So, I've been using a 46" paddle forever, from my first inherited Grey Owl to my current CF wonder-stick. I'm very comfortable at that length and am sure there's still a lot of potential for me to improve without changing a thing.

Lately, people around me have been moving to longer and longer paddles. The reasons given have been pretty qualitative. "It feels like I get more reach and can pull more water" kind of stuff. I've also been told by a national level coach that a longer paddle, used properly, results in more energy being transfered by each stroke.

I've been pondering this for quite some time and am wondering if it's time to get a longer paddle. I find it odd that all my other sports equipment (road bike, mountain bike, x-country skis, etc...) has been sized to fit me personally but that the most advice I have so far on paddle length is "dude, you need a longer paddle."

Before we begin, I'd like to state that with my cycling/skiing background, this is how I think: longer = bigger = heavier = bad. So I'm already leery on going longer.

Now, onto my analysis!

I want to explore the following "truths" about longer paddles:

1. A longer paddle gives you more reach
2. A longer paddle gives you more leverage
3. A longer paddle gives you more power

Let's take your theoretical paddler (who may or may not resemble the author): 5'10", 23" bottom arm reach from shoulder to palm, grips the paddle 21" from the blade tip.

If I dump those numbers into my very simplified model comparing a 46" paddle to a 50" paddle, the diagram looks something like this (the centre of the circle represents the shoulder joint and I'm assuming that both elbows are locked):



So, you can see that a 4" longer paddle can result in over and inch and a half of extra reach. However, the paddle angle goes 5ish degrees more positive and the angle of the upper arm is increased by about double that. What does that do to the effectiveness of your top arm?

What about leverage? A 4" longer paddle gives you a 4" longer lever. That much is obvious. My question is this: what are you levering? With the change in paddle angle, you need a longer lever just to compensate for the difference in resultant reaction forces on the blade at the catch.

Another time you actually use the lever action is going from the catch to 90/90 but that's a very short period of time and is mainly a function of derotation anyway. From 90/90 to the exit, a longer lever could drive your paddle angle more negative and may actually work against you and pull the boat down into the water.

Finally, we come to power. I see the top arm as mainly a stabilizer that prevents your paddle from hitting you in the face as you go through your stroke. Most of the work is being transfered through your bottom arm from your core and leg muscles. Your grip position shouldn't change with paddle length so why would power?

I'm not a kin expert so there are probably a lot of physical/mechanical things I'm overlooking. I'm scratching my head here so any input you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.

"I see the top arm as mainly a stabilizer that prevents your paddle from hitting you in the face as you go through your stroke. Most of the work is being transfered through your bottom arm from your core and leg muscles. "

Your top arm is what drives the paddle down (lever for left lat and shoulder, if you're a right). So you need to add the other arm to the diagram. Longer paddle will also allow you to open your body up more since your hands will be further apart, allowing your lungs to open up more. There is way too many variables present to be able to quantify it easily. I believe in using as long of a paddle as possible before shoulders get injured. I know, it's a hard thing to determine, but...

You guys are making my head hurt. How about trying a longer paddle and seeing how it feels?

The problem is that dragonboaters have no feel for the water, as they spend their time paddling in a giant tub. I'm a dragonboater and only after couple of years of paddling different boats on top of dragonboat did I really learn what "feel the water" means, and how to actually paddle. When I look back and think about what I used to do and say... oh man...

Seat #5 has a good point. Clearly there's some optimum paddle length. Ad absurdum, if I'm 5'4" (64") and my paddle is 84", my hands will be spread as widely as possible (i.e. in a T with my body). I don't think anyone thinks that's good. It might not be painful, but is it effective? On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the paddle is 24" and my hands are next to one another, I'll also have no power. So, other than "feel" (which can be deceptive, particularly in a dragon boat) there must be a good basis on which to size your paddle.

With a longer paddle, you might catch the water a bit further out, though at more of an angle. You'll be closer to the body by the time it's vertical.

I guess where the need for a kin expert comes in (not me!) is determining at what point you are most powerful (and when that power actually helps with paddling). I think that I'm most powerful when my top arm is a little over my head when I'm completely rotated in my A-frame. Have it much further up and it feels less powerful. Much further down, it's awkward.

"The problem is that dragonboaters have no feel for the water..."

A blanket statement, a gross generalization. I am a dragon boat paddler who does have a "feel" for the water. I consider it one of my better attributes as a paddler. I have paddled in other boats as well, but learned to feel the water primarily through dragon boat.

Don't generalize the rest of us just because YOU didn't get it until you picked up small boats.

I don't think there is an optimal paddle length. It depends on the person, and on more than just their height or height while seated. Other factors like their strength, endurance, and technique all dictate what length is going to be optimal. Furthermore the type of boat you are paddling in makes a difference. In the new BUK and BUK copy boats you should use a longer paddle than in the old teak boats.

I agree with the poster who suggested experimenting to decide which is best. I also think if you can't feel the water enough to determine which is best then try to determine it while doing section paddling (preferably with only your bench paddling). If you can't feel the water then I don't know if you ever will.

So, the sense I'm getting here is that people just don't have any clue. This is exactly what I got when I went to buy a driver for golf.
(18 year old sales guy: "Well, this more expensive one just feels better"
Me: "Why? It the material of construction different? The way it's made?"
Him: "Well, it just feels better."
Me: "Ya, thanks. I'll go somewhere else." [/bitter])

*It depends on the person, and on more than just their height or height while seated.*
Although this must play a role. Arm length and trunk length are certainly important.

*Other factors like their strength, endurance, and technique all dictate what length is going to be optimal.*
Examples? Are there different guidelines for women than men, then? Be specific, please.

*Furthermore the type of boat you are paddling in makes a difference. In the new BUK and BUK copy boats you should use a longer paddle than in the old teak boats.*
Interesting. Why?

Nevertheless, all other factors being equal, why is a longer paddle better?

I think it may have something to do with how you paddle with a long paddle vs a short paddle.

Short paddle
- forces you to dip down farther to meet the water.
greater us of bending, greater use of arms within the stroke.
(think back to how you paddled with the old 44 3/4" paddles.)

Long paddle
- no need to plunge as far, greater emphasis on reach through rotation. forces top hand higher
- more use of "A" frame paddling, engagement of core muscles rather than arms.

I'm talking a little bit out of my ass here, but that's how I see it. I think it's possible to do a technically better stroke with relatively longer paddle (within reason, sized to the individual).

I hadn't considered how paddle lenght could bias your technique towards rotation.

Good point!

Longer paddles are not necessarily heavier especially if you switch from wood to carbon fibre. As far as length is concerned I began paddling with a 46" inch, two years later I switched to a 48" carbon fibre and recently I just ordered a 50". The new boats are higher up in the water (lighter as well) vs the older boats which means that a longer paddle also helps you reach the water more easily. Being a tall felow with long arms I feel much more effective in the newer boats with my longer paddle.

Anon 9:39 AM: excellent point. I hadn't thought of it like that, and I think you're right.

I wonder if there's a way (other than "it hurts") to know what too long is? Catching lots of crabs on the recovery?

That last post is just full of sexual inuendo.

If your paddle is too long most likely you will feel a lot of stress on the shoulder that you use to do the top arm drive and by that I do not mean muscle soreness.

*That last post is just full of sexual innuendo.*

snort

Thanks for making me laugh out loud at my computer.
Doh.

Think of your dragon boat paddle as a snow/garden shovel.

I believe it's been posted here before the way to measure for paddle length. If you find the post do remember that you must be seated in your usual seat with a full boat (of paddlers) to measure for the exact length. I would recommend increasing the length of your paddle. I'm a shorty who sits at the front of the boat with a 49" blade and I love it.

A longer paddle can create shoulder problems. Be careful.

I'll have to disagree with that, with proper technique you should have no issues with shoulder injuries. All competitive paddlers have paddles measured for them. Even with a longer paddle you should be reaching forward with it, not raising your shoulder anymore than with a 46". It's all up front, not up above.

dont you get more torque if your paddle is longer?

not at the risk of shoulder injury it's not. it's only worth it to go longer in length if you can do it effectively, not blindly following the latest trend

We have been experimenting with different paddles in relative time trials - and I can tell you that for me (6'4") a 50" is optimal, however for the smaller members of the team a 46" or a 47" gives optimal results.

Interestingly the Arm length (finger tip to finger tip) seemed to be a better indicator of the lenght of the paddle rather than height.

Long and short of it..... its what feels best for you.

"Interestingly the Arm length (finger tip to finger tip) seemed to be a better indicator of the lenght of the paddle rather than height."

and for most people

This is why I bought that Apex paddle laqst year with the adjustable length t-grip. I was able to increase the length slowly by 1/2" per week and now I'm at a length 2" more than my old paddle. If I ever get into one of the old teak boats again I can remove the sleeves and go back to my 46" paddle length.

Length depends in part on the tecnique you use. The closer to sprint style the longer the optimum length , the closer to outrigger/ marathon the shorter the paddle. The optimum paddle length can vary by up to 2" for the same paddler depending on tecnique.
And longer paddles are harder on shoulder regardless of experience.

Tore the heck out of my shoulder after switching suddenly to a paddle 4" longer than what I had been training with. (Yeah, it was dumb, but that was a gazillion years ago when I thought I had to do everything the big boys said I should do.) Went back to a shorter paddle while recovering and am now gradually increasing length. But, I promise to listen to my ligaments this time and stop just before they start screaming. While longer may be better, there is a definite correlation with your own build.