RrUuIiEn Small Kayak Paddles, Plastic Canoe Paddle for Children, yellow $17.99 View on Amazon
Calculator
Kayak paddle length calculator
Quick answerBoat width decides kayak paddle length more than height does. A 5'9" paddler in a 29 inch wide recreational kayak needs about 230 cm; the same paddler in a 24 inch touring kayak needs about 220 cm. Add 10 cm for a raised seat.
Paddle length230 cm (91 in)
Acceptable range225 to 240 cm
Width band used28 to 32 in
Blade shapeLonger, narrower blade
An adjustable-length paddle covers a 10 to 15 cm range and suits a family sharing one boat.
Gear that fits your answer
Cards re-sort as you change the inputs: the ones that meet your numbers move to the front. Check each listing's rated capacity and dimensions before buying.
RrUuIiEn Small Kayak Paddles, Plastic Canoe Paddle for Children, yellow 
Kids Kayak Paddle for River Tubing and Water Adventures | Double-Sided Oars Ideal for Young Paddlers or on River Runs, Lakes, and Streams | Lightweight, Easy-to-Use $24.99 View on Amazon
WONITAGO Kayak Paddle for Kid, Adjustable Kayaking Oar for Child and Youth 163 cm / aluminum shaft $30.99 View on Amazon
CRISURF GP07A-Carbon Fiber Shaft Kayak Paddle, Aluminum-Core Shaft with Carbon Wrap and Durable PP Blade, Tool-Free Length & Angle Adjustment, Floating Design with Drip Rings for Versatile Paddling carbon shaft $99.99 View on Amazon
Hornet Watersports Graphic Fiberglass Kayak Paddle- Ideal for Touring, Fishing and Boating- 90.5 inches / 230CM Adjustable with Carbon Fiber Shaft - Kayak Oars Kayaking Equipment (Blue Scales) 230 cm / carbon shaft $169.99 View on Amazon
Werner Paddles Camano 2 Piece Straight Shaft Kayak Paddle - Lightweight Fiberglass Paddle for Touring & Recreation - Gradient: Citrus - 230 cm (Standard Shaft Diameter) 230 cm / carbon shaft $349.00 View on Amazon
How the math works
base length (cm) = table[boat width band][height band] | +10 cm raised seat | -5 cm high-angle stroke
Table follows the width-by-height sizing used by the major paddle makers. Between sizes, the shorter paddle is lighter to swing; the longer one keeps drips off your lap in a wide boat.
The paddle has to reach past the side of the boat to the water without you leaning over. That makes boat width the first sizing factor and your height the second. The chart the calculator uses follows the width-by-height tables the main paddle makers publish, then adds 10 cm for raised seats and takes 5 cm off for a steep, high-angle stroke.
Worked examples
| Scenario | Result | Acceptable range | Width band used |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2", 26" rec kayak | 215 cm (85 in) | 210 to 225 cm | 23 to 28 in |
| 5'9", 29" rec kayak | 230 cm (91 in) | 225 to 240 cm | 28 to 32 in |
| 5'9", 24" touring kayak | 220 cm (87 in) | 215 to 230 cm | 23 to 28 in |
| 6'1", 36" two-person inflatable | 250 cm (98 in) | 245 to 260 cm | 32 to 36 in |
| 5'11", 33" sit-on-top, raised seat | 250 cm (98 in) | 245 to 260 cm | 32 to 36 in |
| 6'0", 24", high-angle | 225 cm (89 in) | 220 to 235 cm | 23 to 28 in |
Frequently asked questions
How do you know what length kayak paddle to buy?
Measure or look up your kayak's width, then find your height on a width-by-height chart. In a typical 28 to 32 inch recreational kayak, 5'6" to 5'11" paddlers use about 230 cm and 6'0" and up about 240 cm. Add 10 cm for a raised seat.
Are the paddles that come with inflatable kayaks long enough?
Often not. Many kits include 86 inch (218 cm) paddles, but a 3 foot wide inflatable puts most adults at 240 to 250 cm. If you bang your knuckles or drip water into your lap, a longer paddle is the fix.
Is a longer kayak paddle better?
Only to a point. Too long and the paddle is heavy to swing, and each stroke turns the boat. Too short and you hit the hull and lean. The right length lets you keep the blade close to the boat with a relaxed torso.
On the water: Wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket every time, dress for the water temperature rather than the air, and check your state and local paddling regulations before you launch.
This is researched general information, not professional advice. Sizing figures are starting points: confirm against the maker's own sizing chart and the capacity printed on the boat or board.