Inflatable Kayak Blog

(Editor’s Note: We realize that most of us who use inflatable or folding kayaks don’t use wooden kayak paddles. However there are some ‘traditionalists’ who do. This article is about how to maintain and repair quality wooden kayak or canoe paddles.)

As the seasons change, so do the places we kayak. Temperature fluxuations, terrain differences, and storage options take their toll on equipment. Knowing how to care for your paddle is an important thing to know.

To start, make sure and stow your paddle away when not in use, after thoroughly cleaning and drying it of course. Wooden kayak or canoe paddles are durable and can withstand a lot of dings, but nicks are another story. If you notice your paddle has a deep scratch or cut, you need to repair the damage immediately or replace the paddle.

A simple and quick method of repairing minor nicks and scratches on wooden paddles starts with surfboard resin, a fiberglass cloth, sandpaper (80 and 120 grit), 1” brushes, mixing cups, a pair of rubber gloves, a sponge, dust mask, masking tape and pigment for color.

On a clear warm day or inside a well-ventilated shop, thoroughly sand down the parts of the paddles that have become worn with age and use, as well as any scratches or dents in the paddle. Take a damp cloth and clean the sanded areas by gently wiping over them. Next, lay the fiberglass cloth over the areas needing filled and cut away any excess parts.

Mix the resin according to the package instructions with the hardener and pigment thoroughly, and then wait 5 minutes before application. Using the sponge apply the resin to the paddle by pouring it slowing along the paddle. Once you have covered the entire area use the sponge to remove any excessive resin.  One way to tell if it is too dry is if you can see the eye in the fiber.

Allow the resin to dry then sand down the paddle using the 80 grit sandpaper to remove any rough patches, followed by the 120 grit sandpaper for the glossy sheen.

Finally, spray clear paint over the paddle.

Remember this is only for small damages and scratches. Deeper cuts or nicks may require you to replace your wooden paddle. And, if you’re tired of repairing your wooden paddle, there’s always the alternative plastic, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon kayak paddles for you to choose from.

The author, Dee Owens has published two novels and a variety of articles online.

by Dee Owens

Deciding on the right paddle is simple enough when you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Your own personal preferences play a major role in your choice, but so does your height, length of the paddle, weight of the paddle, what material is used, and the shape of the blade.

To begin, you might want to consider which manufacturer you prefer, such as Cannon, Aqua Bound or maybe Sea Eagle. Perhaps you already own a kayak and you prefer to remain loyal to the manufacturer, or maybe you ventured out with a friend and enjoyed the feel of his paddle and just HAD to get one. Either way, once you decide whether the manufacturer makes a difference to you, you can then focus attention on the features and benefits.

Length
Choosing the desired length of the paddle depends on your height. The paddle is meant to be an extension of your arm. Most paddles range between 220cm to 255cm in length. Some experts taut lifting the paddle and placing it on top of your head in the center, then placing your hands on the shaft with your elbows bent in an “L” shape. If the paddle is the correct length for you, then the blades will be between 4 and 5 inches from your hands.

A person with a long torso might want to look at longer paddles, while a person with a short torso will probably want a shorter paddle. We suggest taller individuals consider the 240cm length paddles. Average height people may discover paddles from 230cm to 235cm in length to be optimal for them. Those of us who are vertically challenged (ah-hem) or those that are going to paddle for recreational purposes only might want to try 220cm length paddles.

Width
Believe it or not, the width of the kayak/canoe makes a difference as well; the wider your boat is, then the longer you will want your paddle to be. Generally because inflatable kayaks are wider than hard shell kayaks, you would probably want a longer paddle in general. Remember you should not strain your self or hit the side of the kayak when you are using the paddle.

Depending on what kind of paddler you are will also determine what length of paddle you will want. Do you paddle with quick, rapid strokes? If so, a shorter paddle will help make each stroke more efficient. Slower or more laid back when you paddle? Then a longer paddle is for you. Is the paddle for a child? If so, then you will want to buy a paddle made specifically for children. For example Cannon K-Series paddles are made  for youngsters. They feature a smaller diameter shaft, making it easier to grip.

Material
Take a look at the different types of material used. Some paddles are made with wood others are made with Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber, Aluminum or Plastic. The main result of the construction material of a paddle is not so much about the performance of the paddle, but in how the much the paddle weighs and how it feels in your hands.

The author, Dee Owens has published two novels and a variety of articles online.

Planning on getting someone a kayak or kayak accessory as a gift? If so, I have a few suggestions. Make sure you buy them something they’ll like. In other words, you might not want to make it a total surprise. A little research goes a long way and you’ll be glad when your gift is welcomed with open arms rather than a confused facial expression.

In the case of avid kayakers, you should be familiar with what they are paddling now and whether your gift will fit their preferences. Kayaks are kind of like shoes. One size or type doesn’t “fit” all. Ask their friends, fellow paddlers or significant others for advice. A portable (inflatable or folding kayak) may not be the perfect choice for someone who’s used to paddling a hard shell kayak. However, if they’re tired of storing or car carrying the hard shell, a portable kayak might be the perfect gift. Accessories, especially paddles, can also be very user specific. Find out what they have, then buy them what they’d like to have.

If you’re buying for a newby it’s even more important to research your choice. I’ve seen a few situations where a wife or husband has purchased a tandem (two person) kayak without consulting (or even hinting to) the other person only to be disappointed when they experienced that “confused facial expression”. The hassle and expense of returning the kayak could be easily avoided if you could have discovered in advance that the “giftee’s” idea of water sports is lounging on a Caribbean Cruise or maybe they have an aversion to paddles or … you get the idea.

If you need a few gift suggestions, maybe these will help you out. A Sea Eagle 330 or 370 is a great gift for a beginner who wants to start out paddling. Sea Eagle Explorer Kayaks (340, 380 or 420) or any of the Innova inflatable kayaks are terrific for someone who wants to upgrade from a beginner level kayak. PakBoat’s Arrows or Puffins folding kayaks are nice for a hard shell kayaker who’s tired of carting around and storing that hard shell kayak. PakBoats track very much like a hard shell, too. And, of course the TRAK adjustable kayak is perfect for the kayaker who has everything and wants more. All of the above also travel very well on planes or in car trunks or the back of a minivan. Some kayak accessories you might look at include these items that can all be used by any type of kayaker, traditional hard shell or portable. You could buy someone a new, lighter fiberglass or carbon Cannon paddle, a PakPod Deck Bag/Paddle Float or one of the new WindPaddle™ sails that fit most any type of small boat, kayak or canoe. If there’s a paddler on your list that’s also a photographer, an AquaPac 100% waterproof/sand proof case is a nice gift. There are also AquaPac cases for cell phones and MP3 players.

There’s some great gift ideas here, made even better by a little advance ‘gift giving’ research.

Choosing the length of your kayak paddle can be confusing, especially for beginners. First off, understand that most anyone can use most any paddle and get the job done. So, paddle length is not such a crucial factor that it will destroy the fun you’ll have in your kayak. After you’ve been paddling for awhile, you’ll have a better idea what you like or don’t like in a paddle. If you do have a choice in paddle length, here are a couple of general questions to ask your self.

1 – What type of kayak are you going to paddle? Hard shell and folding kayaks tend to be narrower while inflatable kayaks tend to be wider.
2 – How tall are you? Taller people generally use a longer paddle. However, this is an area where exceptions may eventually occur. Some people have a more upright paddle stroke while others are flatter which could result in taller people choosing a shorter paddle or vice versa.

Cannon Paddles has taken these two areas and put together an excellent kayak paddle length guide that helps you choose the length of your paddle, factoring in your height and the width of your kayak. A quick look at their paddle sizing chart and you can make a basic decision on where to start. Eventually, down the road (or should I say down river) you may change paddles but at least you’re starting out with a reasonably good fit.

Stand-up paddleboards are quickly becoming the hottest “thing” in paddle sports. One reason is that using a paddleboard is a great workout. It works your arms, midsection and legs and burns a large amount of calories in a short time. Some new paddleboards are available in a package with a paddle, however many people are using their surfboards and simply buying a stand up paddle. If that’s your situation, you’ll be glad to know that Cannon Paddles, longtime leader in paddle manufacturing for kayaks and canoes, has introduced a new line of stand up paddles. You can choose the paddle shape, shaft type (aluminum, fiberglass or carbon) and custom length of the paddle. They also have an adjustable model that allows you to adjust the length of your stand up paddle. A great option if you share your paddleboard with someone who’s height varies a lot from yours. Like all their paddles, Cannon’s (SUP) stand up paddleboard paddles are made right here in the USA at their factory in Minnesota.