Paddle length?

[leclercraven]

I've lost my good paddle flipping' in a class 4 and need to purchase another one. What length of paddle do you suggest? The one I lost was 56". Could a 58" be better for me? I paddle a Raven and I'm 5'10" tall.

[Shep]

56 is probably pretty good. I paddle with a 56 usually, but my next one will probably be a 57 or 58. I tend to use a very high T-grip hand, and am about 5'11". Either way you go you will adjust.

Shep

[Sir Adam]

A search will yield lots of different answers. Measuring top hand / shoulder to "water" for shaft length (not including blade) can be a good starting point.

I've used a 54" for years; Davey Hearn recommended I try at least a 56" (for C1). He's right - though at first it seems long it is a better length for me for cruising and speed. For taller saddles a 58" works fine (for OC 56" is minimum for me... 58" is better). I'm 5'8" or so...

[bkebs]

Not that I am any sort of expert,but I am 5'7" paddling an outrage and use a 56 most of the time because that is what I have. However, I used a 58 the other day and liked it. I think I am getting a new paddle this summer and plan on it being a 58.

[Myszoor]

a nice thread: http://cboats.net/cforum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5685" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - may be useful.

[Todhunter]

If you go with a custom stick, get a 58". If you don't like it, you (or the person who makes it) can always shorten it.

[djutzi]

I'd say 56" is your best bet. In my opinion, 'too short' is easy to adapt to, but 'too long' never stops being annoying.

I'm 6'3'' and use 57" for both solo and tandem.

[leclercraven]

So I finally bought a 58" AB paddle instead of a 56". I think a couple of inches might help my cross strokes a bit. I've seen a few videos of myself doing cross strokes and even if I angle the boat towards my off-side and use my full upper body to do the stroke, the blade doesn't seem to go deep enough in the water.

I've sat in a L'Edge today and if I had a short canoe like that I would probably go with a 54" or 56". The seat seemed lower than my Appolosa saddle made by Beluga.

By the way...the outfitting on a L'Edge must be made for small people because, holly cow I couldn't even sit properly in the boat! Couldn't get my bum on the seat, and I'm not a huge guy. (190 lbs 5'11") ...And it's kind of heavy (open model), heavier than my 11' 3'' Raven I think. But that being said, I would still absolutely love to try one! Looks like a fun little boat!!!

Thanks for all the advice everybody!

See ya on the water....

[Shep]

Bulkhead outfitting has to come small from the factory. You can always shave material off, but it's harder to put it back on. Try to find someone with similar build to you (thigh circumference and leg length) to get the best demo.

Shep