Hello all, I finally bought a kayak, now I'm looking at paddles and a PFD. I've kind of looked at some size charts online to get a general idea, but wanted some more more feedback from someone with some experience. I'm 5'11" and just bought a Wilderness Ride 115X, which is listed at 33" on the specs. Pretty much everything I've seen lists me at a 240 paddle - does this sound about right? The kayak has the Max Pro seat with the high and low seating positions. I know you need a longer paddle for the higher seat positions. Should I get a longer paddle or just make sure to paddle from the lower position when I need to move locations.

Please let me know what length you think would be the best fit.

Thanks

Paddle length is directly related to boat, height and paddle swing. Personally i like the shortest paddle i can get away with and still cover the needs i have. Example, i am also 5'11", i have a viking profish 440, its an inch or 2 narrower than your yak. It has the traditional style kayak seat and i have a really high angle swing. I choose a 230 cm paddle, the werner corryvreckyn....i may have misspelled that. Hahaha. I hope that helps.

I'm 5' 11" and have a Ride 135 with just the standard low seat; it's 31.5". I use a 230cm paddle with it but feel like a slightly longer paddle would be better. So I would get a 240 at least and really a 250 if you think you'll be paddling in the high position with regularity as it would be the middle of the road length between the two seat positions.

I'd also look into paddles which can be telescoped in length. Accent, Bending Branches and Werner (and probably other brands, these are the three I know off the top of my head) offer paddles which telescope in length. Look for one in the range of 240-260 cm.