It's really trial and error. Generally, I think people prefer shorter over longer. I'd say, if youre used to an 86" paddle, dont make it any longer than that.

Once I was used to the paddling style, I found after using the traditional dimension that I like a couple inches longer for the Spring Run. I forget the boat width, but I suspect that's why. And the added length is most comfortable ( for me ) if it's split between the loom and the paddle blades - a longer loom gives you more leverage at the standard grip, while longer blades give the paddle more leverage. I dont think there is such a thing as "too short" or "too long", unless it contains the qualifier - too short or too long ( for me).

Happy paddle building, it can be addictive!

: I've been studying up on making a Greenland paddle and have found the
: discussion on length to be very entertaining. Everyone has a different
: method to determine optimum length and then some sources just say go with
: a particular length unless your boat is especially wide (which mine is).

: I've never even used a Greenland paddle, so I'm really shooting in the dark
: here. Any advice? I'm 5'5" tall, the distance from the floor to my
: fingertips is 83". My Euro paddle is 86" long and I clunk on the
: sides sometimes of my intro tupperware boat (not so much anymore, but a
: lot when I first started paddling), a Walden Vista with a whopping width
: of 30". I guess I need to build my first paddle to use with my
: current boat, as it will be awhile before I build my sleek wooden one.

: I've got an 8' piece of cedar to work with, and am thinking of putting ash
: tips on the blades, so I've got all the length I could possibly want. Just
: don't know what would be a good length to settle on. Any suggestions would
: be appreciated.

: Of course, the loom length discussion is also pretty varied. With my arms
: bent and to my sides, it's only about 13" between my thumbs. Is that
: too short?

: Thanks,

: Patsy