What Happens When You Use Too Long Of A Paddle For Kayaking? Pros and Cons – 2022

A kayak paddle is an important piece of equipment for any kayaker. The length and shape of the paddle can affect your ability to maneuver the boat and control your speed. A paddle that is extra long or too short can make it difficult to move around in a kayak, which could lead to an accident.

What happens when you use too long of a paddle for kayaking? When you use a long enough paddle for kayaking, it can be difficult to control the boat.

In this article, I’ll discuss the ideal length of a kayak paddle and what happens when you use one that is long or short.

What Happens When You Use Too Long Of A Paddle For Kayaking?

When paddling with a paddle that is too long for kayaking, it may be tough to control the boat. The extra length might make it difficult to control and expose you to danger.

It is important to choose the right size paddle for your height and weight, as well as the type of kayaking you plan on doing. If you are unsure about what size paddle to use, it is always best to consult with a professional.

Using a lengthy paddle for kayaking can also lead to fatigue, as you will be using muscles that are not accustomed to the activity. It is important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

In general, it is best to err on the side of caution and use a paddle that is slightly shorter than what is recommended for your height and weight. This will help you to avoid any potential problems that could occur from using a long paddle.

Pros And Cons Of Using Too Long Paddles For Kayaking

Here I’ve listed some of the common advantages and drawbacks of using different level paddles.

Pros

There are a few pros to using the long paddle for kayaking.

• The first is that it can help you go faster. A longer paddle will give you more power and speed, which can be helpful if you are racing or trying to get to your destination quickly.
• It can help you reach things that are further away. If you are trying to grab something that is just out of reach, a longer paddle can help you get it.

Cons

These are some cons to using a very big paddle for kayaking.

• It can be difficult to control. As we mentioned before, the extra length can make it hard to maneuver the kayak, which could lead to an accident.
• It can be tiring. Using a longer paddle can be exhausting, especially if you are not used to it. If you are planning on using a long paddle for an extended period of time, make sure that you are prepared for the physical activity.

How Do You Know If You’re Using Too Long Of A Paddle For Kayaking?

There are a few signs that you might be using an extended paddle for kayaking.

• The first is that you must reach too far ahead to grab the paddle. It’s doubtful that a paddle that you can’t comfortably reach without stretching is long enough.
• A second sign that your paddle is long enough is if you feel like you’re working harder than progressing. If it seems like most of your effort goes into the strokes rather than moving the boat, try a shorter paddle.
• The third indication is that you’re having trouble controlling the kayak. If the kayak appears to be zigzagging all over and you can’t seem to maintain it straight, consider it extra long.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is best to consult with a professional to find the right paddle length for you.

How Can You Adjust Your Paddling Technique To Make Sure You’re Using The Right-Sized Paddle?

If you think you might be using a paddle that’s too big or too short, there are a few things you can do to adjust your paddling technique.

• If the paddle is big, try moving your grip closer to the center of the paddle. This will help you control the kayak more easily.
• If the paddle is too short, you may need to reach forward more to grab the paddle. be careful not to overstretch, though, or you could lose control of the kayak.

It’s also important to pay attention to your stroke rate. If you’re paddling too slowly, you may not have enough power to move the kayak forward. On the other hand, if you’re paddling too quickly, you could get fatigued and make mistakes.

The best way to find the right paddle length is to consult with a professional. They can help you choose the right size based on your height, weight, and the type of kayaking you plan on doing.

Conclusion

I hope this article about what happens when you use too long of a paddle for kayaking was helpful. After reading it, you should have a better understanding of the pros and cons of using a lengthy paddle, as well as how to adjust your paddling technique to make sure you’re using the right size.

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