Paddle Length

[RomanLA]

I'm currently using a 197cm paddle. Sometimes I feel like I could use a longer paddler, but at the same time I don't want to tear up my shoulders. The new paddle I'm getting comes in 196cm or 199cm. I'm 5'10" and want the paddle for river running (of course some rivers feel more like creeks lol). Depending on which web site you look at, both lengths are recommended. Any suggestions?

[Cowper]

I'm "almost" the same height, and I'm down to a 191 cm these days, after years of stepping down a few cm each 5 years or so. Of course, my play boat is only about 6 feet; that factors into this too. I'm VERY happy with my current paddle. There are more 194 cm paddles out there than you can shake a stick at. So if you're getting it for WW rivers and creeks, I'd say go even shorter than 196, but if you've already decided it is a choice between 196 and 199,then my "vote" goes to the 196.

That said, you and I have different body builds so you may still be able to "muscle" the longer paddle just fine, while taking advantage of the extra length.

[RomanLA]

That said, you and I have different body builds so you may still be able to "muscle" the longer paddle just fine, while taking advantage of the extra length.

I ordered the 196, but I think I'm going to change my order to a 199. I hadn't considered that I should base the length more off my torso length than height. I have a really long torso, so it might make life a little easier. Thanks!

[james fleming]

I’m 6 foot and use paddles that are 196. Werner Sidekicks. Awesome paddles!

I’m not convinced if you are 5-10 that 199 would be the shaft size for you.

For river running / creeking and more so play boating your shaft wants to be kinda small. I’ve been thinking of down sizing from 196 to 194s.

Longer shafts are good for touring / racing or like.

Just my thoughts.

[RomanLA]

I’m not convinced if you are 5-10 that 199 would be the shaft size for you.

Yeah...just off my height 196 would be the way to go for river running. I only have a 30 inch inseam though, so I have a long torso. The torso length is the only thing that matters sitting in a boat. I still haven't decided though.

[BoofTejas]

I'm about 5'10" w a 30 inseam and I creek in a 191. Your tempo will feel so much faster as soon as you start paddling if you swith down, but you might feel like you have to reach more than you are used to for hitting a boof. I'd try a different length if you could before buying one though.

[Charlie Ford]

I recently bought EJ'S River Running Basics and he covered this topic in the first part of the DVD. He recommended that a person should have to almost stretch to reach the blade while it was standing next to them, however I think this may be for new people like myself that only want make it down the river and not playboat so much like you may want to.
Just my two cents,
Charlie

[RomanLA]

He recommended that a person should have to almost stretch to reach the blade while it was standing next to them

Yeah...it kinda surprised me when he said that. That's actually how you fit a flatwater paddle. I'm a 230 measured that way. I've been doing some searching on BoaterTalk and EJ is 5'6" and usually uses a 201. I think that's a racing thing.