Find your whitewater paddle
Start with the way you paddle, then compare construction, blade size, shaft feel and format. The filters above help you narrow the choice.
1. Match the blade shape to your paddling
Katana & Nirvana share a versatile, classic blade shape for river running and play.
Crush & Ninja use an offset blade design for a smooth, stable and longer stroke. They are particularly suited to river running and creeking, and also work for river play. They are less suited to freestyle techniques that rely heavily on back strokes, where you paddle with the back face of the blade.
2. Choose your blade construction
SOLID FIBERGLASS — solid fiberglass laminate, available on Katana and Crush.
SOLID CARBON — solid carbon fibre laminate, available on Katana and Crush.
FOAMCORE/DYNEL — advanced carbon foamcore blades with a reinforced Dynel edge, used on Nirvana and Ninja. The foam core gives the blade a buoyant feel in the water.
3. Find the right blade size
Katana is our only whitewater model offered in three blade sizes. L is our standard size, as used across our other whitewater paddles. M and S are reduced versions. A smaller blade moves less water per stroke and can suit paddlers who prefer a lighter load and a higher cadence.
4. Choose your shaft feel
Fiberglass shaft: more flex for a comfortable, forgiving ride. Carbon shaft: stiffer for a more direct response and precise control. Shaft options depend on the model and configuration.
5. Choose length and paddle format
Choose 194, 196, 198, 200 or 202 cm, or Customized. Your height, kayak and paddling style all matter; the longest paddle is not automatically the best fit.
1-Piece: a single, fixed-length paddle. 2-Piece: a separate model with an installed Nylon or Inox split system included in the price, up to 10 cm of length adjustment and a freely adjustable feather angle.
Need help choosing? Tell us your height, kayak and main paddling style at info@spadepaddles.com.