Hello all,

Can anyone share the 'formula' for properly sizing DB paddles or a link to a page describing this?

Thanks

The bigest you feel comfortable with. Unless maybe your whole team uses 46" then maybe a 50" might make your mechanics a little out of sync.

Many teams now are actively mandating/encouraging paddlers to get at least 48" paddles. Gals included and often even longer for the guys.

For what it's worth. I am sure you will get 50 other opinions on the subject. There is no specific formula no matter what anyone tells you here. Basically all things being equal, the longer the better.

What is the size limit for paddles - I thought it was 50?

Size limit is 51'

GG is correct 51".

Everything on the first post is absolutely garbage!

The best answer: it depends.

What is the stroke your coach is teaching? More twist or more hip flexion? That's probably the biggest factor.

I would also say
- the more experience/better paddler you are, the longer the paddle.
- the taller you are, the longer the paddle.
- the stronger you are, the longer the paddle.
- if you're in salt water, use a longer paddle.

So, for a 30 year old, 6 foot, 195 lb male paddler with 6 years experience in good physical condition a 48" paddle would not be unreasonalbe.

Why not a 51"?

weird. Joel, I'm a 5'3, 135lb female (not sure what weight has to do with it) and I use a 47". If you're referring to yourself shouldn't you be trying something a bit longer?

or it could be that I'm just a crappy paddler

now, don't be that way. It's not an issue of paddling ability, just suggesting you may want to push your limits a bit.

maybe she has long limbs and able to swing a 47?
47-48 tops for me, 46 allows me to have a hight paddle turnover and sprint better.

It's not how big it is, it's how you use it that counts.

What everyone with a short one tells themselves. Hint. It isn't actually true

i think it also depends on where you sit in the boat...engine definitely can use a longer paddle than someone in row 1 or 10

It's the opposite dude.

Year three guy is thinking strength to use a longer paddle rather than the paddlers relative closeness to the water lol.

If your technique is good you should be able to us any length in just about any position (in a BUK, SRS or PEL) Teaks etc that sit lower may be a bit tougher.

Many teams all use or are even mandating 49-50" for everyone.

It seems like we all started using the longer paddles after the 2000 European Championships, where a bunch of us Canucks saw the HUGE paddles the European teams were using. They looked ridiculously long to us at the time. It was also the first time that many of us saw carbon fibre dragon boat paddles (the Italian team, I think).

There were some notable coaches in the Canadian contingent, and I think they had their eyes opened by the experience.