Anyone know the differential between the average men's, women's and mixed crew in terms of how deep the boats sink in the water? or where the actual seat is relative to the water?

I think a lot of paddlers stick to one length of paddle not realising the huge variance in their personal distance from the water depending on the environment.

This definition is specific to sailboats, but will do:
freeboard means the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point where water can enter the boat or ship.

Theoretically, shouldn't every paddler should be using a 51" paddle (the maximum legal length) because it would deliver maximum leverage? However, some paddlers find that a 51" paddle is too difficult to handle.

Dude that's like someone my hight useing a c-1 paddle. It's relative to height.

I don't know your height, but I've seen paddlers who are well under six feet tall (more like 5' 6"!) successfully use 51" paddles.

It's probably sub optimal for them as they would have to raise they hands crazy high to recover and lose out on top should drive, unless your team is dropping their top arms into the boat and sweeping your paddle around on the recovery - in which case you've got other probelms. The general rule for those in the know is pick a paddle that is as long as possible, but doesn't screw up your recovery or put undue stress on your top shoulder. I use a 51 inch, but if I was a lot shorter there is no way it would be a good paddle for me.

For what it is worth the latest DBW Internation has a chart that is supposed to help you pick out the correct paddle for you, by experience. Even though I give the magazine little cred, the table seemed pretty reasonable.

To answer the poster, I don't have a ton of experience with men's racing, but I would typically consider taking off an inch or possibly two. I would guess that a mixed crew weighs about 500 lbs more than a womens, and a men's about 900lbs. With only a 400lb difference between the mixed and men's, I can't see it dropping in the water by much more than an inch.

<<It's probably sub optimal for them as they would have to raise they hands crazy high to recover and lose out on top should drive, >>

Interesting. I'm just under 6 feet all. I find that I get a lot more top shoulder drive when I use a 51" paddle rather than when I use anything shorter. By placing my inside hand (and arm and shoulder) a bit higher to accommodate the 51" paddle, the catch is more powerful.

that's because if the paddle is too short you can not get that drive either. So for you optimal might be a 51.

I use a 49" or 48"in DB , depending on my seat. Longer farthur back in the boat where the water is moving.There is an optimal paddle length ,a longer paddle is not always better . in OC1 sprints , a very good test , I am faster with a 50" paddle than a 51" or a 49".
I am a short male , 5'6".

"I use a 49" or 48"in DB , depending on my seat. Longer farthur back in the boat where the water is moving.There is an optimal paddle length ,a longer paddle is not always better . in OC1 sprints , a very good test , I am faster with a 50" paddle than a 51" or a 49".
I am a short male , 5'6"."

Given that the OC1 is at least an inch or two higher off the water than a DB that means you should probably be in the range of 49" or 48".

To the poster above, it sounds like you are raising your shoulder up to compensate for the paddle which won't help your stroke. You want to keep a locked solid shoulder top shoulder but use your body rotation to generate the reach and the proper angle at the catch. Your shoulder should not be rising up and then pressing down each stroke.

<<You want to keep a locked solid shoulder top shoulder but use your body rotation to generate the reach and the proper angle at the catch. Your shoulder should not be rising up and then pressing down each stroke.>>

I must disagree, sort of. Some teams actually use a "press" technique: they use a very deliberate top-shoulder press at the catch IN CONJUNCTION WITH body rotation. Of course, some teams do exactly what you wrote above: no deliberate press at all. But I've seen both techniques used quite successfully, so I don't think either can be excluded.

I'm a 5'6" and use a 51 for practice as it's not always a full boat. During the race, I reduce it by an inch. You should use a paddle as long as you can handle. the leverage is incredible.

I know a lot of high performance paddlers and most all of the reasonable ones say the same thing.
What difference is 1 inch in paddle length gonna make in the big picture?
The boat is bobbing, and your catch won't ever be exactly the same length every time.
As long as the paddle reaches the water, a good paddler will paddle well.

might paddle well and better than most, but could they get more out of it with the proper paddle. wouldn't see too many top c1 guys use the wrong size paddle or be as effective with the wrong size.

A lot of these posts from people stating what paddle size they use are useless as guidelines as it doesn't state what row they sit in, how tall they are and how much they weigh.

Height is not the best factor in determining paddle length. Some people have short legs and long torsos, and vice versa. Some people have relatively long arms, some have short arms.

Best best: use the longest paddle you can. If you've never used a 51" paddle, try it. You might be surprised that you can handle it. If you can, you'll get more leverage.

"Height is not the best factor in determining paddle length. Some people have short legs and long torsos, and vice versa. Some people have relatively long arms, some have short arms."

Height is the best factor in determining paddle length. Most people are reasonably proportionate so rules based on height are a good starting place.

GO WITH WHAT FEELS GOOD. That is the best indicator...Rules are a guide, but a good paddler can feel the difference...