ian Main]

For an average hieght defender, what would be recommended as a reasonable paddle length?

Also, for a heat shrink grip which is rotating are there any tips on the best way to make sure it doesn't?

[Djorre]

first option, try and reheat it

if that doesn't help, cut the shrink-tape open,
put the grip in place with a few drips of superglue,
rap the grip in normal stiky-tape (smoothly, not to have to much bumps :) )

greetz Djorre.

[Andy Davison]

Yeah, fix the grip before heat shrinking.
Paddle length, depends what kind of paddles (ie kinetics or asymmetrics), Kinetics would generally be shorter than asymmetrics for the same person! If you wanted the perfect paddle length can be quite complicated. I'm 6 ft and use 202cm kinetics, have a friend whose the same height and uses 198cm, he can't save goals though!

[tyler]

Kinetics would generally be shorter than asymmetrics for the same person

Why is that?

:cheers:

[Handy]

Ok, the technical stuff, sounds a little dubious, but make sense if you think about it.
Aysmetrics promote a more horizontal paddling style, can look a bit goofy but is more efficient for long distance paddling (observe marathon paddlers) Kinetics, when used properly promote a more vertically biased paddling style where the power is concentrated closer to the centre of mass of boat and paddler (hence the offset shape), thus being better for sprinting.
So if you consider the steeper angle of the paddles with kinetics it takes less length to get the entire paddle blade submerged!

[Handy]

P.S. this is Andy Davison, just had to re-register as stuff wasn't working!

[tyler]

Ok, so since you seem to know what your talking about -and I know verry little :bang: , maybe you can help

I guess I'm having the same problem as above

I have a bracsa kinetic but I still haven't decided on what height to cut it. I'm only 5'9 but I enjoy being able to block with my paddles current lengh (204-205). I'm wondering if this long of length will affect speed?


thanx

[ah^fu]

i'm not very sure of this, but i think that the shorter the paddle, the faster the frequency, the faster you go...as long as you are confortable with it and you still apply the same amount of force in every pull...and it also depends on the blade you using
As for blocking, the longer the paddle, the more area you cover...
It's all depending on your playing style to choose a length.

please correct me if i'm wrong, jus giving an opinion....

[ErikV]

You have to consider that when the paddle is too short you can't make the paddle frequency.

So there is a minimum of paddle lenght. :)

Bye, Erik
ps. my advise try it. Like Djorre told.

[Handy]

It's a tricky one, unfortunately as with a lot of things in canoeing you can't have a pieece of equipment (paddle) that will be brilliant at everything. You want a long paddle for goal keeping (I used to have 206 asymetrics) but with kinetics the shorter the better (well sort of!) If I had to choose I'd have 202's, I may be 6ft but it's all in my legs, so unfortunately have a very short body, and can't reach that high anyway!
There is a very technical/tedious way of working out exactly how lon your paddle should be, but like everyone keeps on saying, it's what your happy with that matters!
The thing is, with long paddles you'll be able to reach to save goals, you'll be only a fraction slower and you may get marinally tired quicker too! So I recommend 202's
hope this helps!

[hudman]

I would tend to agree. I paddle with 203 kinetics, tend to play zone but do like to break out quickly if I can.

At this length I have enough sprinting pace, (I'm 6') but I can also block most things if I'm zoning or find myself in goal.

If you can have a go with peoples blades of differing lengths then you'll soon get an idea of what's good for you!

[bethy]

Hi
Just wanting some advice you guys seem to know what youre on about. I am aquiring some double dutch polo paddles, but really unsure about length and feather, as not a big polo player. Im 5'3'' and dont go i goal, tend to play up front
Thanks
Beth