The 10 Best Kayak Paddles | Boating Buying Guides and Review

This review has been updated 24 times since it was first published in September of 2015. You don’t ever want to be up a creek without one, so make sure you peruse our selection of kayak paddles and choose the right option for your next aquatic adventure. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from low-angle to high-angle models, and are made from a range of materials, from plastic to carbon fiber, ensuring there’s something for every skill level and budget. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.

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Top 10 Kayak Paddles

10. Airhead AHTK-P2 Deluxe

If you’re looking for a low-cost, but decent quality, model for occasional use, then the Airhead AHTK-P2 Deluxe should suit you fine. Its large ABS blades are distinctly and heavily curved, resulting in power, efficiency, and control when navigating rough waters.

9. Carlisle Day Tripper Aluminum

The ends of the Carlisle Day Tripper Aluminum are made of durable polypropylene, so they’ll stand up to heavy use even in the hands of less-than-proficient users who take less-than-excellent care of their equipment. The tempered aluminum shaft isn’t bad, either.

8. Shoreline Marine 96 Inch

The Shoreline Marine 96 Inch has round, contoured ends that move lots of water without producing much drag, allowing you to reach faster speeds with less effort. The three-position system lets you customize it to fit your own personal style, too.

7. Cannon Escape E

The Cannon Escape E is on the pricier end of the mid-range spectrum, but it does have fiberglass-reinforced blades that will last for years, even after receiving the scrapes and dings any well-used paddle is bound to endure. It’s not the lightest option, but it is strong.

6. Swimline Solstice Quick Release

The Swimline Solstice Quick Release breaks down fast for easy storage in a trunk or bag, and can be reconstructed equally quickly when it’s time to get back in the water. That doesn’t detract from its integrity, either, as it’s every bit as robust as a two-piece model.

5. Advanced Elements Compact

With a folding design and packable length of just over two feet, the Advanced Elements Compact is perfect for those with limited trunk or apartment storage space. When fully aligned, it’s every bit as sturdy as competing models, with a lighter 2.7-pound weight, to boot.

4. Bending Branches Angler Classic

Hardcore fishermen will appreciate the Bending Branches Angler Classic, which incorporates a number of features for making your next outing a success. A notch in the end helps you free lines from snags, while a built-in ruler on the shaft lets you measure your catch.

3. Advanced Elements Convertible

The Advanced Elements Convertible sports a sleek hull design that lets you pick up serious speed, making it a great choice for thrill-seekers. It incorporates built-in rigid panels along the bow and stern to improve tracking and responsiveness in all kinds of conditions.

2. SeaSense Xtreme II

The SeaSense Xtreme II is an affordable and versatile option that will perform well in many applications, from exploring small ponds to navigating almost any river. But its extra-long design makes it especially suited to the open water, such as the ocean or large lakes.

1. Carlisle Magic Plus

For a top-notch, recreational option that can be used in virtually any environment, check out the Carlisle Magic Plus. Its asymmetrical, slightly spooned ends allow for extremely smooth strokes, while its fiberglass shaft achieves the perfect blend of stiffness and flex.

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