RrUuIiEn Small Kayak Paddles, Plastic Canoe Paddle for Children, yellow $17.99 View on Amazon
Size chart
Kayak paddle length chart by height and boat width
Quick answerBoat width matters more than height. A 5'9" paddler needs about 220 cm in a 24 inch kayak, 230 cm in a 29 inch kayak and 240 cm in a 34 inch inflatable. Add 10 cm for a raised seat.
| Height | Under 23" boat | 23-28" | 28-32" | 32-36" | Over 36" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" | 200 | 210 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 5' | 210 | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 5'2" | 210 | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 5'4" | 210 | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 5'6" | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 |
| 5'8" | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 |
| 5'10" | 215 | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 |
| 6' | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 | 260 |
| 6'2" | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 | 260 |
| 6'4" | 230 | 230 | 240 | 250 | 260 |
| 6'6" | 230 | 230 | 240 | 250 | 260 |
Gear sized from this chart
Match the row that fits you, then check the listing's own dimensions and rated capacity.
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
Kayak paddle length is the distance from blade tip to blade tip, sold in centimetres. The paddle has to reach the water past the side of the boat without you leaning, so a wide boat needs a longer paddle than a narrow one for the same person. That is why the width columns change the answer more than the height rows do.
Two adjustments: a raised seat (frame seats on sit-on-tops, some high-back inflatable seats) needs about 10 cm more, and a high-angle stroke, where the shaft is nearly vertical, needs about 5 cm less. Most inflatable kits ship an 86 inch (218 cm) paddle, which is short for their 36 inch plus width.
| Height | Under 23" | 23-28" | 28-32" | 32-36" | Over 36" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" | 79 in | 83 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in |
| 5' | 83 in | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in |
| 5'2" | 83 in | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in |
| 5'4" | 83 in | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in |
| 5'6" | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in |
| 5'8" | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in |
| 5'10" | 85 in | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in |
| 6' | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in | 102 in |
| 6'2" | 87 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in | 102 in |
| 6'4" | 91 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in | 102 in |
| 6'6" | 91 in | 91 in | 94 in | 98 in | 102 in |
Want the number for your exact weight and height? Use the kayak paddle length calculator, which runs the same math as this chart.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a kayak paddle be for my height?
For a typical 28 to 32 inch wide recreational kayak: under 5'0" about 220 cm, 5'0" to 5'5" about 220 cm, 5'6" to 5'11" about 230 cm and 6'0" or taller about 240 cm. Narrower touring kayaks take 10 cm less and wide inflatables 10 cm more.
Is a 230 cm kayak paddle a good size?
230 cm is the most common adult size and fits paddlers from about 5'6" to 5'11" in 28 to 32 inch boats, or taller paddlers in narrow touring boats. In a wide two-person inflatable over 34 inches, most adults need 240 to 250 cm.
What happens if my kayak paddle is too short?
You lean to reach the water, bang your knuckles on the hull and drip water into your lap, especially in wide inflatables. A paddle that is too long is heavier to swing and turns the boat with every stroke. When between sizes in a wide boat, go longer.
What size kayak paddle for a child?
Children under about 4'10" paddling a youth kayak do best with a 180 to 200 cm kids paddle that has a thinner shaft for small hands. An adult paddle is too heavy and too long for them to keep both blades clear of the boat.
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.