Paddle Sizing

Understanding Measurement Terminology

Each paddle has several distinct measurement considerations - overall length, loom width, blade length, and blade width. Also, you have a choice of the type of shoulders (shouldered, soft-shoulders, no shoulders) and blade tips (rounded, squared, tapered). See below for guidelines in determining the perfect paddle fit for you.

Overall Length - Full-size Paddles

There are several methods for determining paddle length. A lot depends on the size of your upper torso rather than solely focusing on your overall height. Most kayakers are sitting down while paddling so the length of the legs has little impact on sizing.

Method #1 - Measure the distance from your elbow bone to the tip of your middle finger. Then extend both hands out horizontally (making a "T" with your body) and measure from tip to tip of each middle finger. Add the two measurements together to obtain your ideal overall length.

Method #2 - Stand flat-footed and extend one arm above your head as if you were holding a paddle vertically. Measure from the floor to the middle of your middle finger - where your fingers would curl over the top of the paddle.

For full-size Greenland paddles, if your measurement results in less than 82", consider adding 2” to 4" to the overall length. For measurements greater than 92", consider subtracting a few inches. Try both methods but it's suggested to not go shorter than 82" or longer than 92”.

See below for Storm Paddle measurements.

Loom Width

Grab a broom or measuring stick with both hands. Drop your arms loosely at your sides with your hands outside your hips. Bend at the elbows so your forearms are parallel to the floor with your palms down. Your hands and elbows should be comfortable and not tight at your sides. Measure the space between both hands, starting and ending where your index finger touches your middle finger. Typical is between 18” and 22"

Blade Width

Make a loose "C" with your thumb and index finger and measure the space between your fingers. Your want to be able to grip the blade comfortably and securely with one hand, at the widest part of the blade. This is especially useful while rolling and bracing. Too wide a blade will make it difficult to hold. For most folks, this measurement falls somewhere between 3.0” and 3.5”.

Storm Paddles

A Greenland Storm paddle is a shorter, narrower version of a full-size Greenland paddle. Typically, they are used as a spare paddle or in strong winds in conjunction with the Slide Stroke to reduce wind resistance. Storm paddles basically have a similar blade length as a full-size paddle but have a much shorter loom. Generally, Storm Paddles are 72" (or less) overall and have a 6" loom (usually two fists wide). The blade width is also slightly smaller at 3" wide. I personally prefer soft or no shoulders to facilitate easy Slide Stroke hand movements along the length of the paddle.

To verify your measurement for a Storm paddle:

1. Follow the instructions for Method 1 or Method 2 of a full-size paddle (specifically Overall Length & Loom Width sections)

2. Subtract the Loom Width from the Overall Length to determine your Total Blade Length

3. Next, make a fist and measure side-to-side to determine your Fist Width

4. Calculate Storm Loom Width by multiplying your Fist Width by 1.5

5. Add Storm Loom Width to Total Blade Length - the result is your personal Storm paddle length

Norsaq - Traditional and Rolling Paddles

Greenland-style Norsaq paddles come in two general styles. The Traditional Norsaq often has finger grips, a groove on one side to hold a harpoon, and holes to receive a harpoon peg - it's primary purpose was to add power to harpoon throws when hunting. The more modern version is that of a Rolling Paddle which shares the same general measurements of a Traditional Norsaq but may or may not have finger grips and/or groove - it's primary purpose is to enhance kayak rolling skills, often as a transition from rolling with a full-size paddle to the more difficult hand roll which uses no paddle at all.

Suggested length for a Norsaq typically is a cubit (the length between elbow and tip of middle finger) - typically 16-18 inches. Tip width ranges between 2.75" to 3.25". However, the primary measurement goal is to have a comfortable hand-feel when holding at either end.