Best Kayak Paddles of 2023

Kalleq is Gearlab's flagship paddle, Inuit name meaning Lightning. It is the lightest and strongest paddle in their line of paddles thanks to its seamless carbon fiber construction. Kalleq incorporates the best-available technology and latest design, offering the ultimate touring paddle experience. If you are interested in adding a Greenland paddle to your quiver, the Kalleq is the way to go.

The Whiskey Fiberglass paddle has the same beefy blades as the Whiskey Carbon paddle, making it perfect for high-angle, high-energy paddlers. Hand-crafted and compression molded with multi-laminate fiberglass resin and a lightweight foam core, the Whiskey Fiberglass paddle comes in three eye-popping colors: Fuego, Agua, and Sunwave.

The Whiskey Fiberglass paddle has the same super-light and durable, 100% carbon T-700 shaft. The Whiskey Fiberglass is available in a 100% Carbon Posi-Lok® ferrule system which clicks into position firmly and securely. The Posi-Lok® features strong, corrosion-free construction, convenient dual-button release, and infinite feathering angles. Licensed Ferrule US Patent No. 6,881,111.

The Whiskey Fiberglass is available in lengths from 200cm to 240cm in increments of 5cm.

The Akiak is the first modern shoulderless Greenland paddle with exchangeable tips. Inspired by the Inuit tradition of strengthening paddle tips with bone, walrus ivory, and harder wood, Akiak integrates durable polyamide tips with a carbon fiber paddle. The tip unites smoothly with the paddle to form a seamless paddle stroke.

• Exchangeable paddle tips provide extra protection for the fine tips of paddles.
• Sharp paddle blade edges provide crisp and precise paddling.
• A wider loom accommodates modern kayaks.
• The shoulderless design promotes smooth sliding strokes.
• The 2-piece design breaks down quickly for easy transportation and storage.
• The remarkably light paddle weight reduces fatigue on long paddling excursions.
• Carbon fiber blades create a slim profile that enters and exits the water quietly while adding buoyancy for a light stroke.
• A low-profile button release creates a sleek paddle shaft.
• The carbon fiber button never rusts.
• The high-quality, continuous-weave carbon fiber shaft delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio.
• The symmetrical blade shape reduces torque.
• This allows the paddler to maintain a looser grip and pull the paddle smoothly through the water.

The Tango Fiberglass’ multi-laminate fiberglass blades are truly hand-crafted using high-pressure compression molding, and they come in three hi-vis color options: Agua, Fuego, and Sunwave.

Along with its all-carbon T-700 shaft, the Tango Fiberglass paddle has a super light swing weight yet is strong and very durable. The Tango Fiberglass is available in a 100% Carbon Posi-Lok® ferrule system which clicks into position firmly and securely. The Posi-Lok® features strong, corrosion-free construction, convenient dual-button release, and infinite feathering angles.

The Tango Fiberglass is available in lengths from 210cm to 250cm in increments of 5cm.

The Storm paddle is best in class for its combination of weight, strength, and performance. Lendal Paddles believes that the benchmark of a truly great paddle is one that performs day-in, day-out in the worst conditions Mother Nature can dish out. The Storm's expedition DNA makes it the only choice for those true explorers pushing the boundaries of kayaking from the Arctic to the Antarctic. You don’t need to be a world-class voyageur to appreciate the benefits of paddling with the Storm.

The Storm is a high performance dihedral foil-back paddle designed for every type of paddler. Ultralight, controllable, with a predictable feel, this paddle will inspire paddlers in whatever conditions they face. Lendal Paddles takes immense pride in the fact that they've made the Storm the perfect “must-have” paddle for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

In short, the Storm sets the bar for high-performance sea kayak paddles.

With its beefy blade, the Manta Ray Carbon is an excellent choice for high-angle paddlers, those looking for more power, bigger boats, and moving water.

This power is balanced out with an ovalized, 100% carbon composite shaft, which means less fatigue and joint strain. The Manta Ray Carbon has two ferrule options. In addition to a snug 3-hole snap-button ferrule (0° to 60°, L and R feathering angles), this paddle also offers the Posi-Lok® ferrule system which clicks into position firmly and securely. The Posi-Lok® features strong, corrosion-free composite construction, convenient dual-button release, and infinite feathering angles.

The Ikelos is Werner's most advanced high-angle paddle, with their best paddling design and construction features. You’ll feel exceptionally light, buoyant strokes while the smooth back face gives a quiet entrance and exit from the water. The award-winning Ikelos is the smart choice for those playing or cruising with a high-angle style of paddling and wanting the powerful feel of a full-sized blade.

The Kalliste is Werner's most advanced low-angle paddle, with our best paddling design and construction features. You’ll feel exceptionally light, buoyant strokes while the smooth back face gives a quiet entrance and exit from the water. The Kalliste is the smart choice for those touring with a low-angle style of paddling and wanting the conservative yet powerful feel of a mid-sized blade.

The Bending Branches Navigator wood kayak paddle dares to combine high-tech materials with the natural beauty of red alder and roasted basswood. For added durability, the blades are wrapped in fiberglass and protected with a Rockgard edge around the blade.

The Navigator comes with either a snug-fitting traditional 3 hole snap-button ferrule (adjustable for feathering angles 0° and 60°, L or R) or a more versatile telescoping ferrule with infinite feathering angles. The Navigator with a snap-button ferrule comes is lengths from 210cm to 240cm, in 10 cm increments.

The Skagit CF is a great value for those with a budget and enjoys a more relaxed, low-angle, paddling style. Find design features direct from our higher end models, but not with the higher price. Carbon Fiber reinforced nylon, injection molded blades are impact and wear resistant, a combination of light swing weight for the value yet maintain the design element direct from our Premium line. The patented Smart View Adjustable ferrule allows for the solid feel of a 1-piece paddle and nothing to snag your gear.

Performance at an affordable price. The Lanai is a low angle touring paddle that provides smooth, powerful and efficient strokes by incorporating our advanced dihedral blade design. Carbon fiber shaft, fiberglass polymer blades and the new Kingpin Connection equals an exceptional, affordable performance paddle.