FAQ
How do you size a Stand Up Paddle?
We recommend sizing your Stand Up Paddle at 8" taller than your height. This formula will serve you well in most conditions, however, there are a few circumstances to consider before deciding on the height of your new paddle.
If you plan on paddling flatwater most of the time, 8" above your height works well. If you will be stand up surfing, consider subtracting 2"-4" from your flatwater paddle height. This is needed to compensate for the steepness of the face of the wave. The taller and steeper the waves, the shorter the paddle needs to be. For smaller, rolling waves, your flatwater paddle height will suffice.
We also sell adjustable paddles such as C4 Waterman's "Stendy", to accommodate different needs in a single paddle, or you can start to build a quiver of paddles to meet changing conditions, uses, or changes in paddling technique.
How do you size a touring kayak paddle?
To find the correct size touring or recreational kayak paddle, you must first evaluate your paddling style. The two general paddling styles involve either low angle or high angle paddling strokes. A low angle stroke is characterized by a relaxed, low angle paddle shaft position in relation to the water. Low angle paddling strokes are used in touring and recreational outings. A high angle stroke involves stronger, more aggressive strokes where the paddle shaft is at a steeper, or higher angle in relation to the water. High angle strokes are used in faster cadence paddling, and tend to track straighter under hard paddling. If your boat is narrower than most, consider choosing a shorter length than what is shown. If your boat is a wider inflatable boat, consider choosing a longer length paddle.
The most common size kayak paddle for low angle is 230 cm., and 220 cm for high angle. This is a safe starting point and can be changed as paddling style or boat size changes.
Low Angle Stroke
5'0"-5'10" use 220cm
5'6"-6'2" use 230cm
Over 6'3" use 240cm
High Angle Stroke
5'0"-5'10" use 210cm
5'6"-6'2" use 220cm
Over 6'3" use 230cm
How do you size a whitewater kayak paddle?
The chart below gives general guidelines to sizing your whitewater paddle. There are many variables, as there are many disciplines under the whitewater classification including freestyle, playboating, river running, creeking, slalom and rodeo. In general, freestyle and playboating may require shorter lengths, while river running and creeking may lend themselves to longer lengths. Also, as in touring kayak paddle sizing, higher angle paddling strokes lean toward a shorter length, and lower angle strokes may suggest longer lengths.
Low Angle Stroke
Under 5'2" use 188cm-194cm
5'0"-5'8" use 190cm-196cm
Over 5'6" use 194cm-200cm
How do you size a Canoe Paddle?
The general rules given below will accommodate most people under most circumstances. There are, however, some special considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a canoe paddle.
For taller than average seats, add 2" to your paddle length. If you kneel leaning back on your seat, add 2" to your paddle length. If you paddle Canadian style, subtract between 2"-4" depending on your foot position, whether you kneel sitting up on your toes, or sitting back on your feet with the top of your feet resting on the bottom of the canoe. For aggressive paddling and racing, or creek paddling in shallow water, subtract 2". For extensive tripping, rear seat solo paddling, lake paddling, or any type requiring frequent turns requiring more control, you may wish to add length accordingly.
The optimum paddle length can be determined best by sitting, or kneeling, in YOUR boat, on YOUR seat, in YOUR paddling position, with YOUR canoe in the water. Only given these parameters are you able to most accurately determine your correct paddle length.
Holding your paddle vertical, with the grip at eye level, the throat of the paddle should be at the waterline. The entire blade should be submerged in the water. This is why we supply shaft lengths, and blade lengths in our paddle specs. Measure from eye level to waterline, then add the blade length to achieve overall paddle length for any given manufacturers paddle. A 58" paddle from one manufacturer is not necessarily the same as another manufacturers 58" paddle because the blade lengths may vary.
Straight Shaft Paddles:
Under 5'6" use 54"
5'6"-6' use 56"
Over 6' use 58"
Bent Shaft Paddles:
Under 5'6" use 50"
5'6"-6' use 52"
Over 6' use 54"
If an item shows out of stock, when will it be back in stock?
We place restocking orders when stock becomes low. Chances are that the item is in transit and will be in stock soon.
Shipping (domestic):
Which carrier do you use to ship orders?
We use UPS for domestic shipments and International shipments are shipped through USPS.
How long will it take for my order to ship?
After you place an order, in stock orders usually leave our shop within 5 business days. Transit times vary depending on your location. UPS delivers on business days, Monday through Friday except holidays.
UPS Ground Transit Time Map
Can I get my products faster?
If you pay for shipping, we can expedite your order. Next Day orders placed after 11am PST Monday through Thursday, will ship the next business day Monday through Thursday. Second Day, Three Day or paid Ground shipping orders will be expedited to the front of the line & shipped as fast as possible. UPS delivers on business days, Monday through Friday except holidays.
How much does it cost for a faster shipping method?
Add the items you want to the shopping cart, enter the zipcode or country you want it shipped to, click on "calculate".
When will I receive a tracking number for my order?
Your original email provides a link to a status page. When your order ships, the status page will have a link to your tracking number.
Where are you located?
We are smack dab in the middle of Oregon. In a beautiful city called Bend. Our warehouse address is 61450 SE American Lane #140.
My paddle was damaged in shipping. What do I do now?
We make every effort to pack each order very well, but on some rare occasions, a box and items in the box may be damaged. Please email a photo of the damaged box and goods so that we may open a claim with the shipping carrier.
Shipping (international):
I live in another country,will you ship to me?
We will ship to any country that USPS will ship to. There are some limitations.
Are there any limitations for international shipments?
Some countries have a 42" box length limitation, the paddle will have to be less to allow for protective padding.
How much does it cost to ship/transport to another country?
International shipping can be calculated in the shopping cart. This does not include customs or other importing fees.
Do I need to pay for customs on International shipments?
The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by the recipient. We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country. You should contact your local customs office for further information.
Translate, Traduire, 翻译
