Too many choices? Patience. It will pay off in the long run.

A variety of factors will influence your paddle choice. First- what type of boating will you do? Flat water or touring paddles generally have a longer-narrower blade than whitewater paddles. The former are intended for long-duration, low-effort paddling and generally using a lower-angle stroke than the whitewater variety that rely on a vertical stroke with power.

Paddle weight and composition are important considerations. Lighter paddles lead to less fatigue and can help to increase swing rate when you’re trying to maintain that whitewater surf. Paddle material influences both weight and cost. Generally, aluminum paddles are the least costly and heaviest. They are also cold to the hands in the winter. Fiberglass paddle shafts add a degree of durability an reduce weight some. They are usually a good compromise. Composite/carbon fiber shafts are usually the lightest (and most expensive) materials, but also probably the most durable. They come with a commensurate increase in cost.

Any type of paddle can usually be found in either one-piece or break-apart (usually 2-4 sections). One-piece paddles are generally stronger and inherently lighter for their material since they lack joints. They are, however cumbersome to transport and don’t serve the ‘spare’ paddle role as well as a break-apart. Many paddles are available as either straight or bent-shaft models. The bent-shaft paddle is designed to place stresses on the wrist in a more ergonomic position. Many people who have problems with tendonitis from frequent paddling find that bent-shaft models improve this problem. New to the market in recent years are small-diameter shaft models that especially popular among women, children or those with smaller hands.