We have a variety of canoe paddle lengths at the club, so how do you choose the right one?

On land, Kneel down on one knee to mimic sitting in a canoe. Hold the paddle upside down, with the grip on the floor. Hold the paddle at the throat (where the paddle shaft meets the blade) with a straight arm. If your arm is level, the paddle shaft is about the right length for you.

or

On the water, sit/kneel inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle’s grip to the throat.

These are just starting points, personal preference might dictate a longer or shorter shaft (as with a kayak paddle) as well as the type of paddling you do and the canoe you use.