C-Forum

Hi,
I'm almost finish with outfitting my c-1, wow, its a lot of work converting a boat... but it is a blast! I'm going to be spending time at pool sessions with the boat for the winter, and need to get a paddle.
I realize demoing one is probably a good idea, but there are no shops, no people that I can borrow a c-1 paddle from in this area.
What would be a good way to determine a good length for a paddle? I'm 6'0 tall, with a saddle that is 6 inches high. I dont know how long my arms are, but they are proportional to my body, long or shorter than the norm.
Most of what I'll be using this for will be river running, but it really wont take me too long before I start messing around with flat water stuff, and surfing. (that is if I get the roll figured out enough!)
Thanks for any tips you could give me.
Roger

You are going to get many differant ideas. I have a 59.5 inch wooden paddle by Bailey Johnson and a 58 Perception. If you want Bailey's number let me know. THey run about $250.

How confortable is that 6" seat height?

If you don't know how long you want your paddle try this. Buy a Mohawk, their 9" is the best paddle that $24.95 can buy. http://www.mohawkcanoes.com/paddles.htm Get it longer than you think you'll need. Try it, cut it, try it, cut it some more... Once you decide what length you want, go buy the paddle that you really like.

Hi Roger,

I'm 6' and have a boat with a 5'' saddle and one with a 7'' saddle.

I am paddling 56'' now and would rather like 55. You go from on to off side way faster with a shorter paddle.
Also, it is kind of hard on the shoulders when its too long. When your top shoulder hurts, try a shorter paddle.

A rule of thumb: Sit 6 inch (your saddle height) above ground. stretch your grip arm out, so its approx horizontal (maybe a bit higher but not much) and measure the distance to the ground. That will be your approx shaft length. Add the blade length of the desired paddle and you have the overall length of the paddle that most manufacturers give you. With different paddles you might want different length since the SHAFT LENGTH is the IMPORTANT thing.

On the river, Jan

Hi Roger,
I'm 5'9" and use a 58" paddle. It works well for me. I've tried shorter paddles (55" & 56") for a while and they allow a faster rep rate and get me to the take out OK, but I realized that I missed the extra leverage a longer paddle provides, especially in critical situations. The 58" paddle increases the power I can apply and doesn't overly stress my shoulders. This paddle length is also a good thing when you need to roll. Since you are 6 feet, a 59" paddle may work well from you. I would start approximately at 58 or 59". Then over the years you will end up with what is ideal for you.

Get a good quality and durable paddle to get started. The Werner Bandit in fiberglass is a strong paddle and a good performer at reasonable cost (~$125).
SYOTR,
Bruce Farrenkopf