Paddle length for Coosa Kayak

[twedinger]

Purchased a used Coosa (my first kayak) -- it is 11' 4" -- 31.5" wide.

Personal Data 6' 2" sleeve length 35"

It did not come with a paddle.

The more I read the more confused I get.

With the seat in the lower postion I can get by using my wife's spare Hobie paddle -- 230cm

With the seat in the raised position I have to use the paddle more like a canoe oar.

Was going to buy a 240cm -- but that is a little over 4" more in length.

If anyone out there has some experience in this I would greatly appreciate the advise.

Thank you

[james92026]

I am new myself, but from what I've been told and/or gleened from posts is that one way to measure is to stand the paddle on end, reach up and your fingers should fold over to about the 2nd joint. Also would depend on whether your stroke is "high" or more horizontal maintaining "the box" with your arms never going higher than your shoulders, forcing you to use a torso turn, which is supposedly less fatiguing.

[JessicaParker]

Well according to the size of the kayak you mentioned going for and opting for paddles of the length between 6 to 6.5 feet would be fine.....