Best Kayak Paddles to Enhance Your Paddling Trips in the UK
Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, explore new places, and stay fit. But to have the best experience, you need the right equipment, especially a good kayak paddle. A paddle that suits your style, skill level, and kayak can make a huge difference in your performance, comfort, and safety.
But how do you choose the best kayak paddle for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as the length, weight, material, shape, and angle of the paddle. To help you with your decision, we have reviewed 8 of the best kayak paddles available in the UK market. We have also included some tips on how to measure and adjust your paddle for optimal fit and efficiency.
Key Takeaways
| Paddle | Material | Weight | Length | Angle | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Werner Camano 2 PC Straight Paddle | Carbon fiber shaft, fiberglass blades | 765 g | 210-240 cm | Low angle | £££ |
| Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle | Fiberglass shaft, polypropylene blades | 992 g | 220-240 cm | Low angle | £££ |
| Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon Posi-Lok 2 Piece Kayak Paddle | Carbon fiber shaft and blades | 737 g | 210-250 cm | High angle | £££ |
| Bending Branches Angler Classic | Fiberglass shaft, fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades | 964 g | 220-260 cm | High angle | £££ |
| White Wolf Carbon Kayak Paddle | Carbon fiber shaft and blades | 680 g | 210-220 cm | High angle | £££ |
| Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle | Aluminum shaft, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades | 1134 g | 230-250 cm | High angle | £££ |
| Pelican Aluminum Kayak Paddle | Aluminum shaft, polypropylene blades | 1134 g | 220-230 cm | High angle | £££ |
| SeaSense X-2 Kayak Paddle | Aluminum shaft, plastic blades | 907 g | 213 cm (fixed) | High angle | £££ |
How to Choose the Best Kayak Paddle
Length
The length of your paddle depends on your height, your kayak width, and your paddling style. Generally, taller paddlers, wider kayaks, and high-angle paddling require longer paddles, while shorter paddlers, narrower kayaks, and low-angle paddling require shorter paddles.
To find the right length for you, you can use this table as a guide:
| Kayak Width (cm) / Paddler Height (cm) | <152 cm (5 ft) | 152-183 cm (5-6 ft) | >183 cm (6 ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| <58 cm (<23 in) | 200-210 cm | 210-220 cm | 220-230 cm |
| 58-71 cm (23-28 in) | 210-220 cm | 220-230 cm | 230-240 cm |
| >71 cm (>28 in) | 220-230 cm | 230-240 cm | >240 cm |
Some paddles are adjustable in length, which gives you more flexibility and versatility. You can also use this online calculator to find your ideal paddle length based on your measurements.
Weight
The weight of your paddle affects how much effort you need to paddle and how long you can paddle without getting tired. Lighter paddles are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, but they are also more expensive. Heavier paddles are more affordable and durable, but they can slow you down and strain your muscles.
The weight of your paddle depends on the material of the shaft and the blades. The most common materials are:
- Carbon fiber: This is the lightest and strongest material for kayak paddles. It offers excellent stiffness and performance, but it is also the most expensive.
- Fiberglass: This is a lighter and more durable alternative to aluminum or plastic. It offers good stiffness and performance, but it is more prone to wear and tear than carbon fiber.
- Aluminum: This is a cheap and sturdy material for kayak paddles. It is easy to maintain and resistant to corrosion, but it is also heavy and cold to the touch.
- Plastic: This is the cheapest and most common material for kayak paddles. It is flexible and durable, but it is also heavy and prone to bending and cracking.
Shape
The shape of your paddle affects how much power and control you have over your kayak. The shape of your paddle depends on the design of the blades and the angle of the shaft.
The design of the blades can be:
Symmetrical: This means that both blades have the same shape and size. This makes the paddle easy to use and suitable for beginners or recreational paddlers.
Asymmetrical: This means that one blade is larger or longer than the other. This makes the paddle more efficient and balanced, as it compensates for the different water pressure on each side of the blade.
Dihedral: This means that the blades have a ridge or angle along the center. This makes the paddle more stable and smooth, as it reduces flutter and drag.
The angle of the shaft can be:
Straight: This means that the shaft has no bend or twist. This makes the paddle simple and comfortable, but it can also cause wrist fatigue or strain.
Bent: This means that the shaft has a slight curve or bend near the blades. This makes the paddle more ergonomic and natural, as it aligns with your wrists and arms.
Feathered: This means that the shaft has a twist or rotation that allows you to adjust the angle of the blades. This makes the paddle more aerodynamic and versatile, as it reduces wind resistance and allows you to customize your paddling style.
Angle
The angle of your paddling style affects how you hold and move your paddle. The angle of your paddling style can be:
Low angle: This means that you paddle with a relaxed and horizontal stroke, keeping your paddle close to the water. This is suitable for long-distance or leisurely paddling, as it conserves energy and reduces fatigue.
High angle: This means that you paddle with a powerful and vertical stroke, lifting your paddle above the water. This is suitable for short-distance or fast paddling, as it generates speed and maneuverability.
8 of the Best Kayak Paddles in the UK
Here are our top picks for the best kayak paddles in the UK, based on their features, performance, quality, and customer reviews1.
1. Werner Camano 2 PC Straight Paddle
This is our best overall choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a premium paddle made from carbon fiber shaft and fiberglass blades, offering a lightweight, durable, and smooth performance. It is designed for low-angle paddling, with symmetrical dihedral blades that provide stability and efficiency. It is also adjustable in length and feathering angle, with a smart-view ferrule system that allows you to align your blades easily. It comes in various sizes and colors, with a sleek and elegant design.
Pros:
- Lightweight and strong
- Smooth and stable
- Adjustable and easy to use
- Sleek and elegant
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only suitable for low-angle paddling
2. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle
This is our best value choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is an affordable paddle made from fiberglass shaft and polypropylene blades, offering a good balance of weight, durability, and performance. It is designed for low-angle paddling, with asymmetrical slightly spooned blades that provide power and control. It is also adjustable in length and feathering angle, with a push-button ferrule system that allows you to lock your blades securely. It comes in two sizes and three colors, with a simple and functional design.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Powerful
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not very stiff
3. Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon Posi-Lok 2 Piece Kayak Paddle
This is our best carbon paddle choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a high-end paddle made from carbon fiber shaft and blades, offering an ultra-lightweight, strong, and stiff performance. It is designed for high-angle paddling, with large asymmetrical dihedral blades that provide speed and agility. It is also adjustable in length and feathering angle, with a posi-lok ferrule system that allows you to click your blades into position with ease. It comes in various sizes, with a black carbon finish.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Strong
- Speedy
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not very flexible
4. Bending Branches Angler Classic
This is our best paddle for fishing choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a versatile paddle made from fiberglass shaft and fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades, offering a lightweight, durable, and reliable performance. It is designed for
high-angle paddling, with medium-sized asymmetrical blades that provide a good compromise between power and efficiency. It is also adjustable in length and feathering angle, with a snap-button ferrule system that allows you to change your settings quickly. It comes in various sizes and colors, with a unique feature: a built-in hook-retrieval notch on the blade that allows you to free your line from snags. It also has a tape measure along the shaft that allows you to measure your catch.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Versatile
- Useful for fishing
Cons:
- Not very stiff
- Not very smooth
5. White Wolf Carbon Kayak Paddle
This is our best budget carbon paddle choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a cheap paddle made from carbon fiber shaft and blades, offering a lightweight, strong, and decent performance. It is designed for high-angle paddling, with small asymmetrical blades that provide agility and maneuverability. It is not adjustable in length or feathering angle, but it has a 3-piece design that allows you to disassemble and store it easily. It comes in two sizes, with a black carbon finish.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Not very efficient
6. Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle
This is our best paddle for beginners choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is an easy paddle made from aluminum shaft and fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades, offering a sturdy, durable, and simple performance. It is designed for high-angle paddling, with large asymmetrical blades that provide power and stability. It is also adjustable in length and feathering angle, with a push-button ferrule system that allows you to change your settings easily. It comes in one size and color, with a useful feature: a built-in rod holder on the shaft that allows you to secure your fishing rod while paddling.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Simple
- Useful for fishing
Cons:
- Heavy
- Cold to the touch
7. Pelican Aluminum Kayak Paddle
This is our best paddle for kids choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a fun paddle made from aluminum shaft and polypropylene blades, offering a lightweight, durable, and colorful performance. It is designed for high-angle paddling, with medium-sized symmetrical blades that provide ease and comfort. It is not adjustable in length or feathering angle, but it has a 2-piece design that allows you to assemble and disassemble it easily. It comes in one size and four colors, with a bright and cheerful design.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Colorful
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Not very powerful
8. SeaSense X-2 Kayak Paddle
This is our best paddle for inflatable kayaks choice for a kayak paddle in the UK. It is a compact paddle made from aluminum shaft and plastic blades, offering a lightweight, durable, and convenient performance. It is designed for high-angle paddling, with small symmetrical blades that provide speed and responsiveness. It is not adjustable in length or feathering angle, but it has a 2-piece design that allows you to fold and store it easily. It comes in one size and color, with a black and yellow design.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Convenient
- Responsive
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Not very smooth
How to Measure and Adjust Your Kayak Paddle
Once you have chosen your kayak paddle, you need to make sure it fits you well and suits your paddling style. Here are some tips on how to measure and adjust your kayak paddle:
How to Measure Your Kayak Paddle
To measure your kayak paddle, you need to consider two factors: the length of the shaft and the width of the blades.
The length of the shaft depends on your height, your kayak width, and your paddling style. You can use the table above as a guide or use this online calculator to find your ideal paddle length based on your measurements.
The width of the blades depends on your preference and skill level. Generally, wider blades provide more power but require more effort, while narrower blades provide less power but require less effort. You can choose the blade width that matches your paddling style: low-angle or high-angle.
How to Adjust Your Kayak Paddle
To adjust your kayak paddle, you need to consider two factors: the length of the shaft and the angle of the blades.
The length of the shaft can be adjusted if your paddle has an adjustable ferrule system. You can change the length of your paddle by loosening the ferrule lock, sliding the shaft to your desired length, and tightening the ferrule lock again. You can adjust the length of your paddle depending on the conditions of your paddling trip: longer for calm water and shorter for rough water.
The angle of the blades can be adjusted if your paddle has a feathered or a bent shaft. You can change the angle of your blades by loosening the ferrule lock, rotating the shaft to your desired angle, and tightening the ferrule lock again. You can adjust the angle of your blades depending on your preference and comfort: more feathered for less wind resistance and less feathered for more wrist comfort.
FAQs - Best Kayak Paddle Uk :
How do I hold and use a kayak paddle?
To hold a kayak paddle, you need to grip the shaft with both hands, about shoulder-width apart. Make sure your knuckles are aligned with the blades, and your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. To use a kayak paddle, you need to alternate strokes on each side of the kayak. To do a stroke, you need to dip one blade into the water near your feet, and pull it back to your hip. Then lift that blade out of the water, and repeat the same motion with the other blade on the other side of the kayak
How do I choose the right length for my kayak paddle?
The right length for your kayak paddle depends on your height, your kayak width, and your paddling style. Generally, taller paddlers, wider kayaks, and high-angle paddling require longer paddles, while shorter paddlers, narrower kayaks, and low-angle paddling require shorter paddles. You can use a table or an online calculator as a guide to find your ideal paddle length based on your measurements.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different paddle materials?
Different paddle materials have different effects on the weight, durability, performance, and price of the paddle. The most common materials are:
Carbon fiber: This is the lightest and strongest material for kayak paddles. It offers excellent stiffness and performance, but it is also the most expensive.
Fiberglass: This is a lighter and more durable alternative to aluminum or plastic. It offers good stiffness and performance, but it is more prone to wear and tear than carbon fiber.
Aluminum: This is a cheap and sturdy material for kayak paddles. It is easy to maintain and resistant to corrosion, but it is also heavy and cold to the touch.
Plastic: This is the cheapest and most common material for kayak paddles. It is flexible and durable, but it is also heavy and prone to bending and cracking.
What are the differences between blade shapes, sizes, and angles?
The blade shape, size, and angle affect how the paddle moves through the water and how much power and control you have over your kayak. The blade shape can be:
Symmetrical: This means that both blades have the same shape and size. This makes the paddle easy to use and suitable for beginners or recreational paddlers.
Asymmetrical: This means that one blade is larger or longer than the other. This makes the paddle more efficient and balanced, as it compensates for the different water pressure on each side of the blade.
Dihedral: This means that the blades have a ridge or angle along the center. This makes the paddle more stable and smooth, as it reduces flutter and drag.
The blade size depends on your preference and skill level. Generally, wider blades provide more power but require more effort, while narrower blades provide less power but require less effort. You can choose the blade size that matches your paddling style: low-angle or high-angle.
The blade angle depends on whether your paddle has a straight or a feathered shaft. A feathered shaft means that the blades are rotated at an angle to each other, which reduces wind resistance but requires more wrist movement. A straight shaft means that the blades are aligned with each other, which increases wind resistance but requires less wrist movement. You can adjust the blade angle if your paddle has an adjustable ferrule system.
Conclusion
Choosing the best kayak paddle for your needs can be a daunting task, but with our guide, you can make an informed decision. We have reviewed 8 of the best kayak paddles in the UK market, based on their features, performance, quality, and customer reviews. We have also included some tips on how to measure and adjust your paddle for optimal fit and efficiency.
Whether you are looking for a premium, affordable, carbon, fishing, beginner, kid, or inflatable kayak paddle, we have a recommendation for you. We hope you find the best kayak paddle for your paddling trips and enjoy the outdoors with comfort and confidence.
Happy paddling! 😊
