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Kayak Paddles: Find Affordable Kayak Paddles

Best Options and Reviews

Published June 8, 2022

Everyone loves a bargain, especially when it comes to gear. Kayaking is one of the most affordable watersports available and an outstanding way to enjoy the outdoors in many locations. However, most kayak paddles are quite expensive. In fact, some models can set you back hundreds of dollars. If you haven’t dipped your toe into the water yet or just want to save some money but still get a high-quality paddle, these best budget kayak paddles are waiting for you.

Best Budget Kayak Paddles: Summary

Top 10 Best Budget Kayak Paddles

The kayak paddle is the most important part of your kayak, and it can make the difference between a great kayaking experience and a bad one. If you don’t have a good paddle, keeping your boat moving forward can be hard.

So if you’re looking for an affordable paddle that will help you get the most out of your kayaking experience, here are some options that won’t break the bank but will still get the job done.

1. Best Marine Kayak Fishing Paddle

450+ Reviews
4.6/5

The Marine Kayak Fishing Paddle is a great choice for the kayaker who wants to be able to adjust their paddle length. It is made of carbon fiber, so it’s lightweight but strong. The paddle is long enough when fully extended, but you can adjust it to any size.

Size:

This is a 2-piece kayaking accessory with a 5ft leash made from carbon fiber. It weighs only 34oz and can be adjusted from 200cm to 250cm. 

Design & Build Quality:

This paddle is made of high-quality carbon fiber and ABS blades, making it durable enough to last through any type of fishing adventure you go on. It also features an adjustable length, so you can adjust it to fit your needs.

The ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold onto and provides a comfortable grip no matter what kayaking you are doing or where you are paddling.

Durability:

The blades are made of ABS plastic, which makes them strong enough to withstand the rigors of fishing in saltwater and fresh water. Plus, they are rustproof, making them highly durable.

User Experience:

The Best Marine Kayak Fishing Paddle will last you season after season, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. It’s made of carbon fiber, so it’s lightweight yet durable enough to support your body weight when paddling around in your kayak.

Pros

Cons

  • Lightweight ABS Blade
  • Strong and Sturdy Build Quality
  • Adjustable Size
  • Paddles’ angle can also be adjusted 
  • Suitable for wide fishing style kayaks

2. Whisper 2-Piece Recreational Kayak Paddle by BENDING BRANCHES

600+ Reviews
4.7/5

Paddle your way to the top with the Whisper 2-Piece Snap-Button Recreational Kayak Paddle. This paddle combines an aluminum shaft with a black blade to provide a lightweight and durable kayaking experience. The paddle comes equipped with an adjustable snap button so that you can easily customize your paddling experience.

Size:

You can find the Whisper 2-Piece Recreational Kayak Paddle in the right size for you. The 220 cm to 240 cm paddle will help you get the job done with its 37 oz weight.

Design & Build Quality:

The aluminum shaft is thick and sturdy, and the paddle itself is easy to hold onto and use. The blade is an ideal size for recreational kayaking, it’s not too big or small, but it makes a good impact on the water when you are paddling hard. 

The paddle also comes with a handy carrying case that can be attached to your boat or car, so you don’t have to worry about losing it at the bottom of a lake.

Durability:

This paddle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a paddle that’s lightweight and easy to use. The paddle’s aluminum shaft and black blade provide a high level of durability and strength, while the snap-button design makes it easy to install or remove from your kayak.

User Experience:

Whisper 2-Piece paddle was exactly what I was looking for. It is very easy to use, and it feels very sturdy in the hands. The grip allows for good control over where your kayak goes, so you can easily navigate through any obstacles in your way. The two-piece design makes it easy for storage or transport around town.

Pros

Cons

  • Everything is Adjustable
  • Fiberglass Sharp Blade for easy Paddling
  • Made with high-quality materials
  • Can bear heavy loads 
  • Suitable for fishing
  • Not suitable for inflatable kayaks

3. OceanBroad Kayak Paddle

2600+ Reviews
4.7/5

The OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle is a great option for any kayaker that needs a paddle that they can use for all kinds of different purposes. This paddle has an aluminum shaft and is available in three different sizes. This makes it easy to find the right size paddle for your needs. You can also choose between a straight shaft or bent shaft, depending on how you want your paddle to feel when you’re using it.

Size:

The paddle is available in three different lengths: 218cm/86in, 230cm/90.5in, and 241cm/95in. The longer the paddle, the faster you can go.

Design & Build Quality:

It is a fantastic paddle for beginner kayakers and those who are more experienced in the sport. The paddle is made from high-quality materials and designed to last for years of use. It features an aluminum shaft, which is lightweight yet durable so that you won’t have to worry about the paddle breaking while you’re out on the water. 

It also has a foam grip on either end so that you don’t have to worry about getting blisters or feeling uncomfortable while paddling.

Durability:

The paddle is made of high-quality alloy steel, which is strong enough to support you during your adventure in the water. The length of the paddle can be adjusted according to your need and convenience. The aluminum shaft is lightweight and durable for long-time use. 

It has an ergonomic design that prevents your palms from getting blisters or soreness after long hours of paddling in the sea or rivers. The handle is comfortable to grip even if you have large hands.

User Experience:

The OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle is made of aluminum, which is lightweight. It also means that you’re unlikely to snap it in half if you accidentally drop it on your foot. In fact, we have tested these paddles against rocks and concrete, and they come out unscathed.

Pros

Cons

  • Idle size for all kayaks
  • Easy to operate design
  • Strong grip for kayak racing
  • The aluminum shaft is covered by an insulator
  • Can’t handle high impact pressure
  • Suitable for calm waters

4. WONITAGO Kayak Paddles

360+ Reviews
4.6/5

WONITAGO Kayak Paddles are the perfect choice for your next paddle. The blade is made of high-quality material, making it lightweight, durable, and easy to use. The shaft is aluminum alloy and has a hollow section that allows the blade to float when dropped in the water.

Size:

These paddles adjust from 230-250 cm, equal to 90-98 inches, so they are easy to use by almost anyone.

Design & Build Quality:

These paddles are made with an alloy shaft and PP blade, so they are lightweight yet durable enough to make them your go-to paddle for floating on water. They are adjustable between 230 and 250 centimeters, and they have a foam grip handle that makes them comfortable to use.

Durability:

They are constructed with an alloy shaft and PP blade, which means they are tough enough to handle your biggest adventures. They are also made with a floating design, which helps keep you safe if you fall overboard. The paddles can be stowed away easily when not in use, so they don’t take too much room on your boat or car.

User Experience:

WONITAGO Kayak Paddles are made to stand up to even the strongest of winds and waves, so you can spend more time focusing on your adventure and less time worrying about your equipment. The adjustable length makes these paddles easy to store and easy to use, so you can switch between different kinds of boats without buying multiple sets of paddles.

Pros

Cons

  • Made with highly durable materials
  • Biggest Size
  • Adjustable 
  • Strong PP Blade
  • Suitable for almost all paddles
  • Suitable for tall guys
  • Difficult to operate

5. YVLEEN SUP Paddles

1200+ Reviews
4.4/5

The YVLEEN SUP Paddles are a great choice for anyone who wants to take part in a new hobby or for those who have been practicing for years. This paddle is adjustable and can be used for both the front and back of a kayak. It is made from aluminum, which makes it lightweight but durable. The blades are also adjustable, so you can change them depending on your needs.

Size:

This is a lightweight paddle that can support weight up to 300 lbs, equal to 136 kg. This paddle has an adjustable height range from 68 to 85 inches, equal to 175 to 215 cm.

Design & Build Quality:

YVLEEN SUP Paddle is an adjustable aluminum 4-piece floating kayak paddle for stand-up paddling. It comes with a sturdy and durable rubber blade cover, making it easy to use in the water.

It is designed for use with kayaks or canoes. It can be converted into two pieces to make it easier to carry around and store when not in use. The blades are adjustable to choose the length depending on your height or how tall the person using it is.

Durability:

The YVLEEN SUP Paddles are made with aluminum, which means they are lightweight and durable. Aluminum is an incredibly strong metal, so you can be sure that your paddles will last for years to come.

User Experience:

The user experience of the YVLEEN SUP Paddles was very good. The paddles were very comfortable and easy to use. They were also easy to assemble and disassemble, making them convenient for travel purposes.

Pros

Cons

  • Heavy Duty Paddle
  • Made with Durable Aluminum 
  • Rust Free
  • Easily Adjustable
  • It doesn’t float

6. SeaSense X-TREME 2 Kayak Paddle

1200+ Reviews
4.7/5

The SeaSense X-TREME 2 Kayak Paddle is a great choice for paddlers looking for a reliable paddle that can stand up to heavy use. It has a decent length and an aluminum shaft, which makes it lightweight and durable at the same time. The blade is made of high-quality materials and reinforced with carbon fiber, which means it can withstand rough weather conditions without getting damaged easily.

Size:

The paddle is 96″ long, and it has an ergonomic grip that’s easy to hold on to. It also features a quick-release mechanism to detach the blade from the shaft in just a few seconds.

Design & Build Quality:

The design of this paddle is simple and sleek. The paddle itself has an aluminum shaft built to be lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. The blades are made from fiberglass, a material known to be very durable and lightweight.

Durability:

It is made for the extreme kayaker looking to push their limits. With a maximum length of 96″, this paddle is designed to be used with touring, recreational, and whitewater kayaks.

It comes with a two-piece design that makes it easy to transport and store. Made from Aluminum, this paddle has a simple design that makes it durable and lightweight.

User Experience:

The SeaSense X-TREME 2 Kayak Paddle is a great paddle for almost any kayaking enthusiast. It has great durability, so you don’t have to worry about breaking it when you are out on the water. It also has a unique design that makes it easy to use and store when you are done using it.

Pros

Cons

  • Premium Blade Design
  • Heavy Duty 
  • Double Piece Construction
  • Easy to Use and Store
  • Adjustable
  • Not Suitable for all Kayaks

7. Attwood 11768-2 Asymmetrical Heavy-Duty Kayak Paddle

2200+ Reviews
4.7/5

The Attwood 11768-2 Asymmetrical paddle is perfect for any kayaker who wants to get out on the water quickly and easily. It’s got a durable aluminum shaft, an ergonomic grip, and an asymmetrical blade design that makes it easy to move through the water. The paddle also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured knowing your investment is protected by Attwood’s commitment to quality.

Size:

It comes in an ideal size of 7 feet length. The two-piece construction means that you can easily adjust the length of your paddle to suit your height and size.

Design & Build Quality:

The paddle is made from high-quality aluminum and has a comfortable grip that’s easy to hold on to. This paddle is great for use in all types of boats, including canoes and kayaks and sailboats and rowboats. The blade design is asymmetrical, which means that it’s shaped differently on each side to work better in different conditions.

This paddle includes an adjustable ferrule system that allows you to customize the fit of your kayak or canoe seat. It also includes an adjustable length feature to adjust it to your height preferences.

Durability:

This paddle is made from lightweight yet strong Aluminum, which makes it ideal for use in saltwater environments and freshwater environments. This means that it is highly durable and suitable for long-term usage.

User Experience:

The Attwood 11768-2 Asymmetrical paddle itself is asymmetrical, meaning that your strokes will be more efficient than if you were using an ordinary paddle. This means that you will be able to get more speed out of your kayaking trip without putting as much effort into paddling as you would if you were using an ordinary paddle.

Pros

Cons

  • Mixed Material Construction
  • Easy to use and Adjust
  • Spoon Shaped Blade Design
  • Compatible with all Kayaks
  • Heavy for some beginners

8. Poseidon Paddle Aluminum Shaft

2200+ Reviews
4.7/5

The Poseidon Paddle is the perfect solution for you if you need the perfect paddle for your kayak. With its adjustable height and lightweight aluminum shaft, this paddle is easy to use and easy on your wallet. It’s also made of durable materials that won’t rust if you accidentally leave it out in the rain or if it rains while you are out on the lake.

Size:

The Poseidon Paddle Aluminum Shaft is 89 inches, equal to 226 centimeters long, and has reinforced fiberglass blades.

Design & Build Quality:

The reinforced fiberglass blades are designed to be strong enough to keep your kayak moving forward even when you are paddling against some pretty strong currents. They also have an ergonomic shape that makes them comfortable even after hours of use. 

The blades are also angled at 20 degrees for optimal performance. They are removable, so it’s not a total loss if one breaks or gets damaged.

Durability:

This is a lightweight, adjustable kayak paddle. The paddle has a reinforced fiberglass shaft and two adjustable blades. The blades are made from carbon fiber, an extremely strong, lightweight material that makes the blades stronger than aluminum. The blade adjustment allows you to adjust the blade angle to suit your paddling style. This shows it is highly durable.

User Experience:

The Poseidon Paddle is designed for advanced users who want to go fast and have fun rather than those who prefer a more leisurely pace or aren’t concerned about speed. 

If you are looking for something that will help improve your technique or build strength, or if you are just starting out, this might not be the paddle for you.

Pros

Cons

  • Idol Size
  • Lightweight and Adjustable
  • Dual Piece Construction
  • Blade Angle Adjustable
  • Oval Design or extra Performance
  • Edges are too sharp and not recommended for inflatable kayaks

How to Choose the Best Kayak Paddles?

Now you must be wondering how to choose the best kayak paddles. So, here is a quick guide that can help you choose the best paddle according to your kayak.

Measure your Kayak:

The first step to choosing the best kayak paddle is to measure your kayak. The size of your kayak will determine what paddle you can use. If your boat is too small, you will need a smaller paddle. If it is too big, then you should pick a larger paddle. 

You also want to be sure that the handle of your kayak matches the length of your arm so that you don’t strain yourself while paddling or rowing.

Choose the Size:

When choosing the best kayak paddle, size is one of the most important considerations. You should always choose a paddle proportional to your body size and weight. 

A too-large paddle for you will be frustrating, while a too-small paddle may not have enough power to move you forward effectively. If you are unsure what size paddle would be best for you, you should choose a 10 to 12 inches bigger paddle for your height. 

This is the most important rule when determining the size of an idol paddle.

Select the Blade Shape:

The blade shape will determine how well your kayak paddle performs. The three main blade shapes are the bent-shaft, straight-shaft, and feathered.

Bent-Shaft: This is a popular choice for recreational kayakers because it offers a wide range of motion. The bent-shaft style is also easy to maneuver.

Straight-Shaft: This style is best suited for experienced paddlers who have been paddling for years. Straight-shaft paddles are especially good at tracking through water, and they require less effort when paddling than other styles do.

Feather: Feather blades are similar to bent but with an even more complex design. They’re good for ocean kayaking because they can easily move through waves without getting caught on them or creating drag resistance like other styles do.

Go for a Pure Carbon Shaft:

Pure carbon is the best material for a kayak paddle. It allows for a lightweight and durable paddle that will not bend or break easily. The shaft should be made from a single piece of pure carbon fiber, which will provide the most strength.

Carbon fiber paddles can be expensive, but they are worth it because they will last for years and years. You don’t have to worry about replacing them every year or two like some of the cheaper options on the market today.

Choose an Asymmetric Shaft:

Asymmetric paddles are designed to help you make the most of your power, which means that they will promote more efficient paddling and a better workout. 

They do this by using different lengths and shapes on their two sides; one side is longer than the other so that it can be used at different angles. It also has a deeper blade angle than its counterpart, helping you put more power into each stroke.

An asymmetric shaft might seem like an investment at first glance, but it’s actually much more affordable than some of the other options out there, and it will last longer too. Plus, it will help you get into shape faster and feel stronger faster.

Check Out the Drip Rings:

Drip rings are a great way to ensure that you don’t end up with water in your boat. They keep the water from coming over the top of your paddle and into your kayak.

The best kayak paddles have drip rings made out of rubber or plastic because these materials will last longer than other materials. However, they are more expensive than other materials, so some people may not want to spend the extra money on them.

If you decide to get a pair of paddles without drip rings, make sure that you keep them clean after each use so that dirt doesn’t build up on the shafts and cause leaks later.

Tips to Properly Use the Kayak Paddles

Here are some tips that can help you properly use the kayak paddles. 

Determine the paddle length:

The height of the kayaker is a key factor in determining the appropriate paddle length. The shaft should reach from the ground to the hip when you are standing with your arms at your sides. If the shaft does not reach this height, it is too short for you and needs to be replaced by an appropriately sized one.

Hold the paddle gently:

Your hands should be resting on top of the paddle as you use it, and you should be holding it with a relaxed grip. If you are gripping too tightly, your arms will tire faster, and you won’t be able to paddle as long.

The best way to prevent this is by taking regular breaks during each paddle session.

Use a loose grip:

The whole point of using kayak paddles is to propel you forward as quickly as possible. So if you are gripping them too tightly, there’s no way they will be able to do their job.

This is especially true if you are trying to maneuver through tight spaces or if the water conditions are more difficult than usual.

You should keep your arms relaxed and easy while paddling; that way, they will move easily through the water, making everything more efficient.

Move your body, not your arms:

Your arms should be relaxed and extended out of the water when paddling. In this position, you are maximizing the power of your upper body by using it as a lever to propel the kayak forward. 

If you use all of your strength to force your arms through the water, you are wasting energy. Instead, focus on moving the kayak with your whole body; your torso and hips will lean back slightly and then forward again as you pull through with one arm at a time.

Keep the blade of the paddle close to the hull of your boat:

When you are kayaking, it’s important to keep the blade of your paddle close to the hull of your boat. This will help you steer and maneuver, and it will also help keep you balanced on the water.

This is because when you keep your blade close to the hull, it creates less turbulence, which makes it easier for you to control your kayak. The less turbulence there is in the water, the easier it will be for you to move around without getting thrown off balance or spinning out of control.

If you are paddling parallel to shore or other boats, it’s easy to get distracted and forget about this, but it’s important to make sure that you’re keeping your blade close enough to the hull so that you don’t go off course.

On the other hand, if you notice that your paddles are getting caught in a current or tide, you may need to move them further away from the hull.

Pull up and push down, not back:

When using a kayak paddle, make sure you pull up and push down, not back. This is so important.

If you pull back on your paddle, you will find yourself in an awkward position that can lead to injury. Instead of pulling back, try to keep your arms straight and use them to pull the blade up towards the sky. Then rotate your body forward and push the blade down towards the water.

Switch paddling sides regularly:

Paddling one side of your kayak for long periods can cause you to develop muscle imbalances, leading to back pain or other injuries. Switching sides regularly will help you avoid this common problem.

Conclusion

So these are the best budget kayak paddles you can buy in 2022. These paddles are less expensive, but that doesn’t mean that they are not proficient; they are less expensive only because they are outdated models. 

Besides the best budget kayak paddles, I have also discussed some tips for choosing the right paddle. I have also written some tips for you guys to properly use the paddles for better efficiency.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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