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 6'6" paddler
Quick answerAt 6'6" in a typical 28 to 32 inch recreational kayak, use a 240 cm (94 inch) paddle. Narrow touring boats take 230 cm; wide two-person inflatables take 260 cm. Add 10 cm for a raised seat.
| Boat | Low seat | Inches | Raised seat | High-angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touring, under 23" | 230 cm | 91 in | 240 cm | 225 cm |
| Narrow rec, 23-28" | 230 cm | 91 in | 240 cm | 225 cm |
| Rec kayak, 28-32" | 240 cm | 94 in | 250 cm | 235 cm |
| Wide sit-on-top, 32-36" | 250 cm | 98 in | 260 cm | 245 cm |
| 2-person inflatable, over 36" | 260 cm | 102 in | 270 cm | 255 cm |
For a 6'6" paddler the boat changes the answer by up to 30 cm. That is why the paddle bundled with a wide inflatable often feels short: most kits include 218 cm paddles, and at 6'6" in a boat over 36 inches wide you want 260 cm.
Paddles at or near 240 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
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
Backwater Assassin Paddle 06-0017 Full-Size Carbon-Fiber Hybrid Kayak Paddle - 98.5' to 102.5' Length 230-240 cm / carbon shaft $135.98 View on Amazon
Werner Paddles Skagit FG 2 Piece Straight Shaft Kayak Paddle (Yellow, 230 cm (Standard Shaft Diameter)) 230 cm / carbon shaft $174.00 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 6'6" person?
240 cm in a standard 28 to 32 inch recreational kayak. In a narrow touring kayak under 23 inches use 230 cm, and in a wide two-person inflatable over 36 inches use 260 cm. Raised seats add about 10 cm.
Is 250 cm too long for 6'6"?
Only in a narrow boat. 250 cm is right at 6'6" 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.