: Unfortunately, I don't know of any sure-fire paddle length formula. It
: depends on the following: Arm length, torso length, shoulder width, kayak
: width, and seat height, plus you need to consider the length of the paddle
: blade and paddling style and just plain personal preference. The best way
: to figure all of this out is trying paddles. When you find one you like,
: that is the best length.

: However, I like a short paddle. My paddle is about 200cm. Shorter paddles
: apply power closer to the boat and are easier to get out of the water.
: Both help paddling efficiency.

: Greenland paddles when used with the greenland technique are low-power,
: high-cadence. Human physiology likes to move quickly without pushing too
: hard, which is what the Greenland paddle does well. However, it does do
: this with some loss of efficiency. It is more efficient to move a lot of
: mass slowly than a little bit quickly. This makes large blade areas more
: efficient. Greenland paddles are best suited for relaxed cruising where
: quick turns, accelerations and deccelerations are not that important. A
: well designed modern-style paddle can be have all the advantages of the
: greenland paddle plus be more efficient and effective at applying force to
: the water.

Hey Nick,
Do you mean you paddle a euro stick that is only 200 CM? I have been steadily going shorter over the years but, I'm at 220 now (Lightning std.). I really think I want something shorter for the Guillemot ES. I have heard all the arguments for NOT going too short, though it appears to work for you.
This is probably the wrong board for this discussion but, it did start here.

Larry C.