Choosing a Whitewater Kayak Paddle

When choosing a whitewater paddle your considerations are going to be a bit different than they would be if you were choosing a flat water paddle.  A whitewater paddle needs to be strong, durable and performance oriented.  In this discussion we are not only going to talk about using the paddles in the river but also in the surf and dynamic coastal environments such as tidal rapids.  Many paddlers use whitewater paddles for these “other” application because of their strength and rugged construction.
 
First let talk about some of the general considerations for the paddler and how they will effect your paddle selection. 
 
1.) Blade Shape: 
 
Whitewater paddles come in two basic shapes.  The first of which is commonly referred to as a River Runner.  These blades have a larger portion of the surface area above the center line of the blade.  This allows for an earlier more powerful catch there fore providing a more power oriented and efficient shape making them ideal for river running, creeking or coastal rock gardening.

River Runners

The second Blade shape is commonly referred to as a Play Blade.  These blades have a larger portion of the surface area below the center giving the blade it’s down turned shape.  This shape allows for enhanced maneuverability when linking strokes.

Play Paddles

2.) Blade Size
 
The size of the Blades will depend on a couple of things.  Are you a large or small stature paddler?  Would you consider yourself a fit paddler?  What type of boating will you doing the most of?
 
The answers to all of these questions should influence your size blade selection.  Most smaller stature paddlers will select midsize or smaller blade shapes, depending on fitness level and application as to not become worn out or injured.  Larger Stature paddlers may want to go with a midsize or full blade depending on fitness level and application.  Larger blades are a bit more work but provide more power and stability and are often used by creek boaters. Most river runners elect to go with midsize blades to maximize efficiency.  There is an upside to a full size blade.  These blades will enact change to your boat quicker and will provide more surface area when using stabilizing strokes like the low and high braces.  In short, make sure you are selecting a shape that is both suited for your stature and application.

Mid Size Blades

Full Size Blades
 
3.) Materials
 
Whitewater paddles are broken into a couple of different parts, the blade and the paddle shaft being the most prominent.  As we discussed earlier a whitewater paddle needs to be strong, durable and efficient.  The materials that make up your blades and shaft will have a direct effect on all of the above.  Please, note that many manufacturers will combinations of materials.
 
Plastic: Durable, Heavy, flexible, Lower Price Point
Aluminum: Heavy, Hard on your hands, flexible, Lower Price Point
Wood: Buoyant, Soft, Warm, Moderately Priced
Fiberglass: Low Swing Weight, Rigid, Moderate/High Price Point
Carbon Fiber: Lowest Swing Weight, Most Rigid, High Price Point
 
Additionally some manufactures like Werner Paddles, are coring their performace blades with foam.  In the whitewater surf and coastal applications a foam cored blade provides extra flotation to aid in bracing and rolling.  They also provide an advantage in those aerated environments.

4.) Paddle Length
 
We all know that kayaks and the folks who paddle them come in all different shapes and sizes.  When selecting the proper length for your paddle you need to take many things into consideration:
 
a.)Paddler Height
b.)Boat Width
c.)Paddling Style 

*paddling style as it applies to length in whitewater is more about the cadence your prefer to paddle.  In the more dynamic environments like the river or the surf some folks prefer to use a shorter paddle that will be better suited for a higher stroke rate, thus keeping the blades in the water for more time giving you even more control.