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Choosing a Paddle
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a paddle:
1. What type of paddling are you going to be doing?
2. Your height and body size/strength.
3. What type/size of boat you are going to be using?
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Once you have decided what 'type' of paddling you are going to be doing, either: Canoeing, Freestyle/Playboating, River Running, Creek, Surf, Squirt Boating, or Touring, you then need to choose a blade shape that will suit.
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Blade Shape & Size
Each of the blade shapes have been designed specifically to suit their type, although some of them can be cross used. The only difference between each shape, (apart from their appearances) is their size/surface area. Your choice of appearance can be made purely by your personal preference, and for many this is all that is needed. However, choosing the correct blade surface area is more important for the serious paddler and, also, if body size/strength is an important factor.
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The different blade sizes can be looked at like gearing. A larger blade gives a powerful stroke and provides greater acceleration and support. These blades are best used in large volume water and when beginning. Mid-size blades also offer fast acceleration and sturdy support in whitewater, plus they can provide a slightly faster stoke, which is why they tend to be used for most facets of kayaking. A smaller blade shape is faster again, but will take more strokes to propel. This will depend on body size and what length shaft is used. Touring paddle blades have much less surface areas than whitewater paddles, and generally have much longer shafts. Smaller blades on longer shafts offer more support and will not tire a paddler so quickly, hence they are best used for touring.
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Choosing a Style & Shaft
Once you have determined which blade shape is going to suit, you will need to choose the best 'Style' (blade construction) and Shaft. The shaft can determine the way you paddle, but both factors will determine the total cost of the paddle. Please see 'Which Style' & 'Which Shaft and Setup' page.
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