Greenland-paddle fit is usually determined
by anthropometric (body) measurements.
For a full-size paddle, a very common measurement is one-armspan plus a
cubit (the distance from your elbow to your fingertips). Another common method
is to ensure that you can just curl your fingers over the top of your paddle,
with it standing vertically next to you. In windy areas and for ease in
maneuvering the paddle underwater, some people prefer a slightly shorter paddle
of an armspan plus the distance from the wrist to the fingertips.
"Storm" paddles (short paddles used with a full sliding stroke) are
much shorter -- being one armspan long and with the loom only one, two or three
fists wide.
-Blade Width: Blades can be as narrow as just over two inches to as wide as you can grip. For your first paddle, pick something between these two extremes and pick a width that is comfortable for your grip.
-Loom Length: The loom dimensions must match your body as well as the kayak you are using. A good starting point is to stand, shake out your arms, and allow your arms to hang at your sides. From this position bend your arms at the elbows so that your forearms are parallel to each other and horizontal to the ground. Your elbows should not be held to your sides, let them “float”. Now make a circle with the thumb and forefinger of each hand. These circles indicate where the paddle shoulders should be. Generally the loom must be at least as wide as your kayak. If your kayak is wider than a standard Greenland Kayak, you may have to improvise. Another method to determine loom length that involves your kayak is to sit in your kayak holding a broom handle and discover where your hands naturally fall.
We are happy to make any paddle to your specifications
or you may e-mail us at paddle@cogeco.ca for
advice.
* Paddle Sizing and Fit taken from the American
Chapter of the Greenland Kayaking Association, QAJAQ USA
