Kayak Paddles v. Canoe Paddles

Spend your days on the water either kayaking or canoeing. Both kayaks and canoes are great for still water, whitewater rivers or the open sea. Because kayaks and canoes are different, the paddles used with them are also quite different. If you enjoy paddling, it is important to know the difference between a canoe and a kayak paddle.

Canoe paddles

A canoe paddle has three main parts: the grip, the shaft and the blade. The grip is either a T-grip or a triangle, pear grip. The shaft connects the grip and the blade. Canoe paddles have a single blade that is used to pull or push the water and make the boat move in the desired direction. The width of the paddle depends largely on the type of canoeing you are doing. Lightweight, narrow blades with pear grips are best for flat water canoeing because they cause less fatigue; however, broader paddles that produce more powerful strokes are preferred for whitewater paddling.

Kayak paddles

In contrast to the canoe paddle's single blade, a kayak paddle has two blades with a shaft in between. The shaft is usually straight; however, some are more ergonomically designed with a bend. The blades are either unfeathered or feathered. Unfeathered blades are on the same plane; they mirror each other. Feathered blades are not on the same plane; the blades are rotated at varying degrees. In some cases the blades are perpendicular to each other. Kayak paddles are lightweight and are often made from aluminum or fiberglass.

Enjoy the great outdoors in a kayak or canoe, but bring along the proper paddle. Whether you are paddling on still water, white water or the ocean, the right size, fit and weight paddle makes all the difference in the experience. With the right paddle, you can paddle longer and more comfortably with less fatigue.