It Has Become Clear to Many of the Senior Coaches That Younger Paddlers Are Often Using

It has become clear to many of the senior coaches that younger paddlers are often using paddles that

are too long or have too large a blade area. Very occasionally they use paddles that are too small. This can also be a problem with some senior paddlers. There are paddles that are passed down within the club system or are bought second hand that may seem good deals but are inappropriate for young paddlers.

A Solution

To help coaches, paddlers and parents make decisions about which paddles to buy or recommend, we have drawn up the following guidelines. There is much more information available about Brasca paddles than any other make, hence we have used them as the basis for comparisons. We would like to make clear that these guidelines do not recommend any particular brand of paddle, they merely give a comparison between them in terms of size. Paddlers and coaches will have to make up their own minds about which brand to buy.

Important Points

If in doubt, paddle size should be smaller than larger

If in doubt, paddle length should be shorter than longer

Too long paddles or too large blades means the paddler will not be able to paddle with good technique, and may change to bad technique to cope with them.

Too long paddles means the paddler will never be able to train explosively or with a high enough stroke rate. This will militate against their desire to go fast, and hinder development.

Girls will usually need shorter paddles than boys once in their teenage years.

Shafts can always be shortened by cutting and inserting a sleeve in or on the shaft, which can then be adjusted from time to time as a paddler grows. Using waterproof heat glue to connect shafts means they can be easily adjusted.

Paddles can be bought with split and adjustable shafts or adjustable collars, but some adjustable shafts have more carbon in them and are therefore much stiffer.

Younger paddlers need to have paddles with a lower carbon content than senior paddlers. A mix of carbon and glass means that there is more shaft flexibility and less chance of problems with tendonitis/RSI.

Paddle Length

The right length is what is right for the individual paddler. A good basis still, is to stand upright next to the paddle, with an arm reaching up. The fingertips should just be able to roll over the top of the blade.

With paddles held above head, the starting point for grip position is to have upper and lower arm at 90 degrees, power lifting style.. Then adjust for your individual paddler to what feels right for them.