Kayak & SUP Paddle Length Calculator
Find your kayak paddle length from height and boat width (low-angle, high-angle or whitewater), your SUP paddle from height and discipline, or your canoe paddle from torso length — in cm and inches, with the full sizing charts, adjustable-paddle range and shaft size.
How it works
Kayak: low-angle length from the height × boat-width chart (210–250 cm); high angle = chart − 10 cm; whitewater 188–203 cm by height; ±5 cm for a long or short torso, +10 cm for a raised seat · SUP: height + 15 (surf) / 22 (all-round) / 28 (race) cm, +4 cm for an inflatable board · Canoe (straight shaft): seat-to-nose torso + 71 cm (+5 cm stern/solo); bent shaft 5 cm shorter
A paddle is the right length when the blade buries fully next to the hull without you lifting your shoulders or leaning out. For a kayak that depends mostly on two things: how tall you are and how wide the boat is, because a wide recreational or fishing kayak puts the water further from your hands. The calculator uses the standard industry chart for low-angle touring paddles, which runs from 210 cm for a small paddler in a narrow sea kayak to 250 cm for a tall paddler in a sit-on-top. High-angle paddlers plant the blade close to the hull with a more upright shaft, so they use about 10 cm less (typically 205–215 cm), and whitewater paddlers use 188–203 cm for quick, powerful strokes. Torso length refines it: someone with a long torso for their height sits higher above the water and can go 5 cm longer, and an elevated fishing seat adds about 10 cm. A stand-up paddle is sized from standing height plus an allowance for the discipline. A canoe paddle is sized from your seated torso, because the grip-to-blade distance has to match the distance from your nose to the water. Under More options you can enter your hand length to see whether a small-diameter shaft suits you.
Worked example
A 178 cm (5′10″) paddler in a 60 cm (23.6 in) touring kayak falls in the 5′6″–6′ height band and the 23–28″ width band, so the low-angle chart gives 220 cm (87 in), with 215–225 cm worth trying; an adjustable 210–230 cm paddle covers it. With a high-angle stroke the same paddler needs about 210 cm, and in whitewater 194–197 cm. On an all-round SUP: 178 + 22 = 200 cm. In a canoe, the estimated torso of 80 cm (45% of height) gives 80 + 71 = 151 cm, a 60″ straight-shaft or 58″ bent-shaft paddle.
Sources: REI Expert Advice — How to choose a kayak paddle (Werner sizing chart) · REI Expert Advice — How to choose a canoe paddle · Werner Paddles — Touring design & fit (high-angle 205–215 cm)
Frequently asked questions
What size kayak paddle do I need?
Find your height band and your kayak’s width in the chart. Most adults in a 58–71 cm (23–28 in) touring or recreational kayak use 220–230 cm with a low-angle stroke. Wider sit-on-top and fishing kayaks need 230–250 cm, and narrow sea kayaks 210–220 cm.
What if I am between sizes?
Go longer for a wide boat or relaxed cruising, shorter for a fast cadence or a narrow boat. Many paddlers buy an adjustable paddle with a 20 cm range to cover both.
Does blade size matter for length?
Yes — high-angle paddles pair a shorter shaft with a larger blade; a small-bladed low-angle paddle is usually 10 cm longer for the same paddler.
Why does boat width change the paddle length?
In a wider kayak the blade has to travel further sideways to reach the water beside the hull. A paddle that is too short makes you lean and knocks your knuckles on the deck, so every 5–10 cm of extra width moves you up about one size.
How long should a SUP paddle be?
Add about 15 cm to your height for surfing, 20–25 cm for all-round and touring, and 25–30 cm for racing. A 170 cm paddler starts at about 192 cm for all-round use. On a thick inflatable board, add a few centimetres.
How do I size a canoe paddle?
Sit upright and measure from the seat to your nose, then add about 71 cm (28 in) for a straight shaft. Stern and solo paddlers, or anyone in a wide canoe, add about 5 cm. Bent-shaft paddles are about 5 cm (2 in) shorter.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.