mitchell paddles surreal

[sshearing228]

Ive decided I want a surreal for my first canoe paddle which I know is a top end but I dont want to upgrade later, although I may ad a ww blade at some point.I also know that there are various ways of measuring for the length of your paddle but what I want to know is what length do you use? I am 5 ft 10 and not small to go with it. Going by the stats I need somewhere about 157 but why did you buy the length that you brought?

[Chris Bolton]

Always a tricky choice; I choose paddle length based on previous paddles of similar shape. I understand your logic of going for a good paddle first, but you're taking a risk. If you really don't want to start with something you can experiment on, try to borrow blades and see how you get on. Other things to consider (only my opinions!)

• It's easier to learn with a slightly shorter blade
• It's usually possible to shorten a paddle, harder to lengthen it.
• It's good to have a cheap paddle for times when you don't want risk your good one

Have fun!

Chris

[W5RAY]

Steve, there are "basic" ways of measuring a paddle for you but it really is dependant on a number of features:-
What boat you paddle
Whether you sit on kneel
Whether you cross deck a lot
Does your boat have tumblehome
How wide is you boat
Do you paddle on a slight edge or a big edge
etc

I would start of with a longer paddle than you think and then trim it down until it feels right after using it for a session or two. This may take awhile to get down to the correct, natural feeling length but it is definitely the best option.
What ever you do, do not stand the paddle on the ground, blade first and do the chin method to determine a length!
If you want a guide then turn the paddle upside down, handle on the ground, crouch down on one knee and hold your arm out around the neck of the blade/shaft - if your arm is around the slighty above horizontal then that is a good starting point!!!

Ray

[Adrian Cooper]

Go paddling using a paddle about the right length. Don't look down but every now and then, note where the water level is on the paddle. If it is usually on the blade, it is too short, if usually up the shaft then too long. Look for the Goldilocks level and mark with a piece of tape. When you are off the river, measure the shaft length for future reference.

Sometimes I ask another canoeist to watch me while I'm paddling to make sure I'm not compensating when I look down.

[sshearing228]

if you want a guide then turn the paddle upside down, handle on the ground, crouch down on one knee and hold your arm out around the neck of the blade/shaft - if your arm is around the slighty above horizontal then that is a good starting point!!!
Ray thats pretty much how ive always selected a paddle but the surreal has a palm grip so dont rally want to cut it down. Seeing that it would be my touring paddle I would be paddling on edge but not really needing much cross deck work. However when I get my ww blade I think I will need to think more about that sorta stuff

[W5RAY]

What size are you thinking of Steve???

I'm guessing you would be somewhere around 54"? Paddle that is!

Ray

[sshearing228]

Think it was a 157 ray the larger one on brookbank. Also about right when I sit in a chair blah blah. I must get down the club and measure the blue paddles coz they feel ok

[sshearing228]

Sorry a "57" not 157 that would be just stupid :)

[W5RAY]

For a minute I thought you had gone over to SUP???

[Madcroc]

Hello

You have some great advice here to measure one up.

If you'd like to try one then I have one from Robson on demo you'd be welcome to try. IT IS POWER HUNGRY :)

If you are ever heading to Llangollen let me know and I'll try to be around.

Chris at Paddleworks also has some in the shop at JJs he might let you play with :)

Colin Crockart
07816 55 33 49
Asspirant Level 5 Canoe
(Seeking long term paddlers?)