Paddle length guide
A guideline, not a fitting. Try a paddle on the water if you can.
How we size it
Kayak: the Werner Paddles low-angle chart printed in REI's guide, by paddler height and boat width (under 23", 23 to 28", 28 to 32", over 32"). Wider boats need longer paddles. SUP: REI's rule for recreational touring, your height plus about 8 to 12 inches.
Sources: REI: How to choose a kayak paddle (Werner sizing chart) · REI: How to choose SUP paddles.
More paddling tools
Plan today
Today's conditionsFlow, wind, water temperature and alerts for your boatRiver trip plannerRoute, drop, current, timing, hazards and accessLaunch site finderPublic launches from state open dataMy riversYour saved rivers, kept on this device
Rules
- State paddling rules Registration, permits and life jackets, from official sources
- Permit checker Registration, launch permits and invasive-species stickers for your boat; see also the AIS sticker guide by state
Kayak and gear
- Kayak fit and finder Load calculator and models that fit you
- Gear check Check your saved gear against your rivers
- My gear Your kayak, paddle, life jacket and safety items, saved on this device
- Gear checklist What the rules require you to carry
- Float time How long a stretch might take (an estimate)
Learn
- Cold water and life jackets Cold shock, hypothermia and life jacket labels
- Paddling guides River hazards, cold water and more explainers