C-Forum

...after using borrowed paddles for my first couple years paddling tandem ww and this , my first year paddling solo ww, it is time to get my own, all those i've used(wood , plastic, and carbon) have been 52" which has been okay, but it is difficult to make a strong cross stroke and i think i should buy a shorter paddle.
i am 5'3" with average ,no longer, arms,
the 52 " was a little easier paddling bow in the wenonah rogue than in the paradigm i am paddling now, probably , it is taller?
also 52" is the perfect length for my flatwater boat.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thx christy~*

*edited for stupidity*

Second what Sir Adam says below.

Shep

If you don't lose to much reach going shorter, go shorter. Your shoulders will thank you!

I'm 5'8" or so.

In my C1's I like a 54" paddle (though many racers have told me I'd be better off with a 56" paddle).

For OC1 and OC2 I have gravitated to a 56" paddle. I have a 57" paddle (that Schlegal) that I hope to try out - I think it may be better for OC1's with higher saddles / seats (not to mention the Shredder) .

I have an "average" build - 30" inseam. If your torso is longer you may want a longer paddle than you might think looking at my stats. The distance that is important is that of the waterline to the top of your shoulder (ish) when you are in the boat. Some folks assume this should be the shaft length - it is likely close, +-, but this isn't perfect by any stretch.

The best thing to do is see if you can find any shorter, or first purchase a cheaper paddle (sub-$20 carlisle or similar?) and keep cutting it down and trying it until it feels right (or the last cut did!) and then you'll know what size you want. This also means you'll have a backup ready to go that is your size (not a bad idea).