In theory, sizing a canoe paddle should be simple. Yet doing so is tricky, and the best method often argued. When we spotted Badger Paddles at Canoecopia in March of 2024, we noticed something intriguing about the paddle shafts at the edge of their space and had to know more. That’s when we learned Mike Ramsay, the owner of the 15-year-old paddle-building business, and his team have discovered a fascinating method for sizing a canoe paddle.
A simple and ingenious method to sizing canoe paddles
“We’ve been racking our brains for a long time about a good way to size paddles without being on the water,” Ramsay shared with the Paddling Mag team. “I think we finally came up with a way that we’re really happy with–especially here in the Midwest where we are used to different proportion paddles.”
Paddle Sober And Smart
- Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.
According to Ramsay, the traditional long-bladed paddles throw people off when it comes to sizing. People think they will need a shorter shaft because the blade is longer. But Ramsay proclaimed the blade length shouldn’t really be part of the equation. Which is why for sizing, Badger has gone ahead and chopped the paddle blade off, leaving the grip, shaft and throat.
Having a bladeless paddle allows the canoer to jump in a boat on dry ground (or in most cases a shop floor) and see how their hand positioning is actually going to be in relation to the canoe.
Once you have your size sorted out, each of the Badger test shafts includes a correlation to the paddle model and overall length it would correspond to. At the show Ramsay held a 31 1/2-inch shaft as a Badger paddle sizer. This shaft was marked to equate to a 60-inch Tripper but a 66-inch Feather long-bladed solo paddle, or a 54-inch shorter-bladed Bonga.
Stay Clear Of All Other Vessels
- Know the “Rules of the Road” Navigation Rules that govern all boat traffic and stay out of the way of all other vessels.
- Never assume that power boaters can see you. Avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible. Proceed with caution when you can’t avoid paddling near boats. Dress for visibility.
Solving the top hand riddle
“The biggest thing it’s going to show me is where my top hand is going to be,” Ramsay explained of the sizing method. “If your top hand is too high and you’re too spread out you’re going to be punching up. Which can be painful and just not effective.”
The ability to do so, Ramsay believes, will be the secret to narrowing in on a canoe paddle size with confidence.
Feature image: Paddling Magazine Staff
A good video. I’ve been sizing paddles this way for years. It’s how we assign paddles to the Cadets we train.