How to Determine Oar & Canoe Paddles Length

Oar Length

Determining your oar length is a simple process. All you have to do is take half (1/2) the distance between the oarlocks and multiply by 3, then add 6 inches.

Canoe Paddle Length

When determining your paddle length you first have to decide if you are going to be the bow or stern paddler. Bow paddlers usually take shorter strokes and tend to like shorter paddles because of this. Stern paddlers or a solo paddler usually need slightly larger paddles. The longer paddle aids in steering the canoe

To Determine Paddle Size for a Bow Paddler: Measure from the floor to the middle of the chest.
To Determine Paddle Size for a Stern or Solo Paddler: Measure from the floor to the collarbone.

Good Luck and Happy Paddling!