There is a wide variety of different models of kayak paddles and it can therefore feel difficult to find the right one. Having the right paddle for your purpose is important as it enables better technique and less unnecessary energy loss. This way you get more out of your paddling.

To make a rough generalisation about how a beginner can think about choosing a kayak paddle:

1. As a beginner, it is often good to start with a standard paddle. The most common is to buy a flat paddle in aluminium with a length of 210–220 cm. This is an affordable and impact-resistant paddle to start with.
2. Some people want a lighter paddle right from their first kayak purchase and then opt for a fibreglass paddle 210–220 cm. This is lighter than the aluminium paddle but also slightly more expensive.
3. Those who have got properly into their paddling and want to develop their paddle technique often choose a carbon fibre paddle with adjustable length. This is the most premium paddle which, thanks to its low weight and torsional stiffness, provides a very comfortable and energy-efficient paddling experience.
4. If you want to start fitness paddling or further develop your paddle technique, you can buy a wing paddle. These usually come in carbon fibre.

Below is our more detailed guide where you can read up on the specifics of what to consider and what distinguishes the different kayak paddles. You can also find all our paddles on this page.

When choosing a paddle, there are three main factors to consider:

• Paddle length (read guide here)
• Paddle model (e.g. traditional flat paddle or wing paddle)
• Material (affects weight, durability, and flex)

We have written a short and clear guide about which paddle length you should have. If you are unsure about the length, please read that article first. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about paddle model and material.

Once you know what length paddle you need, you have to decide on two additional things:

• Which paddle model – i.e. what blade shape you want.
• What material the paddle should be made of (aluminium, fibreglass, or carbon fibre).

Paddle model summary:

Traditional flat paddle: Easy to use with good grip in the water, excellent for beginners.
Wing paddle: Optimised for powerful paddling and speed. However, requires more "advanced" technique.
Greenland paddle: Energy-efficient model used with a low paddle stroke.

Paddle material summary:

Carbon fibre: The lightest material, most commonly used for high-quality paddles.
Fibreglass: Usually lightweight and with low strain on wrists thanks to natural flex.
Plastic/aluminium: Relatively lightweight and durable, good as a first paddle. Wood: Paddles are often heavy, stiff, and not adjustable.

Paddle model (flat paddle, wing paddle, or Greenland paddle)

There are three different popular paddle models. The traditional flat paddle, the wing paddle, and the Greenland paddle. Naturally, there are blends between these and other more unique models. It is the shape of the paddle blade that gives the paddle its characteristics.

Traditional flat paddles, wing paddles, and Greenland paddles (Eskimo paddles) can be found HERE.

1. Flat paddle – two different models

The most popular model of kayak paddle is the flat paddle also called the Euro paddle or standard paddle. The flat paddle often has large blades and a relatively flat blade shape, hence the name flat paddle.

Price: approx. 700–2,500 SEK

+ Easy to use, a good choice for beginners
+ Popular, wide range of different models: Narrow elongated blades, large blades, fibreglass, aluminium, etc.
+ Ideal for touring but suitable for most types of paddling

– Not as powerful as the wing paddle, for example

The flat paddle is an excellent choice for beginners as it is easy to control, often impact-resistant, and comes in several different materials (aluminium, fibreglass, and carbon fibre). A great choice if you want to go on both shorter and longer trips.

For the flat paddle, there are different models where the blade shape varies. The two most common shapes are larger traditional blades as shown below for the Aluminium kayak paddle and narrower, longer blades as shown here for the (Carbon fibre kayak paddle).

The model shown above with wide and relatively large blades is suitable for touring but also has good all-round properties. The blade provides a good grip even in choppier water and offers good control.

This paddle model suits a traditional paddle style.

Carbon fibre kayak paddle. Touring paddle in carbon fibre. 215 ± 10 cm, 730 g.

Another model of flat paddles are those with narrower and longer blades. These are well suited for longer trips and sea paddling. With this model, you use a lower paddle stroke, meaning you paddle with a more horizontal style; this paddle style is suitable for longer trips. An advantage of paddles with narrow and elongated blades is that they usually have low wind resistance.

Many flat paddles are splittable, which allows the angle between the paddle blades to be adjusted (more about angles further down), and they also become easy to transport.

2. Wing paddle

The wing paddle is a newer model developed by Swede Stefan Lindeberg in the 1980s. It has become the most popular model for fitness and competitive paddling thanks to its efficiency in the water. The paddle also works well for touring for those who want better speed during the trip.

The wing paddle, as the image shows, has cupped blades optimised to utilise the body's larger muscle groups and achieve an efficient paddle stroke.

Price: 2,000–5,000 SEK

+ Enables good speed and control
+ Minimal wobbling during powerful strokes
+ Usually very lightweight and made of carbon fibre
+ Good grip

– Requires a technique that differs from the traditional flat paddle's
– More fragile

The concept behind the wing paddle is that you should get a good grip and be able to utilise larger muscle groups than you can with the flat paddle. With the wing paddle, the core, hips, and back are used to a greater extent than with the flat paddle, where mostly the arms and shoulders do the work.

The blades usually have a blade area of 630 cm² – 750 cm². If you master the wing paddle technique, the blade shape will provide major advantages compared to other models. The technique, which involves a higher paddle stroke and pulling the paddle diagonally backwards instead of along the kayak, means you move larger volumes of water. This gives you better grip and more efficient paddle strokes.

The wing paddle's shape also means that wind resistance is low, which can be beneficial when paddling into headwind. Before you have learned the special technique, the wing paddle often feels less stable and harder to control. Once you master the technique, you get excellent control and better speed.

There is debate about what purposes the wing paddle should be used for. It is entirely possible for a beginner to start with the wing paddle straight away if the intention is to use powerful paddling with good speed. However, the technique is more difficult to learn and the paddles are often more expensive than flat paddles. For those who feel uncertain, it can be wise to start with a traditional flat paddle and then switch to a wing paddle once you have got properly into paddling.

The wing paddle is the most common model for fitness paddling and essentially the only model used in racing. Today, it is common to use the wing paddle for touring and sea paddling as well. In that case, it is good to choose a wing paddle with smaller blades in the 600–700 cm² range. Many experienced paddlers use the wing paddle for both sea paddling and fitness paddling.

3. Greenland paddle

The Greenland paddle, also called the Eskimo paddle, is a narrower paddle typically used for shorter trips, sea paddling, and rolling (Eskimo roll). They often have a smaller blade area, which can mean you get a high stroke frequency when you want to pick up speed.

Price: 2,500–4,000 SEK

+ Minimal wind resistance
+ Low strain on shoulders and wrists
+ Energy-efficient

– Not optimal for powerful paddle strokes
– Poorer acceleration and speed compared to other models

Greenland paddle in wood. Price approx. 2,500 SEK.

The paddle is popular among paddlers who do a lot of rolling and sea paddling. The relatively short shaft means you hold it tighter, and the blades have no angle, so a different technique is used. It works well for beginners, but personally I would choose a traditional flat paddle or a wing paddle.

If you are interested in making your own paddle, the Greenland paddle is the best option as it is the easiest to make. There are also good plans and guidance available online.

The most common materials for paddles are plastic, aluminium, carbon fibre, fibreglass, and wood. Blends between these are common, for example an aluminium shaft with plastic blades. The material matters primarily for weight, durability, and flex. For those who are particular, the material also matters for water resistance. However, most paddles today have a coating such as lacquer, which eliminates that factor.

1. Carbon fibre paddles

Carbon fibre is perhaps the best material for paddles, primarily thanks to its low weight. Today, most fitness and racing paddles are made of carbon fibre, as are many touring paddles. Since you take several thousand paddle strokes per trip, weight matters.

Even though the material is light, carbon fibre paddles are also strong and stable; however, you need to be more careful with them than with an aluminium paddle, for example. On a warm summer day, you should not leave the paddle in the sun for too long; this also applies to many plastic and fibreglass paddles.

Most carbon fibre paddles flex slightly, meaning the shaft naturally bends a little when you make powerful paddle strokes, which reduces strain on the wrists.

2. Fibreglass paddles

Like carbon fibre, fibreglass is a common material for paddles. Fibreglass is heavier compared to carbon fibre but still light enough to be suitable for a paddle.

Fibreglass paddles are the material with the most natural flex and are therefore forgiving on shoulders and wrists.

The material is relatively durable and can withstand minor impacts. The blades are often made of harder plastic instead of fibreglass and tend to be hard-wearing.

3. Aluminium/plastic paddles

A mix with an aluminium shaft as the base, with plastic grips and blades, has become relatively common among many retailers, rental companies, and canoe clubs. The main advantages are durability and the lower price.

The weight is usually higher than for fibreglass and carbon fibre paddles, but at the same time the durability is better and the price tag lower.

A beginner will not notice a major difference in material other than weight and possibly the paddle model. The characteristics depend primarily on what type of paddle it is, e.g. the blade shape (wing paddle or flat paddle), not the material.

4. Wooden paddles

Paddles made of wood were essentially the only option before the 1980s. Today, they persist through older generations and those who appreciate the look of wooden paddles.

Wooden paddles are stiff and most have no flex.

A wooden paddle weighs more than paddles made from other materials, but there are also lighter wooden paddles. Many Greenland paddles, so-called Eskimo paddles, are lightweight and made of wood.

Today, the selection of wooden paddles is quite limited, but there are some on the second-hand market and also a few manufacturers.

Angle and length cannot be adjusted on wooden paddles, and the shaft mostly has an oval shape.

Adjustable length and angle

Read about paddle length here.

The paddle angle refers to the relationship between the two blades. If both blades are "lying flat", the angle is 0 ⁰C. The most common is an angle between 30–60 ⁰C. As a beginner, 0–45 ⁰C is a good starting point. For more experienced paddlers and when using a wing paddle, up to 55–65 ⁰C is suitable.

Other characteristics to consider when choosing a paddle are whether it should have adjustable length and angle. The advantage is that these paddles are more adaptable, so you can set them to the right length and angle for the person paddling. In other words, one and the same paddle can potentially be used by both a child and an adult.

Furthermore, an adjustable paddle is useful when you want to develop and find what is right for you. As you improve or change your technique, you can also change the length and angle of the paddle.