Kayak paddles are very important in your kayaking. They make or break the comfort that you feel when paddling on the water. It’s the same way with the best canoe paddles. Nevertheless, this post would focus on kayak paddle reviews to help narrow down your choices.
The good thing is that, choosing the best kayak paddle is not too difficult. Yes, you have to know which length is ideal for you. The rule is, the taller you are, the longer the paddle you need. You should also be aware of the blade materials used. Lighter materials are good. But the best paddles are all about a balance between weight and strength.
Without further ado, here are our top 5 best paddle for kayak.
On top of our list is the Marine kayak paddle by Shoreline. The Marine paddle is very affordable. It’s also the best cheap kayak paddle on this list. This kayak is made of high-quality corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft with contoured molded blades. This makes paddling on the water a breeze. The drip guards help you stay dry on the water.
The 96-inch size of the paddle can also accommodate people who are very tall. The paddle itself has foam grips for added comfort. The three position system also allows you to change the paddle’s position according to your paddling style. You can disassemble the kayak paddle into two pieces so you can carry it with ease anywhere you want to.
The second best kayak paddle is Carlisle Paddle Gear’s Magic Plus. This one is made from durable and high-impact polypropylene blades and lightweight fiberglass shaft. The paddle is available in Sunrise and Cloud colors which is orange and blue actually. The blade of the paddles is also slightly spooned for better paddling.
The flexible fiberglass construction of the paddles also provides a stronger flex thus reducing stress on your hands. The Carlisle Plus kayak paddle is the epitome of balanced weight and durability. It’s a very good choice for whitewater paddling. Like the Shoreline Marine, the Carlisle kayak paddle can be taken apart for easy storage and transport.
On the third spot is another kayak paddle from Carlisle Magic. This time, they have the Mystic Poly. What make this kayak paddle different from Magic Plus is that instead of fiberglass, it uses aluminum for its shaft. Both aluminum and fiberglass are lightweight and durable. However, aluminum can feel heavy when compared to fiberglass.
It can feel cold too when on the water. Aside from that, there’s nothing too different between the Magic Mystic and the Magic Plus. Both use the same durable polypropylene blades. On the other hand, the Magic Mystic kayak paddle is a very good paddle for beginner kayakers.
Up next is the X-Treme II Mix kayak paddle by Seasense. This kayak has a feathered design which means that it easily reduces wrist fatigue and wind resistance with its offset blade angles. The paddle comes with drip guards which are adjustable and a support ridge for extra strength.
It also has three locking positions so you can adjust the paddle to find the most comfortable paddling position for you. The X-Treme II Mix has a long shaft which is ideal for tall people. The paddle feels very light yet very stable with its carbon fiber construction. This also makes the Mix kayak paddle a high-performance paddle since you battle with less weight and more strength.
Last – but definitely not the least on quality – is another best kayak paddle from Carlisle. The Day Tripper aluminum kayak paddle is made durable and lightweight. Carlisle used black polypropylene blades and lightweight tempered aluminum shaft.
The Day Tripper kayak paddle can be taken apart with just a push of a button. It’s also a good whitewater paddle with its feathered design at 60 degrees for a more consistent and comfortable paddling.
This also allows you to paddle faster without getting easily tired. What makes this kayak paddle even better is that it has an adjustable feather which is perfect for those who likes to change their paddling style.
Conclusion
Last time, I have done a list of the best kayaks you can find in the market. Most of them already come in a package with a kayak paddle, a pump, and some with a repair patch. Still, it would be best to carry a spare so you don’t have to worry if ever you lose your paddle or have it break in the middle of your whitewater run.
Besides, having a spare kayak or canoe paddle will always be of use. It’ll help you save serious time – and some serious grief, too – if the unexpected happens. Also, the fact that most of the kayak paddles listed here are easy to stash because they can be taken apart is another good point to consider.
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com