A lot of the time, kayak purchases come as package deals. For instance, when I first got my kayak, it came with a paddle, and it seemed I had just landed a good deal.
But it wasn’t until I tried it that I quickly realized the retailer was simply just trying to be competitive by throwing in the paddle; he didn’t have performance in mind.
Sure, it got me on the water and even allowed me to move, but it proved to be a real chore, especially paddling over long distances and on windy days. I also can’t imagine the fatigue and shoulder soreness I sustained during the short stint with the paddle.
But selecting a new whitewater paddle wasn’t easy either.
See, the general anatomy of most kayak paddles is almost similar, and it’s also true that they have the same basic parts.
But there’re subtle kayak paddle differences that determine whether your form suffers or you paddle effortlessly for longer distances.
Think about it; the paddle is what you use every mile as you stroke. You swing it plenty of times a minute, and even a short tour involves thousands of strokes. It connects your muscles to the water and transfers that power with every stroke.
Now, would you rather do it with a cheap, weighty five-pound paddle or a lightweight, ergonomic kayak paddle?
In whitewater kayaking, the best kayak paddle should feel like an extension of your arm and body. It should work in harmony with your arms, shoulder, and torso so you can move through the rapids efficiently.
Once you understand this, you’ll realize that you don’t want to save on paddles. Of course, it doesn’t always mean you need to choose the highest-priced option.
Now, if you’re ready to meet your kayaking buddy, who will take you for miles without breaking a sweat, we’ve got something for you.
In the guide below, we’ll review some of our favorite kayak paddles. We’ve also compiled a handy buying guide to help with the selection.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Whitewater Kayak Paddles For The Money
#1 Werner Camano Premium - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
With the amount of money and time spent choosing the most streamlined and lightweight kayak, I definitely wanted a reliable paddle that could measure up.
I chose the Werner Camano Premium, and oh boy, I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face on my first outing. I couldn’t help but keep on repeating to my friends, “I’ve found perfection!” as they floundered in the distance, far.
See, the Werner Camano Premium will turn you into a paddle snob.
It’s ultra-lightweight, well-constructed, and slices through the water with no resistance. I can paddle for miles with ease, with no fatigue or any shoulder soreness.
Yes, Camano Premium is expensive, but if you need a great-looking paddle with unmatched quality, you can’t go wrong with this option.
Camano utilizes a mid-size paddle blade face, which appeals to the widest range of paddlers.
The award-winning dihedral asymmetrical blade shape directs the water flow evenly off each side of the blade, creating a smooth and stable stroke. The design improves the power on the forward strokes while reducing flutter, so less effort, and more efficiency.
It cuts through water like a hot knife through butter, so it’ll provide you with powerful strokes together with an all-around relaxing experience. Wind, aggressive waves, and even crazy motor boaters won’t be able to slow you down.
The blade isn’t large, yet it is big enough to allow for a nice powerful stroke.
Coming in at only 28 pounds, Werner Premium is among the lightest models on our list of the best kayak paddles. I can’t stress enough how I find it pleasant to hold the light paddle shaft. The remarkably lighter swing weight reduces fatigue on long paddling excursions. Kayakers with wrist pain and shoulder injuries will have no problem paddling for miles and will enjoy themselves throughout the entire trip.
The paddle also floats well and never loses buoyancy since it’s completely sealed. It’s not like the material will absorb water. And if it does ever lose buoyancy, it would be because the seals have failed and leaked, so you simply need to send it back to Werner.
Standard on all of Werner’s Paddles is the patented Adjustable Ferrule System. While the “joint” is usually a weak point on cheaper paddles, it shouldn’t concern Werner Paddles.
The joints hardly become loose and wiggle or fail to clip together. Instead, they’re easy to use, and on the Camano premium, they clip together nicely, giving you the feel of a one-piece paddle.
At the same time, the system allows you to adjust the feathering angle in 15-degree increments with the push of a button.
The adjustment system is also designed to be low-profile, so there are fewer chances of snagging.
The Camano Premium has a telescoping shaft, coming in length from 220 to 260 centimeters. So, you can choose whatever length fits you better depending on your height or kayak width.
Plus, the durable paddle shaft can be broken into two pieces, offering an easier way to transport the paddle or storing it as a smaller package.
Away from the unmatched quality and smooth performance, the Camano Premium is available in a range of exciting colors and designs to match the different tastes and enhance visibility on the water.
Overall, Werner Paddles aren’t a gear to trade for anything. The Camano Premium, in particular, is a great option for those who need a powerful performance to slice through the water for hours with no resistance.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Ideal for long distances
- Oversized blades
- Fiberglas blades and a fiberglass shaft
Cons
- Hefty price tag
#2 Sting Ray Paddle - Best All-Carbon Paddle
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
What makes the Aqua-Bound a stand-out whitewater kayak is the premium construction. It sports an all-carbon construction, from the shaft down to the blades.
It’s nice, lightweight, and sturdier than most of the models. Aqua-Bound is also built to last and can take a beating and come out unscratched.
Aqua’s design is also eye-catching and worth a second look. It is not slick smooth but has a subtle texture because of the carbon fibers. But it’s not so textured as to catch when I’m wearing gloves. Without gloves, it’s not slippery either.
More than anything else, what makes the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray stand out from other paddles is the Poi-Lok ferrule adjustment system.
This is a patented locking mechanism that firmly secures the two-piece together, resulting in a one-piece feel. In blind testing, many kayakers mistake this for a one-piece paddle, as there’s no play in the paddle shaft, regardless of which way you pulled on the paddle.
Even after extensive use and collecting grit in the connection point of the shaft, the locking system doesn’t deteriorate, and I’m confident it’ll hold up for a long time to come.
Aqua’s all-carbon construction also helps with the weight, and while it’s a bit heavier than most paddles on our list, we were not able to notice the weight difference. This is a testament to the paddle’s well-distributed weight, which feels balanced, and will help kayakers develop a smooth and relaxed cadence with their paddle strokes.
This is not to mention it doesn’t cause any fatigue or cause riders to sustain wrist or shoulder injuries even after extended use.
Durability is also one less thing to worry about with the StingRay. The paddle’s construction style, carbon material, and the company’s history of making quality paddles indicate that the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle will last for a long time.
In addition to durability, the Sting Ray boasts a unique carbon fiber shaft type. The slightly curved carbon shaft makes the paddle feel ergonomic and rests on your hands exactly as it was meant to. Simply put, it’s easy to handle the paddle regardless of the positioning of your hands.
But that’s not even the best part!
The adjustable blades for infinite feathering angles make it easy to set the angle of attack on the water and get a relaxed swing or powerful strokes, depending on your needs.
Aqua’s versatility doesn’t end there!
This paddle sports a telescopic straight shaft that can extend in length from 210 to 250 centimeters, so you can choose a shorter paddle for speed or a longer paddle for the slow and efficient strokes. This is not to mention it breaks down into two pieces for easier transport and storage.
Aqua’s mid-sized carbon-reinforced blades deliver a smooth and effective catch on the water, transferring power with each stroke.
The dihedral blade design also comes in handy in the performance, helping the water flow across the blade’s surface, so you won’t experience any flutter, even when creek boating against the wind.
Finally, this whitewater kayak comes with dip rings that provide a dry and enjoyable experience. The rings prevent water from dripping down the paddle shaft and onto your laps.
Pros
- All-carbon construction
- Powerful strokes
- Natural grip
- Two-piece paddle
Cons
- Pricey
#3 Bending Branches Angler Classic - Best Kayak Paddle for Anglers
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Kayaking fishermen gather up. Second, on our list of the best kayak paddle is an option targeted towards anglers.
The Angler Classic by Bending Branches is a premier paddle for whitewater rafting that promises everything you can get in a high-end fishing paddle at a fraction of a price.
While remaining inexpensive, it has the same feel, performance, and characteristics as any other Bending Branches paddle.
One of Angler’s prime features is the ovalized fiberglass shaft that feels durable, stays warm on your hands, and gives you a couple of features you’ll love.
The first one is the two-ferrule option. The snap-button ferrule allows adjustable feathering angles of 0º or 60º, and this grants you the flexibility and precision you need to optimize your strokes.
Plus, the adjustment on the ferrule allows you to control your paddle’s adjustable feathering angle, helping you achieve the perfect entry and exit as you move across the water.
The second benefit of the telescoping shaft is you can lengthen or shorten your paddle to accommodate the width of most fishing kayaks.
That adjustability helps too when you’ve more than one boat, have an adjustable-height seat, or if others will use this paddle.
Another nice addition to the straight shaft is the built-in tape that makes it easy for you to prove to your buddies that you didn’t exaggerate the size of your catch! It’s printed in both inches and centimeters.
Angler Classic’s straight fiberglass shaft is durable and strong and having used mine as a paddle as a push pole, I can testify this is a feature you’ll care about.
Similarly, the blade is super amazing, and it comes with a couple of features that will optimize your paddling performance.
The natural wood blades with rich wood color tones are good to look at, and I even thought of hanging them up and not using them. But that’s not fun.
While the blades looked awesome, I was worried about their weight and durability. But my fears were quickly put to rest once I tried the paddle blades on the water.
For starters, the Anglers blades are unbelievably lightweight. I’ve Bending Branches Angler Pro, a top-of-the-line model, and you wouldn’t tell the difference between these two. The ClassicClassic is a delight to use and won’t fatigue your hands even after miles of constant stroking.
And that’s not all!
The Angler’s Blades are oversized, coming in with a 95-square inch surface area. It matches the efficiency and power of the more expensive Angler Pro, and it’ll catch the water to pull you along quickly and easily, even on a fully-loaded boat.
Plus, the proven blade design is more buoyant and flexible than most composite paddles.
But the signature feature of the Angler’s blade is the patented Rockguard blade tip protection. See, kayak paddles take a lot of abuse, and if not properly protected, they may crack, chip or break and compromise the paddle’s integrity.
With the Classic Angler’s blades, you don’t have to worry about any of that, as they added a hardened RockGuard edge protector that is a good choice for the bumps and impacts of fishing.
The protector also seals out moisture, while its unmatched shock-absorption helps the paddle last six times longer than those without protection.
I can testify this as I’ve used the blade to push my kayak tight off the rocks and gravel, and so far, only minor micks show in the black edge, and wood still looks flawless.
Overall, the Bending Branches Angler Classic is an awesome paddle, but keep in mind while beginners would benefit from these features, Bending Branches states that it’s definitely a step-up from entry-level gear.
Pros
- Durable blades
- Adjustable lengths
- Infinitely adjustable feathering
- Carbon fiber shaft
Cons
- Straight shaft
#4 Bending Branches Whisper - Best Kayak Paddle for Beginners
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Whisper Kayak Paddle is an affordable entry-level paddle that can get you and your family on the water.
It’s a common sight at kayak rental shops and lakeside businesses and resorts for a good reason.
While not a top-scorer for high-end performance, it has the alternative benefit of being very affordable and durable.
Whisper’s plastic paddle blades are slightly more flexible than other paddles, but their durable polypropylene construction means they’re not easily damaged even by heavy-handed users.
A perfect paddle for the introductory touring kayaker or one-or-twice-a-year kayaker, the Bending Branches Whisper is the perfect choice for those who don’t want to break the bank but still want decent performance.
But for the price, it’s easy to think Bending Branches Whisper has low-tier features, but that’s not true. Most of Whisper’s features are usually seen on the more expensive kayak paddles.
It incorporates an aluminum construction, which is standard for low-end paddles. But this is where the similarities stop.
The aluminum shaft and plastic blades hold up well to the clumsy hands of newcomers, while the coated grips on each side ensure your hands aren’t directly in contact with the aluminum. That’s great for the colder or warmer days.
While the plastic paddle blades are a little old-fashioned and flex more, they can take a beating for years without breaking down.
Meanwhile, an aggressive dihedral running down the length of each blade eliminates the paddle flutter in each stroke.
The blade design allows you to pull through the water and maintain a flutter-free stroke, so you’re confident to have full control over your kayak and paddle.
A snap-button ferrule system offers a snug fit with a 60º feathering option for either blade. The snug fit prevents it from seizing up in cold weather or getting bound up with grit and sand.
As standard with most Bending Branches paddles, Whisper comes in the usual lengths of 220cm to 240cm, giving you the flexibility you need to adjust the length depending on your height, chair, and riding style.
On the water, Whisper’s performance is amazing. It’s popular with many recreational paddlers, and many paddlers say it makes it a handy and portable backup gear that’s easy to pack in case of emergencies.
Overall, the Bending Branches Whisper is a great beginner purchase, with a price that won’t burden your wallet.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy to use
Cons
- Low-end plastic blades
#5 Bending Branches Angler Ace - Best Value Whitewater Fishing Paddle
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Angler Ace could happily be one of the best kayak paddles in many classes, but it’s tailored to meet the demands of anglers. This is evident from its name.
But away from the naming, it comes with host features to support angling, including a built-in hook retrieval system.
It has many similarities to the Angler Classic we reviewed much earlier but with a carbon fiber shaft type twist.
It’s an all-carbon whitewater water kayak, but its lightness doesn’t compromise the functionality of the paddle.
It’s strong and reliable and will take a beating like a champ.
The lightness means it’s a great pick for anyone looking to spend a long and strenuous day in the water, as it’ll cut you some slack and wear on your back and arms throughout the day.
The ClassicClassic also comes with a hook retrieval system, which comes in handy when reaching for stray lines snagged on the shorelines. And in the fast-moving waters, the lightweight straight shaft will allow for quick adjustment on the fly.
It also comes with a Ferrule that can extend by 15 cm in 2.5 cm increments. It’ll permit the angler to adjust the paddle length to suit the width of their kayaks or suit their seat height.
Another incredible adjustment is the three-hole shaft that gives me the ability to adjust the angles of the paddle without sacrificing function or mobility.
Overall, the Bending Branches Angler Ace is the value pick for the best whitewater kayak paddles, combining the weight savings of carbon shaft, durable paddle blades, and a reasonable price.
Pros
- Value pick
- Ideal for anglers
- Durable
- Among the lightest paddles
Cons
- Over-branded
Best Whitewater Kayak Paddles Buying Guide
Whitewater paddles have plenty of design resemblance that it may prove a bit challenging to find the best kayak paddles for your needs.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about the selection anymore because, in the guide below, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about selecting the best kayak paddle.
First, let’s look at the different types of whitewater paddlers.
Types of Whitewater Kayak Paddles
The four common types of whitewater kayak paddles are:
Performance Paddles
This type of whitewater kayak aims to enhance a kayaker’s performance.
A performance kayak paddle is durable and light but can withstand strong currents and waves. It also has low wind resistance.
Whitewater Paddle
The whitewater paddle is exceptionally durable, and it has to be this way to weather the hard knocks you encounter in whitewater areas.
Durability aside, this paddle cuts water easily and typically has thick shafts and wide paddle blades.
Recreational Paddle
The recreational paddle is heavy and cheap.
It’s not ideal for performance but will save you lots of money if you’re simply up for a short trip or you’ll use your paddle once in calm water.
Touring Paddle
The touring paddle is built with comfort in mind,
It lets you paddle for extended periods without fatigue.
The touring paddle is also lightweight, durable, and ergonomic.
Why Beginners Need a High-Quality Whitewater Kayak Paddle
Here’re some of the benefits you stand to gain from choosing a high-quality kayak paddle;
Better Experience on the water
A good whitewater kayak paddle will guarantee a much more enjoyable kayaking experience.
Beginners won’t struggle and will benefit from effortless high angle paddling as they’ll manage to move through the water and navigate their kayaks easily.
Higher Efficiency
Using the cheap and flimsy paddles made from low-quality material takes much strength and effort.
Now, if you strain too much, you won’t enjoy or feel the excitement kayaking can give you.
On the other hand, quality kayak paddles will give you all the excitement you need and are comfortable kayaking.
Longer Sessions
Increased paddling efficiency will generally increase how long and far you can go.
An efficient whitewater kayak will allow you to paddle for long without feeling fatigued fast.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Right Paddle
To decide on the best whitewater kayak paddle, you first need to understand the factors to look for when shopping around.
Take a look at this comprehensive yet practical guide. It shares some of the factors you need to put at the top of your list.
Paddle Length
Paddles come in a range of sizes, starting from 180 to 260 centimeters.
Now, when choosing the right paddle length of the paddle, three main factors come into play:
Height and Fitness Level
The rule of thumb is the taller you’re, the longer the paddle you need.
To determine the actual length of paddle you need, measure the length of your torso first. If it’s shorter than 60 cm, then opt for a paddle less than 200 centimeters.
If the length is anything between 66 to 86 centimeters, then a paddle between 200 and 250 is ideal. Meanwhile, paddles longer than that are reserved for kayakers whose torso lengths are more than 71 cm.
However, fitness also plays an important part. Athletic kayakers should go for the shorter paddles as these provide more power and speed.
On the other hand, the overweight and high-angle paddlers can use the slow and sufficient strokes of the longer paddles.
Kayak’s Width
Another element that determines the length of the whitewater paddles is the width of your kayak.
We recommend using a 180-to-230-centimeter paddle for recreational kayaks of a width of anything between 56 and 76 centimeters.
But if you have a narrow performance or whitewater craft, you can go with a 230- or 250-centimeter paddle.
Paddling Styles
Depending on the waters you’re kayaking, you can choose either high-angle or low-angle paddling style.
High-angle paddling is adopted in fast streams and oceans while low-angle paddling is best used in flat water like lakes and calm rivers.
High-angle paddling requires shorter paddles, as these are generally used in less predictable water and will help you sail through high waves and strong wind resistance with speed.
On the other hand, low-angle paddling is best used for kayaking or on long trips, and here, you would want to choose the longer paddles. They’ll provide you with powerful strokes with less fatigue.
Blade Material
Generally, paddle blades are made from four main materials: plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
Plastic and aluminum are the cheapest, so you’re most likely to find them on the lower-end blades. If you’re not on a budget, I would advise you to steer away from these blade materials as they’re most liable to cracking and deteriorating under the sun. This is not to mention they’re bulky.
The other option is fiberglass blades, and it’s a great blade material that doesn’t split your kayak into two halves. Fiberglass blades combine strength and lightness at a semi-affordable price.
Finally, we’ve the creme de la crème of the blade materials, carbon or carbon fiber shaft type. It comes at a hefty price tag, but it’s super light and durable. Thanks to their incredible energy transfer, carbon blades are mostly found on high-end paddles and are common with serious kayakers and racers.
Blade Shape
Paddle blades are either symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Symmetrical paddles or matched blades have blades on both sides mirroring each other. On the other hand, if one blade is narrower than the other, then the paddle is asymmetric.
The asymmetrical blades are popular because they let padders exert less energy as they allow water to flow evenly and smoothly over the blades.
While still on the blade shape, you also need to know about feathering. Feathering is when one of the blades is positioned at a right angle to the other, so they’re perpendicular to each other. This setup creates less wind resistance and allows you to pick up more speed.
Shaft Material
The shaft is the paddle balancing point, so you need to pick the strongest one to avoid unpleasant hazards when kayaking.
Generally, plastic is inexpensive but has become rare to find.
Aluminum is an interesting choice as it holds up well to the rigors of paddling without adding much to the price.
The only downsides of aluminum shafts are they tend to heat up and cool down quickly, so they might not be the best option for those who prefer paddling without a pair of gloves.
The ultimate shafts are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The carbon blend shaft offers outstanding performance as they’re sturdy and lightweight.
Shaft Shape
A whitewater kayak paddle will be in your hand most of the time, so it needs to feel comfortable and right.
Most professionals prefer straight shafts because of their flexibility and maneuverability, but beginners should start with a bent shaft.
The angle on a bent shaft takes away the wearying pressure off their wrists, allowing them to have fun when traveling in a straight line.
Best Whitewater Kayak Paddle Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if you pick a long kayak paddle?
A: If your kayak paddle is too long, it adds strain to your shoulders and wrist due to heavier weight. It’ll become exhausting to use after a few strokes.
It also makes controlling the kayak harder or keeping it on track.
Q: How do I hold a kayak paddle?
A: Sit back straight and open your arms slightly broader than your shoulder.
Grasp the kayak paddle, but ensure to lighten the grip. Then, line up your knuckles with the edge of the blade, reach forward and start stroking, using your shoulders and core together.
Q: Why are paddles feathered?
A: Feathered paddles allow you to slice the water with one blade while the other remains parallel to the wind. Basically, they allow you to slice through the heavy wind without being dragged back.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Our winner for the best whitewater kayak paddles is the Werner Camano Premium.
It wasn’t hard to choose this sea kayak because it offers the best balance of light swing weight, durability, and performance.
The award-winning mid-size and low-angle blade fits the widest range of paddlers, while its performance on the water is simply incredible.
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