Kayak paddle size chart and length calculator
Wider boat, longer paddle. Your knuckles will thank you.
Measure your height and your kayak at its widest point. We'll give you the paddle length from Werner's chart and show paddles in that length.
Built from the size charts of REI, Sportsman's Warehouse and Werner Paddles.
By the Sizemaven team. Rules checked against their sources October 2026.
- 1Your heightStand barefoot with your back to a wall and mark the top of your head with a flat book. Measure from the floor to the mark.
- 2Kayak widthMeasure straight across the hull at its widest point, usually beside the seat, outside edge to outside edge. The cockpit opening is narrower, so do not measure that.
Kayak paddle size chart
Werner's low-angle chart, as REI publishes it. Take off 5 cm for a high-angle stroke and add 10 cm for a raised fishing seat.
| Paddler height | Kayak width | Paddle length |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 ft | Under 23 in | 210 cm |
| Under 5 ft | 23 to 28 in | 220 cm |
| Under 5 ft | 28 to 32 in | 230 cm |
| Under 5 ft | Over 32 in | 240 cm |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in | Under 23 in | 215 cm |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in | 23 to 28 in | 220 cm |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in | 28 to 32 in | 230 cm |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in | Over 32 in | 240 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft | Under 23 in | 220 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft | 23 to 28 in | 220 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft | 28 to 32 in | 230 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft | Over 32 in | 250 cm |
| Over 6 ft | Under 23 in | 220 cm |
| Over 6 ft | 23 to 28 in | 230 cm |
| Over 6 ft | 28 to 32 in | 240 cm |
| Over 6 ft | Over 32 in | 250 cm |
Questions about kayak paddles
What size kayak paddle do I need?
Start with your height and your kayak's width at its widest point. Werner's chart, which REI publishes, puts most paddlers under 6 feet in a 23 to 28 inch boat at 220 cm, and most paddlers in a 28 to 32 inch recreational boat at 230 cm. NRS notes that 230 cm is the most popular length for average-height, relaxed paddlers.
Why does boat width matter so much?
A wider kayak puts the water farther from your hands, so the paddle has to reach farther. On Werner's chart, a 5 foot 8 inch paddler goes from 220 cm in a narrow boat to 250 cm in a boat wider than 32 inches.
What if I paddle with a high-angle stroke?
High-angle paddlers hold the shaft closer to vertical and usually want a shorter paddle. Aqua Bound and Bending Branches suggest sizing down about 5 cm, and Werner says its high-angle designs work best at 205 to 215 cm.
Do fishing kayaks need a longer paddle?
Usually yes. Fishing kayaks are wide and often have a raised seat. Bending Branches recommends 240 to 260 cm for fishing kayaks and adding 10 cm if you paddle from a high seat.
How do I know my paddle is the wrong length?
Bending Branches says a paddle that is too short makes you bang your knuckles on the boat or lean into your strokes, and one that is too long adds swing weight and costs you control. If you share a paddle or switch boats, an adjustable paddle covers a range of lengths.
How we size kayak paddles
The rule comes from the charts below, checked October 2026. Brands differ, so check the size chart on the product page before you buy. Read our method