: 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).

Patsy,

Keep in mind that traditionally speaking, the paddle and kayak dimensions are a tuned pair, so if you have a kayak that is much larger than a Greenland kayak, many of the paddling forumulas will not work for you. Also keep in mind that these are ballpark formulas, to be experimented with, not something to be taken as gospel.

You may have some luck contacting a Greenland paddle manufacturer, such as Betsie Bay or Superior Kayaks, and ask their advice. Another tip, that I have used, is to get ahold of a long dowel, such as a broom handle, and while sitting in your kayak, find what hand spacing you need to keep from busting your knuckles. This won't help you with the length, but can let you experiment with the loom size.

Take your best guess and jump in. I used to race bicycles and many new racers would agonize over the "proper" seat post height. There are various ball-park rules, such as 109% of inseam height, etc, or find the height that allowed you to backpeddle, with your heels on the peddles, without your pelvis rocking, etc. In the end, you had to simply experiment, until you found what worked for you, your body and your equipment. Paddles are much the same. You won't necessarily have to make a garage full, to get it right. The second paddle that I made is still my favorite.

Greg Stamer
http://www.qajaqusa.org