Insider Review: 5 Different Kinds of Oars

Just like your car isn’t going to go far without an engine, it is going to be pretty hard to get your raft going without any paddles. Depending on what type of white water you are planning on getting yourself into and what type of raft you are bringing down the river will depend on your paddle choice, and believe me friends not all paddles are created equally. There are paddles for all different occasions. Kayaks, SUPs, rafts, how does one choose? Well take a look at these 5 different kind of oars to help you pick the best one for your adventure.

 Whitewater Paddles: Whitewater paddles are often designed shorter, wider and stiffer. These paddles typically tend to respond quicker to quick power maneuvers and come with a wide variety of blade shapes (beavertail, sugar-island, etc.). Typically, no matter the blade shape, the blades are generally flat or spooned to catch more water and are generally shorter than other blades. Additionally, the shafts of the paddles are longer to provide more leverage. These paddles can be made with wood, fiberglass, carbon, Kevlar, or metal.

Racing Paddles: Racing paddles are designed with a bent shaft to provide power and paddling efficiency by using shorter strokes and increasing stroke-rates. These paddles don’t specifically have to be used for racing, they can be used for whitewater and freestyle paddling as well.

Kayak Paddles:  Kayak paddles are typically divided into two group, low angle and high angle. Low angle paddles are for relaxed paddling and offers efficiency on long trips, due to the horizontal angle of the blade.  High angle paddles are for more aggressive water sports. The high angle provides quick acceleration and maneuverability.

Solo/Double-bladed Paddles: These paddles are designed to give the solo water sport enthusiast enough power with symmetrical blades to paddle through on long trips. Featuring a wide variety of blade shapes, these paddles can really be used on any type of water. 

Wilderness Tripping/Freestyle Paddles: Freestyle paddles are modeled after the “classic” paddle shapes (the otter-tail, beavertail, the voyageur). These long slender bladed paddles are ideal for long day trips and overnight paddling adventures. Typically made of aluminum, plastic, and cheaper wood, these paddles are generally lighter to help fight fatigue when paddling.