Paddler: So, picking a kayak paddle is simple, right? Just grab one and go?
Coach: Oh, absolutely! Simple as rocket surgery. You just need to test all the paddle sizes. Easy peasy.
Paddler: All the sizes? Like, from one brand?
Coach: Ha! Cute. No, no, no. You’ve got Jantex, Braca, Epic—each with, like, 20-plus models. Then you’ve got blade sizes, shaft stiffness, diameters. It’s a paddle buffet, my friend. You’re looking at 20 to 30 options, minimum.
Paddler: So, I just… get all those paddles and start testing?
Coach: Whoa, slow down, Speedy! You can’t just paddle willy-nilly. You need data. Grab a Vaaka paddle sensor or a power meter for your shaft. Otherwise, you’re just splashing around like a toddler in a kiddie pool.
Paddler: A power meter? Seriously?
Coach: Yup. Nothing says “fun on the water” like a spreadsheet full of stroke metrics. So, here’s the plan: Step one, buy the sensor. Step two, snag 20 to 30 paddles. Step three, clear your calendar for, oh, a few months of 1000- to 5000-meter time trials. Repeat until the numbers make sense.
Paddler: Months? That’s the easy process?
Coach: Exactly! Just you, your paddles, and an unhealthy obsession with data. What’s not to love?
Paddler: Okay, but what about injuries? Like, what if I pick the wrong paddle and end up with tendonitis or tennis elbow? That stuff might not show up in a short test.
Coach: Oh, that? Pfft, no biggie. You just go back to the drawing board!
Paddler: More testing?!
Coach: Duh! And don’t forget, paddle companies are always dropping new “revolutionary” models. That perfect paddle you spent a year testing? Obsolete by next season. Grab the new ones and start over. It’s the circle of paddle life!
Paddler: So, I’m signing up for endless testing, a pile of gear, and potential arm injuries?
Coach: Welcome to the dream, kid! Happy paddling—or, you know, happy data-crunching.
I think this fictional conversation pretty much sums up the complexity of variables, factors and considerations paddlers expressed regarding the process of selecting a paddle. I had something different in mind for Part 2 but I think this drives a very good point.
Why is almost no one speaking about the paddler?
Ivan Lawler came up with a very good comment, which stated that in his opinion the limiting factor in paddling efficiency most of the time is the paddler. In his own words:
"Over time I have come to the conclusion that the limiting factor is the biomechanics and strength of the user. The paddle blade exerts a force on the water that is matched by a force on the body. If the weakest part of the body can’t withstand the loading put on it then it has to compensate or compromise causing inefficiency. So when picking a paddle size I look for whatever size doesn’t cause those compensations. These are seen at the moments of greatest load, so accelerations and starts mainly. For kids that are still learning I go even smaller so we can learn the right movement patterns without the challenge of overload."
In Part 3 you will find out the logic behind how to select your perfect paddle size.