How to Choose and Size a Kayak Touring Paddle

 Considerations when choosing the best paddle for you:

• How much you are willing to spend? There is a range $75 to $600,
  usually related inversely to the weight of the paddle!
• The kayak you are using (length, width )
• Your height,  level of fitness, and style of paddling, (more vertical
  or horizontal,  easy paddling or racing. )
• How long do you usually paddle? 2 hours,or multi day tours. 
• Conditions you usually paddle in (calm water
  bays or rivers, rougher water, more open exposed to wind and waves,
  current?)
• Do you have personal preferences: wing or bent shaft paddles, blade  shape
  and size.  

Information
to help your choose the best paddle:

•  Some paddles come with the option to change length and  feather
  angles.
• High-angle paddlers keep the shaft more vertical during their stroke and typically
  use a shorter, wider blade and a shorter paddle. This allows a more powerful, athletic stroke, more common with white water paddles, or  short paddle sessions..
• A low-angle stroke keeps the paddle relatively horizontal as you paddle.
  Paddlers that use this less fatiguing stroke often use a longer paddle
  with a thinner blade,  more common with the touring crowd.  
• Smaller paddlers and those that are not into quick speed or big braces choose
  blades with less surface area, those that want more instant power and
  desire a bigger brace go for larger blades.
• Generally with touring boats  a large blade or small blade will not change 
  your  touring speed.  The bigger blade may get you up to your cruising speed  faster  
  and provide more support on a brace but the bigger blade does require more  strength from the paddler.  
• The power from your strokes  passes through  your body  to move the boat  a smaller blade may take more strokes to get you going but will put less stress on your back and
  body,  Find a balance  of what feels  comfortable .
• Surf and white water, or aggressive style paddling may require a heavier  stronger paddle. 

General sizing estimates.  If you prefer shorter or longer go with what is comfortable

Low angle paddling or more of a touring stroke

Persons height,	Boat width	Boat width	Boat width
	< 23"	23" - 25"	> 26.5"
	< 58.4cm	< 63.5cm	> 66cm
5'5 and under	210cm to 215cm	220cm	230cm
< 167.6cm	82.6"	86.6"	90.5"
5'6" to 6"	220cm	230cm	240cm
< 182cm	86.6"	90.5"	94.5"
6' and up	220- 225cm	230-235cm	240cm
>182cm	86.6"  -   88.5"	90.5" - 92.5"	94.5" +

For a high angle paddler you can subtract 10 to 20cm from the lengths above