C1 paddle size

[RyanGarnett]

Hi There,
I was wondering if there is a rule of thumb when choosing a paddle size for a C1. I am currently paddling a Esquif Detonator and using a Werner Bandit size 58". I am 6'1" and I was wondering if I need to shorten my paddle if/when I move into a C1.
Thanx

[TomAnon]

58" almost seems short for an open boat for someone your height... It might be just right for a C1. I know my OC paddle is about 3" longer then my C1 paddle. Try searching on paddle size. There was a real good thread a couple of months ago on paddle size versus boat versus height that people where using. The thread was of course on this message board.

[RyanGarnett]

I used a 60" before, but I have very long arms (I mean like ape long arms) and the rivers around here are really shallow and rocky, so I chose to go a little shorter to have more blade in the water. Thanks for the info, I was thinking that the 58" would be a good size.

[cbcboat]

I use a 56" in all of my C-1s(playboat, riverrun & creek). I'm 6'2". I personaly would like to have a shorter paddle for playboating specifically. For river running/ play the 56" is just about right. In my OC I have used a 58 and 60". I like both for certain things, would prefer a 59" though-- what's an inch right?-- quite alot actually. I do think 58" is probably a little long for a C-1,unless racing, but you should be the ultimate judge. Ideally if you could try some different sizes first that would be best. Also remember its harder to add length to a paddle than it is to reduce length, so maybe start a little long. Consider blade size as well.
Good Luck,
B

[ezwater]

Try not to go below 58. As I recall, Hearn and Lugbill were using around a 59". I am 6' 5", very tall in the torso, and I use a 61.5 in my Zealot. C-1 paddling requires a somewhat different style than OC-1, and it often means a longer paddler than you might think is needed in so low a paddling position.

[the great gonzo]

Use whatever feels best for you, no matter what others tell you. It Try different paddle length. If you can't borrow any, get a really cheap POS paddle that is on the long side, try it, shorten it a bit, try it again, e.t.c., until it is too short.
Then buy a nice one in the length that felt best.

martin a.k.a. the great gonzo!

[kneeler]

I'm 6'1" and I use a 58" paddle for C-1. I have a 56" paddle for creeking (shallow stuff). I like the 58" for both river running and for play.

[Mike W.]

Use whatever feels best for you, no matter what others tell you. It Try different paddle length. If you can't borrow any, get a really cheap POS paddle that is on the long side, try it, shorten it a bit, try it again, e.t.c., until it is too short.
Then buy a nice one in the length that felt best.

martin a.k.a. the great gonzo!

Listen to The Great Gonzo! Use whatever you like. I went from 57" to 54" & my shoulders don't hurt as much. I used the same paddle in OC, C, & C-squirt.

[Aric]

Ryan

I have a 54" you would be welcome to borrow for sizing. I used to use a 60" in OC and a 54" in my playboat conversion, now I use a 56"for everything but tandem OC. I'm up in summit, but I'll be down on the Ark this weekend. let me know if you're interested

Aric

[HIPPOSTAN]

Hi Ryan,
I am 181cm, I paddle both play and creek boats.
For the playboat I use 135cm length paddle and 140cm for the creekboat and have found that a shorter paddle means that I don't have any shoulder pain.
I was reading an article by Markus Mass that his physio recommended a shorter paddle and he said exactly the same.
Also the shorter paddle for playboating makes it easier, as you can move the paddle quicker into the position you need it.

cheers
Hippostan

[sbroam]

Another vote for shorter - at least for day in and out. Playboating in a conversion, I trip over a shorter paddle less. Shallow water is not as frustrating regardless the boat. Never had much shoulder pain, so I can't see any relief there. And I find the same paddle works in OC and C. Only occasionally do I wish I had a little more reach - i.e. OC-1 wave surfing trying to rudder onside while leaning to my offside. I might want longer in a *slalom* race.

Search this forum for other discussion on paddle length including physiological and hydrodynamical factors.

[HIPPOSTAN]

Well I've never paddled an OC1 but would assume that a longer paddle would help and have been looking for an open boat.
But I don't like tripping over my paddle in my play boat as it's hard enough

cheers
Hippostan

[wetnobby]

I am 6' and paddle a Zoom,Spanish Fly & Jackson AllStar.
I started with longer paddles as per traditional open boat practice but found longer to be far to clumsey and tiring to use effectively. The effect of a shorter paddle is very noticable when you are stretched out at the start of a forward power stroke, sure you have more reach with alonger paddle but less leverage...Your shoulders will thank you for going shorter! Also offside strokes are much more precise....reduces tripping over your paddle! White water paddling requires bursts of accelaration with quite often a flurry of strokes for which shorter is better.All my paddles are now 55"...If I buy a new one it gets cut and shut to that size.
Personal preference....but it works for me!

[wetnobby]

What I should have also said is that when the boat is really heavy with water its all I can do to handle a 55" paddle. I would not be able to do a thing with a longer paddle....Borrow one and try it!

[Col]

I tend to find shorter paddles much better, i am 5'11" and use a 139cm G-power paddle.

Colin