Inflatable Kayak Blog

I often get asked about the difference between the various materials used in making kayak paddles. The main question is … which is the best material? To be honest, there’s really no good answer. Materials used to construct paddles determine their weight, durability and flexibility. The choices range from the old-fashioned traditional material – wood, to plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, carbon graphite or even Kevlar. The more ‘space age’ the material is, the higher the price. That doesn’t always mean that more expensive is better. Each type of material has its own feel, flex and weight. All these factors must be considered in combination depending on how the paddle is being used. Bottom line is that personal preference is the best deciding factor in your paddle material decision. They’ll all move water and that’s the ultimate goal. Happy paddling!