Whether you are new to kayak fishing or an experienced angler looking for an upgrade, choosing the right kayak is key. You can get plenty of advice from dealers, outfitters and books as well as through social media groups or online forums. Call Kayaks2Fish for all your Kayak needs.
Regardless of what you are looking for in a kayak, stability is one of the most important things to consider. This will give you the best experience possible.
Paddle Length
The length of a paddle affects the fishing kayak experience in many ways. Longer paddles allow you to reach over the sides of your kayak more easily for casting, and they are also lighter and more comfortable to hold all day.
A good way to test a paddle’s length is by wrapping the first joint of your fingers over its blade. This should be easy to do and is a reliable indicator of the paddle’s length.
You’ll want to make sure that you pick the right paddle for your height and the width of your kayak. Paddles that are too short can mean you’ll whack your hand on the edge of the kayak or lean awkwardly into uncomfortable positions.
Paddle Shape
The shape of a paddle is important because it affects how easy it is to paddle. There are different blade shapes – including flat, spooned, curved, and dihedral – which can make a big difference in how efficient the paddle is in the water.
There are also different shafts – including straight and bent. Straight shafts are typically easier to handle, but a bend can help you to get a better grip on the paddle and minimize blisters on your hands.
Choosing the right paddle isn’t as difficult as it may seem, and it doesn’t require an expert. Most paddle manufacturers have simple sizing charts that can help you choose the best paddle for your specific paddling needs.
Paddle Material
The material of a paddle can make a big difference in how you feel on the water. A lightweight paddle will transfer more stroke energy into water movement and will allow for quicker reaction times.
A lightweight kayak paddle can be made from a variety of materials including fiberglass, aluminum and carbon fiber. The type of shaft material is also an important factor in determining the weight and durability of a paddle.
Shafts can be one-piece hardwood, or they can be laminated together with multiple pieces of wood. Laminated paddles tend to be lighter and less prone to splitting and damage than one-piece shafts.
Paddles can be designed with either a symmetrical or an asymmetrical blade design. The symmetrical blade has the same shape on both sides of the shaft and is better suited for beginners or those who don’t paddle with a particular stroke style (e.g. high or low angle forward stroke).
Asymmetrical blades are more efficient as they allow the water to move more freely with each stroke, which conserves stroke power and energy. Asymmetrical blades also help reduce the tendency for your paddle to twist in your hand during a stroke.
Paddle Weight
The weight of your paddle affects your ability to get the most power and control from your stroke. It can also affect your comfort and stamina on the water, and how well you feel during and after a session.
The paddle shaft, blade material, and sufrace all play a role in the overall weight of your paddle. The slightest change in any one of these materials can have an impact on the finished paddle weight.
The most important thing to consider is the balance of your paddle. A balanced paddle allows you to easily adjust hand speed to create extra power on serves and overheads. A head-heavy paddle can make it harder to do so, and requires you to work hard to generate power. This may be a problem for some players who are prone to tennis elbow or have smaller wrists.