If you've decided to take up kayaking, make sure you have all the right gear. Of course, you want to choose the right kayak. But, you also want to choose the right paddles. When you're just starting out, it's crucial that you pair your new kayak with the right paddles. If you have friends who are active in kayaking, you can get support from them when choosing paddles. If that's not the case, you'll need to rely on your own research. Here are four tips that will help you to choose the best paddles for your kayaking experience. 

Understand the Paddle Blades

If you plan to do a lot of kayaking, you'll want to consider blade shapes when choosing the right paddles. There are several types of blade shapes to choose from. Each type will provide a different paddling experience. High angle blades allow you to get more speed out of your kayak. Low angle blades allow you to go farther with less stress on your arms. Dihedral blades are great if you want to reduce vibration while kayaking. 

Choose the Right Material

Once you've chosen the type of blade shape you're looking for, you'll need to choose the right material. Kayak paddles come in a variety of materials, including plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Plastic paddles are on the lower end of the price scale. These are great paddles when you're on a budget or when you're learning how to navigate a kayak. Fiberglass paddles are extremely durable and are great for recreational use. If you want a lightweight set of paddles that hold up well on those long rides, choose carbon fiber paddles. Carbon fiber paddles will provide you with the control and durability you need when you're kayaking. 

Know Your Intended Use

Now that you're shopping for your first set of kayak paddles, make sure you know your intended use. This includes the type of water you plan to explore in your kayak. The type of use you plan to get out of your kayak will determine whether you need your paddles to be feathered or not. Feathering decreases wind resistance and allows your paddles to cut through the air and water more effectively. If you plan to do a lot of kayaking on open water, you'll want to choose feathered paddles. 

Get the Size Right

Finally, when it comes to buying your first set of kayak paddles, you want to spend some time on the fit. You'll get the best use out of your kayak paddles if they're sized right. Choosing the wrong sized paddles for yourself can leave you with pain in your wrists and shoulders. If you're not sure what size you need, take the time to get sized before you choose your new paddles.

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