Shaft Length and Shape
Different types of kayaks need different lengths of the paddles. Long paddlers may provide more power but it also creates more resistance. Whitewater kayakers will prefer to use the shorter paddles, as they will increase the amount of manoeuvrability quickness and strength.
Most paddles have straight shafts but there are several that have bent-shaft models this can increase the paddlers comfort as well as providing a stronger more effective stroke.
Materials Used In Construction
The materials used to construct the paddle will determine its weight, durability and flexibility.
Paddles can be made from
- Fibre-glass
- Aluminium
- Kevlar
- Plastic
- Graphite
- Carbon
- Wood
This will make a difference of the weight of the paddle. The wood is going to be the heaviest and this will also make a difference in the cost, durability and the flexibility.
The different paddles that could be used for a beginner are:
Spoon Blade Kayak Paddle
- Excellent beginner’s white water or surf paddle. For those who want a stronger stroke.
- 8" x 20" spoon blade delivers greater power. An advanced STM material promotes greater durability. Push-button takedown.
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Lengths: (in inches) 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108.
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Shaft Diameter: 1 1/8".
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Weight: 49OZ (84")
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Price £30.99
Blacklight Kayak Paddle
This paddle is ideal for beginners and recreational paddlers.
- A 6" x 20" spoon blade adds power and efficiency
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Lengths: (in inches) one-piece 90,
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Shaft Diameter: 1 1/8".
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Weight: 41OZ (90")
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£37.00
Goldenlight Kayak Paddle
- Great for touring and recreational use. Gold anodized takedown shaft has comfortable foam grips.
- 6" x 20" spoon blade delivers superior power. Push-button takedown.
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Lengths: (in inches) 84, 90, 96.
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Shaft Diameter: 1".
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Weight: 45OZ (90")
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Price £45.99
Helmets
When you go kayaking it is very important that you wear a helmet in case you get in to any difficulty, and hit in to anything with your head as this can cause serious health and injury problems while you are in the water.
When you go to buy a helmet it is important that you look at the important factors which are
- Make sure that you buy a brand new helmet
- Make sure that the helmet is a recognised type and has had a safety check taken on it
When you have or are choosing a helmet it is important that you. Do’s
- Make sure that your helmet fits properly. It should be level and rest solidly an the head (snug enough so that when you rock it back and forth it doesn’t fall over your eye’s.)
- Make sure that the helmet isn’t too tight so don’t let it pinch, create hot spots or pressure points on your head.
- Upgrade you helmets every few years, as plastic can break down over time.
Don’ts
- Don’t use adults helmets for kids
- Don’t use your helmet again after you have been in a accident, as it won’t be as strong
The different types of helmets you can get are
The basic type of helmet that you can get is
This helmet is Preditor with Ears Peak UK. People who are just starting out in the kayaking mainly use this as it gives enough protection over the head.
About this helmet
This helmet costs £20 over the Internet (http://www.clydespolopage.com) and at Needle Sports at Keswick it costs £22.99
The manufacture is Clyde's Version
This helmet won’t be very good for the basic kayakers or even the more advanced as it doesn’t give enough head cover, so it is still easy enough for some one to get injured while they are kayaking.
The next helmet I am going to look at is
Preditor with Ears
This helmet is better for all kayakers as it gives plenty of cover over the head and the ears so there is less chance of them getting injured.
This helmet costs £40 from the Internet (http://www.clydespolopage.com) and from Blacks at Keswick it costs £40.99
This helmet is manufactured by Peak UK
So this helmet will be better for all the kayakers along all types of water.
The next type of helmet I am going to look at is one that is more for the people who are kayaking along the more rapid waters with more obstacles in where they could get injured.
The type of this is AP2000
This helmet costs £50 on the Internet (http://www.clydespolopage.com) and at Blacks at Keswick it costs £60.
This helmet is produced by Protec
Buoyancy Aid
It is very important that you have some kind of buoyancy aid on when you go kayaking. This is due to the fact that this can stop you drowning and it is a very important health and safety factor.
The different types of buoyancy aid you can get are.
CREWSAVER SPLASH
- This 50N buoyancy aid has a nylon cover and lightweight polyethylene foam.
- A 40mm waist belt with quick release buckle, plastic non-clog zip and elasticated sides.
- Brightly coloured affordable buoyancy aid.
This buoyancy aid costs Splash Buoyancy Aid £32.00
- It is important that every one who goes kayaking wears some kind of buoyancy aid.
(http://www.lifejackets-uk.co.uk/product-pages/csr-splash.htm)
The next kind of buoyancy aid I am going to look at is a more expensive type as it is for some one who likes to go kayaking more frequently as it is a more hard wearing buoyancy aid.
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This is a hard wearing type of aid as it is for more frequent use.
- This cost £68 from the Internet (http://www.lifejackets-uk.co.uk/product-pages/csr-splash.htm)
Yak Zambezi
This kind of aid is more advanced as is has a heavier float in it. People who are going kayaking down the rapids and the people mainly use this.
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This buoyancy aid costs £119.95 this is because it is more advanced and is made to help people in the deeper waters.
- It has a elastic band around to help hold it secure
- It is still brightly coloured so people can see you while you are in the water.
- This aid has lots of different places that you can put things in it for example a whistle so if you do get in to any danger it is easier for you to try and get help.
(carlislecanoes.co.uk)