My husband and I just purchased our first Necky Manitou II tandem kayak from REI. Being a novice, I chose the 220cm Bending Branches Whisper AS paddles. In doing more research on paddle length after the fact, I found out that 220cm is too short for a boat that is 28" at its widest point. So, what sizes do you recommend for us? I was thinking a 240cm for the rear cockpit and a 230cm for the front or 2 - 240cm for both. I am 5’5" and my husband is 5’9" in height. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you
Paddling style
It really depends on your paddling style. If you paddle close to the kayak (deeper or taller strokes) or tend to make wide strokes( lower paddle height above kayak). My wife and I use the 230cm Aqua-Bound Mantarays and they work well for us. I am about 5’9" and wife is,…well…shorter. LOL GREAT boat though!
Yeah -
Spent time trying to learn to paddle with what you have before expending more money. With a high angle style they’ll move the boat, and 240 cm is rather long for what people are using these days.
Granted, with a boat that is deep and wide you’ll likely end up longer than someone with a skinnier and lower volume boat. But it would be both financially and paddle-wise more efficient to hold onto your wallet for a bit and see how it goes with what you have.
what celia said
Hold on to your 220,take some time to get a feel for it and the boat. I’ve seen the manitou II in person and i think 220 front,230 rear would be about perfect. My gf uses a 220 on her 28.5’’ wide Prowler sit on top and likes it.