Overmont Kayak Paddle 230cm/90.5in Heavy Duty Aluminum Alloy Lightweight Boating Oar for Inflatable Kayaks with Paddle Leash 230 cm / aluminum shaft $25.49 View on Amazon
Paddle length
Kayak paddle length for a 5'11" paddler
Quick answerAt 5'11" in a typical 28 to 32 inch recreational kayak, use a 230 cm (91 inch) paddle. Narrow touring boats take 215 cm; wide two-person inflatables take 250 cm. Add 10 cm for a raised seat.
| Boat | Low seat | Inches | Raised seat | High-angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touring, under 23" | 215 cm | 85 in | 225 cm | 210 cm |
| Narrow rec, 23-28" | 220 cm | 87 in | 230 cm | 215 cm |
| Rec kayak, 28-32" | 230 cm | 91 in | 240 cm | 225 cm |
| Wide sit-on-top, 32-36" | 240 cm | 94 in | 250 cm | 235 cm |
| 2-person inflatable, over 36" | 250 cm | 98 in | 260 cm | 245 cm |
For a 5'11" paddler the boat changes the answer by up to 35 cm. That is why the paddle bundled with a wide inflatable often feels short: most kits include 218 cm paddles, and at 5'11" in a boat over 36 inches wide you want 250 cm.
Paddles at or near 230 cm
Overmont Kayak Paddle 230cm/90.5in Heavy Duty Aluminum Alloy Lightweight Boating Oar for Inflatable Kayaks with Paddle Leash 230 cm / aluminum shaft 
OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle 90.5in/230cm Alloy Shaft Kayaking Boating Canoeing Oar with Paddle Leash 1 Paddle, Black 230 cm / fiberglass shaft $29.40 View on Amazon
OCEANBROAD Adjustable Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle 86in/220cm to 94in/240cm Kayaking Oar with Paddle Leash 1 Paddle, 12K Carbon Print 220-240 cm / carbon shaft $69.99 View on Amazon
Pelican Symbiosa Kayak Paddle - Adjustable Fiberglass Shaft with Nylon Blades - Lightweight, Perfect for Kayaking - 90.5 to 94.5 in - Blue 240 cm / fiberglass shaft $110.99 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
Frequently asked questions
What length kayak paddle for a 5'11" person?
230 cm in a standard 28 to 32 inch recreational kayak. In a narrow touring kayak under 23 inches use 215 cm, and in a wide two-person inflatable over 36 inches use 250 cm. Raised seats add about 10 cm.
Is 240 cm too long for 5'11"?
Only in a narrow boat. 240 cm is right at 5'11" in a wide sit-on-top. In a standard recreational kayak it adds swing weight and makes each stroke turn 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.