The Yakworks Kayak Shop is located in Brunswick County North Carolina in beautiful Southport. The area has quickly become a retirement destination and that means we have a lot of customers new to our coastal waters. We wanted to pull together this kayak paddle buyers guide as a quick reference for those visiting our site and trying to learn more about adventure kayaking in the area. We have stripped the information down to very simple terms and gear it towards what is most important to having a great day out on the water here on the coast. Our kayak paddle buyers guide provides a quick reference for those new to our coastal waters in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is designed to simplify the information and focus on what is essential for a great day out on the water.
Overall Length
• Paddlers 5’6” and taller with a boat 30” or wider will need a paddle 230cm to 250cm
• Shorter paddles will tend to strike the kayak before the blade engages with the water.
Blade Material
• Polypropylene (Plastic) – Tends to be more flexible making them more durable and less prone to breaking. Flexibility will however result in some inefficiency with each paddle stroke. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will degrade the material.
• Fiberglass – Provides a nice balance between flexibility and durability. Less weight than plastic but can chip more easily. Provides for more efficient paddle strokes.
• Carbon-Fiber – The lightest weight option and extremely stiff making them the most efficient for paddle strokes. Most prone to chipping and breakage.
Shaft Material
• Aluminum – Very lightweight and reliable but tends to exaggerate hot and cold weather conditions making it hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
• Fiberglass and Carbon-Fiber – Provides the same attributes as when used in blade construction for the lightest weight options possible.
Blade Shapes
• Narrow – With less material they are somewhat lighter. A narrow blade moves less water and is ideal for slower speeds and longer paddle excursions.
• Wide – With more material they are somewhat heavier. A wide blade moves more water and is best for faster speeds but short burst of movement making them ideal for fishing.