If you plan on rowing along in a kayak, a good kayak paddle may be your best decision. These paddles allow you to push along in the water and maintain a steady pace. Paddles work as a tool for propulsion inside your kayak boat. Without a paddle, you probably won’t be getting too far in the water.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best kayak paddle:
Who Needs To Use A Kayak Paddle?
Anyone who plans on going kayaking could use a decent kayak paddle. In comparison to canoe paddles, kayak paddles have dual blades on each side of the shaft. This allows for much more fluid movement in a kayak. Instead, you do not have to swap sides of the boat to paddle across the water. You can also keep your arms at the same side, moving the paddle gently on each rotation. This design also works specifically for kayaks because many only have one rider. Whereas both sides can’t be paddled at the same time as a canoe can.
How Does A Kayak Paddle Work?
A kayak paddle works as a form of propulsion for kayaks. Two hands hold the paddle each at an equal distance apart from each other. To move the boat forwards, the paddle glides through the water from the front (bow) to the back (stern) of the kayak. Most modern paddles come apart into two pieces for easy storage. Additionally, some paddles even have adjustable shafts or blades. To compare, in a canoe the boat supports the oar. Whereas in a kayak, the paddler supports the paddle.
Here's a short YouTube video that explains kayak paddling:
How Do I Choose A Kayak Paddle?
One of the most important parts of choosing a kayak paddle is the size of your paddle. These average sizes range generally from 210-240 centimeter paddles. For beginners starting out kayaking, any one of these sizes will work to get you out on the water. Yet, if you want the specific paddle for you, you’ll want to get a longer paddle depending on your height. The following YouTube video explains the specific metrics for selecting the right kayak paddle:
Buy a kayak paddle with the length that fits your boat size and width. Width will affect how stable the boat is in the water. For larger boats, you’ll want a longer paddle. For a smaller boat, you’ll want a shorter paddle.
Choose a kayak paddle that is well made so it lasts. Your paddle will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your paddle to survive any bumps into debris out on the water.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a kayak paddle:
What Is The Best Kayak Paddle?
We’ve looked at a range of kayak paddles that work for all types of kayaks and have selected five paddles. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and style. We’ve reviewed these five kayak paddles and listed some pros and cons for each paddle.
our #1 rated
SeaSense
X-Treme II
Quality
Price
Our rating
The SeaSense X-Treme II paddle is available in one color and two sizes. The paddle features a feathered blade design, with alternate angles on each side. The shaft also has a two piece construction for easy storage.
Customers who purchased this paddle liked the amount of balance, and that it’s not too heavy. People said that the extra length allows for more efficient strokes. Customers also said that they liked that the paddle floats, which can be useful if dropped in the water.
A few customers who used this paddle for kayaking said that the middle of the shaft seems to bow. Some people also said that the collapsible mid section can tend to somewhat wear out over time. Some customers said that the grips can slip when getting wet.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
SeaSense
X-Treme II Mix
Quality
Price
Our rating
This X-Treme II Mix kayak paddle from SeaSense is available in two sizes and two color options. The paddle features an adjustable drip guard for paddling in the water. Additionally, the paddle comes with three locking positions for greater customization.
Customers who purchased this paddle said that it snaps together quite well in the center. Other customers reported that they liked the option for it to have feathered blades if desired. Some customers also said that the foam grips work well and keep the paddle tight to your hands.
Some people who purchased this paddle said that the plastic end can have a lot of flex. Some people reported that this flex can also add whip to the paddle. A few customers also said that the shaft and blades would not be suitable for white water kayaking.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Carlisle
Magic Plus
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Magic Plus kayak paddle made by Carlisle is available in a range of sizes with two vibrant color options. The blade features glass reinforced lightweight polypropylene material. The shaft of the paddle has lightweight wrapped fiberglass materials.
Customers who purchased this paddle said that it holds up well even in choppy waters. People said that it has a light and sturdy shaft, with a stable connection point for adjustment. Many customers found the level of quality in the blades impressive.
A few customers who purchased this paddle said that the finish on the shaft had a large sharp ding. Some people also said that the water blocking rings did not work well. Other customers reported that it was a bit too heavy for a fiberglass shaft.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Airhead
Kwik Tek
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Airhead Kwik Tek kayak paddle is available in one size, and red in color. The paddle features a 2-section aluminum shaft with curved blades. The shaft also has drip rings, along with foam hand grips.
Customers who purchased this paddle said that the materials used were of high quality. People said the blades have a strong feel and the foam hand grips work really well. Customers also commented that the paddle was easy to use, and found the three adjustable positions useful.
Other people who used this paddle said that it’s a little heavy compared to most others used. Customers also said they couldn’t get the blades to a correct offset position. Some customers reported that the paddle was too short for their liking.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
TRAC-Outdoor
Curved Kayak Paddle
Quality
Price
Our rating
This curved kayak paddle made by TRAC-Outdoor comes in two sizes and one blue color. The shaft features anodizes aluminum, with fiberglass polypropylene blades. The three-position feather settings on the paddle also work with a push-button.
People who purchased this paddle said that it had quite solid construction. Customers said that it works smooth and light in the water, even with a wide variety of paddlers. Customers also said that the foam hand grips offer great comfort while out on the water.
Some customers who used this paddle said that the paddle did not work well for multi-day use. A few customers said they developed blisters on their hands over time. Some people also said that the center connector did not work.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each kayak paddle we’ve reviewed works for those looking to go kayaking out on the water. All the paddles have decent materials, adjustable blades, and a portable size when collapsed down for storage.
After comparing all the products the best kayak paddle is the SeaSense X-Treme II paddle.
This paddle is both wide and long, making it perfect for those new to kayaking. It can be used for any kind of water and not to mention it floats. We also like the fact that the shaft features adjustable drip guards and three locking positions.