: I am 6'-3" but would not consider myself "Extremely Strong"
: If i use the method for calculating the length it comes out to be 7'8"
: (92").

Joe,

What method for calculating length did you use?

There are multiple methods for finding a ballpark Greenland paddle length, none are carved in stone. In Greenland you find longer paddles in areas with little wind and shorter paddles in stormy locales. The two most common methods for GP length are 1) being able to just reach your fingers over a vertically standing paddle; 2) the measurement of one armspan plus a cubit (distance from elbow to fingertips). That said, paddles can range from very short, being only one armspan long (storm paddle) to slightly longer than the dimensions mentioned above.

If you are new to Greenland paddles/technique, the only sure test is time with the paddle and time to become proficient with GP technique. If you make the paddle (slightly) intentionally long with the loom (slightly) intentionally short you can take make small adjustments over time and may arrive at the ideal size for you and your kayak. Otherwise you might have to experiment with making more than one paddle until you get the dimensions right.

FWIW I'm 5'10, 170lbs, and prefer a paddle length 88-89" long, with blades just under 3" wide and a paddle shaft of 21".

Greg Stamer