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Paddles
Next to the Kayak the paddle is going to be the most expensive
cost of whitewater kayaking. Upper end of paddles can cost up to $500.
What makes the difference between the paddles? Like anything band names,
quality, and style would be the differences in price.
Points of Interest
● Durability of both the shaft and the
paddles
For whitewater kayaking obviously durability is very important. Your
paddle will be put in awkward places, hitting rocks hard, and paddling against
very strong water flows. It would put you in a bad position say you rolled
and while trying to roll up your paddle gets snagged on a rock and breaks.
● Bent shaft or straight
Straight shaft are cheaper to make and also there are a lot more of those
available thus making them a cheaper buy. Bent shafts are nicer for
whitewater kayakers for several reasons, The way they are bent gives the
paddler a more natural grip to the paddle allowing it to be more comfortable and
allow a stronger stroke. Bent shafts also help in that when you roll you
can easily tell what angle your paddle is to the water to give you a
better chance of rolling up the first time.
● Degree of offset of the paddles
The most common degree offsets are 0, 15, and 30. This is very much a
personal preference. Some say that a 0 degree is better for playboating
because it allows you to do turns and squirts more easily. While the 30
degree is nicer for river running because the offset allows for less wind
resistance while paddling.
● Size of the paddle face
Whitewater paddles are going to have a shorter and wider face than that of a
recreational or sea kayak paddle would. This is because for whitewater
kayaking the boats are made so they turn much easier. So that means your
strokes has to be closer to the kayak to keep you from turning every time you
make a stroke. To get the most out of those stokes is the where the
differences in the paddle face is important. They say if you can't get
where you want in a whitewater kayak in three strokes than you most likely won't
get there. That is because in whitewater you use your strokes more to
position you rather than move your kayak down river.
● Length of the paddle
Suggested Paddle Lengths by Boating Style and Paddler Height
|
BOAT TYPE |
PADDLER'S HEIGHT |
SUGGESTED PADDLE LENGTH |
|
Play Boats |
under 5'2 |
188 cm |
|
5' 2" - 5' 8" |
191 cm |
|
5' 8" - 6' 1" |
194 cm |
|
over 6' 1" |
196 - 197 cm |
|
BOAT TYPE |
PADDLER'S HEIGHT |
SUGGESTED PADDLE LENGTH |
|
River Running and Creek Boats |
under 5'2 |
191 cm |
|
5' 2" - 5' 8" |
194 cm |
|
5' 8" - 6' 1" |
196 - 197 cm |
|
over 6' 1" |
199 - 200 cm |
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Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
PFDs are a very important part of whitewater kayaking. NEVER
go kayaking without wearing your PFD. There are basically three types of
PFDs: Multi-Purpose, Whitewater, and Rescue. Like most clothing type of
apparel there are sizes and men and lady version.
● Multi-Purpose PFDs
These are exactly what the name refers to. These are decent started PFDs
if you don't want to spend too much and they are somewhat comfortable for
kayaking.
● Whitewater PFDs
These are a little more expensive but are esign with the whitewater kayaker in
mind. They give the kayaker a large range of freedom of motion with
greater comfort.
● Rescue PFDs
These are great and in a group I would advise at least one you have one of
these. Most likely the best kayaker of the group. There is all kinds
of extra attachments that allow for assisting and rescues and gathering a person
equipment if they end up rolling and having to do a wet exit. These would
be the most expensive PFDs.
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