Sit on top kayak paddle

Hi everyone. I’m looking for help in buying a paddle for a sit on top kayak and have no idea what to buy. I have a Malibu 2XL kayak and would be using it at the bay and on some rivers. I’m 65 years old and do have some minor arthritis.

Given the width of your boat,I think a
230 cm paddle will work unless you are unusually short.

This is a good paddle at a good price:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___21018

REI carries them if you want to look at them.

Generally
220 to 230cm works well for most SOTs.



Learn to open your grip with the hand that isn’t pulling and there’s no need for a death grip with the pulling hand. A fiberglass shaft will flex better than carbon fiber (I’d skip aluminum altogether).



Jim

Absolutely , no aluminum. It is cheap

– Last Updated: Oct-31-12 7:17 PM EST –

and if you paddle twice a year,OK.
This one is advertised here as I type.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___75458
It looks like a good deal.

I agree
it’s best to avoid aluminium shafts. Glass and carbon just feel much better (warmer) and (for me at least) don’t cause blisters. Both the Werner and Aquabound paddles already suggested should be quite acceptable.

Paddle for SOT

– Last Updated: Nov-08-12 12:29 PM EST –

I am almost 70 and use the Aquabond Stingray and is the best for the price paid...I never experienced any paddling fatigues, which I had a lot with those aluminum shaft paddles...
http://www.aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/touring/StingRay-hybrid

A somewhat upgrade is the full carbon fibre one
http://www.aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/touring/StingRay-carbon

The latter I will buy once I upgrade my kayak to a Wilderess Tarpon 120

update: Bought a new Tarpon 120 with the carbon StingRay paddles..

Enjoy

Kayak paddle
Thanks everyone for your help. Much appreciated.

Love
my Cannon paddle w/aluminum shaft…strong with zero flex. Btw, the difference between alum and carbon is just 6-8 oz…with aluminum more durable. I’m 6-2/210 and mostly use the 240cm length as it fits my more upright paddle style allowing me more power. Cannon is a family owned business who make their paddles in Minnesota. After 5 years of hard use, it’s still going strong.

http://www.cannonpaddles.com/nokomis.html

This is what not to buy.

– Last Updated: Nov-03-12 5:15 PM EST –

Sorry I started with aluminum Cannon paddles and they gave me tendon problems. Fine for some one who paddles a couple of times a year but if you spend a lot of time on the water you will get rid of them. They also seem impossible to keep the ferrules working if you paddle salt water. The aquabound suggestion above is a good starting paddle.

After you have got a little experience, look for the lightest most efficient paddle you can find, you will discover that the paddle adds more to your enjoyment than the boat.

When you have some experience check out a paddle from Pat at Onno Paddles.

http://www.onnopaddles.com/

I also started with a 240 Al paddle.
Now I use a 220 carbon one. I traded that Al after one trip. On the positive side, I could have dug holes and split firewood with it.

Why
would aluminum give you tendon problems…weight? Paddle weights are all over the place by mfg. and I do like rigid with little or no flex, thus the alum. Btw, Canon also makes carbon fiber, hybrid, and fiberglass for those wanting lighter. And I like that they are made in USA…unlike some of the big name paddles that are made in China.

Weight, shaft diameter and flutter

How about a Greenland style paddle?
My switch from a euro style to a simple cedar GP really helped joint stress for this old dog. One of the GP builders can tailor one to you, your boat, and paddling style/needs. Their indexed loom and straight tracking blades allow a relaxed grip. They even come in exotic composite take-aparts now. Can even build your own off internet info. Just thoughts. R

GL advice
I’d get your loom as wide as your boat for a Greenland style paddle. My loom is 22 and I think I should have gotten 24. For wider boats and Aleutian style paddle might be best.