Choosing A Canoe Paddle

Before you go canoeing on your adventure travel vacation, you need to choose a canoe paddle of the correct length before you head off into the wilderness.

Kneel down on the ground, keeping your bottom 6 inches off the floor. Take the paddle you are considering, flip it over and hold it upright, with the grip on the floor - the blade should start about even with your nose. If you´re buying a bent-shaft paddle, deduct about 2 inches from the length you´ve determined.

As you become more experienced, you might also develop a preference for a longer or shorter paddle, depending on your style of paddling and the type of canoe you have.