Kayaking Gear

Jess Kayaking Isle of Man

By Jessica Egelnick

Manx Paddle Sports have incorporated their web site here. They are a local paddling club whose aim is to promote kayaking on the Isle of Man, especially in schools.

Manx Paddle Sports information page.

Buy Palm, Dagger and Ainsworth kayaking gear through Mobex. Mobex are a Manx children's charity specializing in outdoor activities for kids. All profits are ploughed straight back into Mobex.

myKAYAK is the Facebook group where you'll find many of the kayakers involved with KAYAK.im. If you are looking for a paddling partner on the Isle of Man, Paddle Buddy is a way of linking with local Manx sea kayakers, surf kayakers and river paddlers. (No. of members, 31)

Detailed wind, temperature, precipitation, visibility and tide reports for the Isle of Man all in one handy place.

The Guide pages provide brief descriptions of Manx paddles and are aimed at those planning paddling holidays to the Island.

Kayaking Isle of Man - Kayaking Gear - Paddles

Paddles offer an incredible range of styles, sizes, and costs, and choosing the right one can be a bewildering challenge.

Sea kayak paddles are longer than river and surf paddles. A standard length is 215cm, with perhaps asymetric paddle, kayaking Isle of Man 10cm either side used by shorter or taller paddlers.

Paddles come in one-, two-, and four-piece options. Cost is the main deciding factor for most people.

One-piece paddles cannot be disassembled and used as split paddles, nor do they travel as easily. They are, however, much less costly.

Two-piece paddles come apart at the center of the shaft. This allows them to be used as split paddles, to fit into a car more easily, and to be packed more easily for travel. Because they can be used as spare/split paddles, this is generally the minimum choice for most paddlers.

Four-piece paddles come apart at the center and the blades can be removed from either end. If all your paddle blades are of the same make, this allows you to change blades without buying a whole new paddle. It also allows your paddle to break down to a size that will fit in the hatches, in luggage, or in small spaces of a car. If a blade is broken or lost, it makes replacement easier and less costly. Four-piece paddles cost more at the outset, however.

Paddle shafts can be straight, or they may have a bend around the area where they are held. This bend allows for a greater reach with each stroke and holds the hands at a more natural position while paddling. For long journeys or frequent use, the bent shape is recommended to avoid wrist injury. Some people find the bent shaft hard to get used to if they start on straight shaft paddles.

Most paddles offer a feather of 45-60 degrees, meaning that the blades are off-set and on different planes. This creates better ergonomics and ultimately more speed. Some paddles will offer adjustable feathering.

Paddle blades should be asymmetrical (with the bottom outside corner of each blade rounded - photo left). This reduces the “flutter” of the paddle and allows for a smoother and more efficient stroke. Beyond that, blade choice depends on a variety of factors.

Smaller blades are often chosen by smaller paddlers and/or for paddling in strong winds.

Narrower and longer blades are often chosen for paddling in strong winds, or for speed in flat water paddling.

Wing blades (photo right) are used by flat- WINGED PADDLE, kayaking Isle of Man water racing paddlers and provide greater pull on each stroke. They require a slightly different paddling stroke, with wider strokes. They can be difficult to get used to for other strokes, such as sculling, draws, and rolling, but once mastered are just as effective as standard paddles.

Modified wing blades have a less extreme shape than wing blades and are designed for use by a broader range of paddler. They offer the same pros and cons as the wing blade, but to a lesser degree.

Greenland paddles have become a popular type of paddle. Generally made of one piece of solid wood, they are also available in rare places in a two-piece split, and a four-piece carbon option. These paddles are generally longer than standard paddles, though they should be custom chosen for the height of the paddler. They offer long narrow blades and the ability to slide hands along the shaft to use more or less of the blade. Generally unfeathered (both blades on the same plane), they can be hard to get used to, especially for rolling, but the symmetry also provides a certain flexibility. They require a faster paddle stroke than a standard paddle.

Search our database for paddles:

Note: It is not always possible to list a price for paddles. The price can vary depending on blade type, material of construction, split, 4 piece etc. Consultant the manufacturers web site if no price is displayed.

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