IK - paddle length?
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12725
Printed Date: 23 Apr 2024 at 8:15am
Topic: IK - paddle length?
Posted By: WA-Boater
Subject: IK - paddle length?
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2012 at 10:46am
My brother just bought a couple IK's for Christmas (gf present). He is trying to figure out paddle length for themselves?
He is 5'11"
She is 5'7"
The IK is the NRS Rascal: http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=1635&pdeptid=1134
Thanks
Darren
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Replies:
Posted By: BRoss
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2012 at 4:37pm
My wife is 5'8, has a Aire Lynx, and uses a Werner Rio 220cm two-piece paddle and likes it a lot. Looks like the Rascal is narrower in width by a few inches so perhaps 220 is too long...
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"That boated a lot better than it looked." "It always does until it doesn't."
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Posted By: Fish
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2012 at 4:51pm
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I would go with a shorter paddle for an IK like that. A 203 or 206 max. This will give them more control and promotes a higher angle stoke. Ive found the longer paddles to be cumbersome and more difficult to use in whitewater.
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Posted By: JoesKayak
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2012 at 10:53am
I'll echo Brian and Fish's sentiments. Traditional "wisdom" has always been to get long paddles for IKs.... 220s, even 230s. But those of us who have paddled them a lot over the years have gone to shorter and shorter lengths. You don't need a big damn stick to reach over the tubes. I would go with around 200 cm at most. That's a fairly narrow IK too, so even 194 would probably suffice.
You give up a little power not having a long paddle, but you by far make up for it with quicker stroke rate, more finesse, and less shoulder problems. Also you can then just get a standard WW paddle off the shelf without having to get a special long length ordered or get a sea kayak paddle.
Oh, and make sure they get thigh straps for those boats!
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Posted By: ru-tang
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2012 at 5:46pm
Jim Snyder and Attila and the WV ducky crew use long, around 220 cm length paddles for their inflatable exploits.
However, their blades are very small, around 85 sq in
If you get a sea kayaking blade, its going to be way bigger, more like 110-120 sq in.
If you get a smaller blade, then you will get the length you want for good reach and not blow your shoulders out.
Those guys are pioneers of the IK genre- if you invest in one of Jim Snyder's paddles, you couldn't ever get a nicer paddle. He does custom work as well, if you want something a little different
http://www.rivrstyx.com/html/blade_shapes.html
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